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Generative AI is everywhere now. You see it in content, campaigns, customer experiences, and even internal workflows. It promises speed, scale, and efficiency, but there’s a harder question sitting underneath all that progress; Do your audiences actually trust it?

Trust in the Age of AI: What Consumers Really Think About AI Generated Content

Today, PR teams aren’t just tracking media coverage and share of voice. They’re also measuring how their brand shows up in AI-generated answers, search summaries, and large language models (LLMs). This new LLM visibility layer is quickly becoming a critical part of PR performance.

15 Must-Have PR KPIs and How to Track Them

See how one platform can power every decision across PR, communications, and marketing.

The Meltwater Blog

Blog Topics: Generative Engine Optimization, Media Intelligence, Media Relations, Social Listening, Consumer Intelligence, Influencer Marketing

Find out how you can leverage Facebook to boost your brand's online presence and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

Facebook Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage Instagram to boost your brand's visual appeal and gain a competitive edge. Explore our category page today!

Instagram Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage LinkedIN to grow your professional network and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

LinkedIn Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage TikTok to elevate your brand with creative content and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

TikTok Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage X / Twitter to engage your audience effectively and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

X / Twitter Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage YouTube to create engaging video content and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

YouTube Blog | Meltwater

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is transforming how brands show up in AI-powered search. Explore insights, strategies, and best practices to help your content rank and resonate across conversational engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot.

Explore insights and strategies for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to help your brand stay visible and discoverable in AI-powered search.

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Blog Collection | Meltwater

Every day billions of conversations take place on social media: tweets, posts, comments, blogs, reviews, podcasts, and much more.
Learn how to use social listening to make sense of all of that data.

On our social listening category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around social listening and social media monitoring. Read more.

Social Listening Blogs | Category

Business Reputation Management: What does it take to add reputation management to your marketing strategy? More importantly, how do you keep your reputation sparkly and shiny? Here’s your all-access guide to online reputation management for the long term.

On our reputation management category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around business reputation management. Read more.

Reputation Management Blogs | Category

From your brand's logo to your website, your social media presence to your customer support—these elements combined are what constitutes a brand in the minds of customers. But, there are thousands of other businesses that have a logo, website, social media presence, and website. So, how can you position your business on the market and make it stand out from the competition?
The key to success is branding & brand management!

On our brand management category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around brand management. Build your strategy and reach your goals!

Brand Management Blogs | Category

Competitive intelligence and the act of collecting competitive data can be seen as growth drivers for a company. Our guide will help you understand the concept of competitive intelligence (CI) by answering questions such as: What is the definition of competitive intelligence? How is competitive intelligence useful to organizations? What is the goal of competitive intelligence? And more.

On our competitive intelligence category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around competitive intelligence. Learn how to stay ahead.

Competitive Intelligence Blogs | Category

Let’s dive into the customer journey framework and how to optimize the process by creating a customer journey map and using metrics that matter when analyzing the customer journey.

On our customer journey category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around mapping and understanding the customer journey.

Customer Journey Blogs | Category

What Is Data Analytics? [Beginner’s Guide 2023]
How can I grow my business? 
How do customers interact with my newly launched product?
How do I increase the productivity of my employees?
How do I know if my marketing efforts are working?
We have just two words for you...Data analytics!

On our data analytics category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around AI and data analytics. Technical and still easy to understand.

AI & Data Analytics Blogs | Category

Public relations and media relations can add impact to any marketing strategy. It’s an opportunity for brands to grow their reach beyond traditional sales messages. PR helps to shape the image you want people to have of your brand.
So, what is PR and how do you use it? This guide shows you everything you need to know to build a strong public relations foundation.

On our public relations (PR) category page, you find all our blogs covering public relations and communications topics. Step up your PR game.

Public Relations (PR) Blogs | Category

We all know exactly what the roles of sales or accounting are in a company, right? We might even have a slight idea of what the IT guys are doing.
But there is another business discipline, that plays a crucial role in organizations, even more so during the pandemic – internal communications!
But what exactly do we mean by that, what purpose does it serve and what steps can you take to ensure you and your employees will communicate effectively?

On our internal communications category page, you find all our blogs about internal comms topics. Learn about the intranet, internal newsletters, and more.

Internal Communications Blogs | Category

As the internet has taken root in more areas of our lives — everything from entertainment to shopping to paying bills and more — traditional marketing is becoming less impactful. As any marketer knows, you need to focus on where your audience is if you want to reach them. Since the average person spends about seven hours a day online, it’s no surprise that content has maintained its hold on marketers.

Here's a closer look at what content marketing is and why it matters more than ever in our digital-first economy.

On our content marketing category page, you find blogs about content marketing topics. Learn about strategies, KPIs, tips, and more. Make your content king!

Content Marketing Blogs | Category

The rise of the influencer marketing space – today a $10 billion industry, growing 50% per year – is one of the clearest examples of how social media is transforming traditional marketing. These days having a business website, presence on social, PR coverage, and your own content isn’t enough to compete.
We'll dive into the intricacies of influencer marketing to help ensure that you're equipped with the insights needed to be successful in this space.

On our influencer marketing category page, you find blogs about influencer marketing topics. Build your strategy, find influencers, and measure results.

Influencer Marketing Blogs | Category

Have you just launched a new product or service that you want to get the word out about? Maybe you want to share with consumers why it is awesome and how it is so much better than the one your competitors offer.

Well, then, there is one thing you can't do without...Marketing!

On our marketing category page, you find blogs about marketing topics. Learn about all the different angles and types of marketing and improve your results.

Marketing Blogs | Category

In this guide, we want to give you a peek into the definition of social media management, the daily schedule of a social media manager, social media platforms to promote your business, and the do’s & don’ts of social media management.
Are you ready to begin the journey of becoming a social media superstar?

On our social media management category page, you find blogs about social media management topics. Build and manage your online community.

Social Media Management Blogs | Category

Building a following and using social media platforms to reach a wider audience requires a well-planned social media marketing strategy. In this guide, we’ll be looking at why social media marketing is so essential and how you can make it work for your business.

On our social media marketing category page, you find blogs about social media marketing topics. Learn how to get the highest paid social ROI!

Social Media Marketing Blogs | Category

In the fast-evolving realm of digital marketing and public relations, utilizing the right tools is crucial for success. Our interdisciplinary category showcases all the pertinent tools for digital marketing & PR. These tools help in enhancing your online presence and effectively reaching target groups, whether through reputation management, influencer marketing, or social media management.

On our digital marketing and PR tools category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around mapping and understanding the customer journey.

Digital Marketing & PR Tools Blogs | Category

Malaysia's top food influencers are stirring the pot by bringing international attention to the country's distinctive cuisine. Malaysia, with its wide variety of influencers, from amateur cooks who give classic dishes a contemporary spin to travel vloggers who record their culinary adventures to professionals who provide easy gourmet recipes, work together to make local cuisine exciting and approachable for everybody.

In addition to providing meal ideas, they also want to introduce you to Malaysia's lively food markets and tranquil cafés so that you can discover the country's culinary traditions in the comfort of your home. These influential food reviewers connect Malaysia's rich culinary history with the digital world with honest critiques, engaging content, and eye-catching images, encouraging viewers to dig into the variety and complexity of Malaysian cuisine.

Using Meltwater’s Influencer Marketing solution, a state-of-the-art influencer marketing platform that helps users find the best people to promote their products on social media, videos, and blogs, we identified the most popular users through an “influence” rating. This platform gives you quick and easy access to data on influencers, audiences, influencer management workflows, and monitoring report generation to improve your influencer marketing efforts.

In this piece, we look into Malaysia's top 10 food influencers, praising their enthusiasm, originality, and innovation in the kitchen:

#1 Faezah Binti Sufian (@adikfoods): 2.1M followers

#2 Penang Foodie (@penangfoodie): 1.6M followers

#3 Bosco Wong (@boscomine): 1.1M followers

#4 Arianna Kitchen (@arianna.kitchen): 460.1K followers

#5 Masak with Passion (@masakwithpassion): 427.1K followers

#6 Sfs_Kitchen (@sfs_kitchen): 312.1K followers

#7 Ryan Chew (@squarepad): 68.6K followers

#8 Carol Always Eats (@carol.eats): 62.3K followers

#9 Racheal (@foodilifecious): 52.9K followers

Tip: Here you find the top Instagram influencers in Malaysia and the top TikTok influencers in Malaysia. We have also compiled a list of global food influencers.

 Faezah Binti Sufian on Instagram: "Sempat sahur tak hari ni?
VIDEO KE-2 HARI INI, akan muncul tau!. Tunggu!
.
#MamaAfiq guna produk @tefal_my
🔘 Tefal Fuzzy Logic Rice cooker 1.8L RK7321 (10 Cups)
🔘So Matcha Deep Frypan 28cm
🔘So Matcha Frypan 20cm
.
#MamafiqNakCepat ada Mamat @afiqrahim93 terlupa tanak nasi sebelum tidur. Ingat nak buat nasi goreng, tukar menu buat Ikan Bilis White Pepper. Afiq goreng telur, renjis kicap. Nasib baik sempat bersahur😊
.
Ikan Bilis White Pepper
🅱️ Bahan-bahan
1 mangkuk Ikan Bilis
2 biji bawang besar - mayang
7 biji cili padi - potong serong
1 mangkuk kecil kacang buncis- potong serong
Lada puth berperisa
Perahan jus limau nipis
.
1 Goreng ikan bilis hingga garing, ketepikan
2. Sir fru bawang besar hingga layu dan wangi , masukkan cili padi, kacang buncis dan serbuk lada putih berperisa secukupnya, stir fry hingga kacang buncis lembut
3. Masukkan ikan bilis goreng, perahkan jus limau nipis, gaul rata.
4. Jeng.. jeng.. jeng.. Dah Siaaappp! Moh le makan
.
#adikfoods #adikfoodsrecipe #afiqrahimcooks #afiqrahimeats #ramadan #sahur #masakapahariini #masakanrumah #masakmasak #makanmakan #reelsinstagram #viralreels #trendingreels #asmr #makananviral #makananhits #masakanviral #masakanhits"

A vibrant Malaysian culinary influencer, Faezah Binti Sufian draws in her audience with visually appealing content and instructional video demonstrations that are simple to follow. Her videos begin with mouth-watering final dishes filmed in high definition and accompanied by captivating voiceovers that transport viewers on her culinary adventure. For recipes like nasi goreng with a cream cheese twist, savory egg and cheese flatbread, and a variety of roti and sambal dishes that highlight the richness of Malaysian cuisine, go no further than Faezah's platform, where she specializes in Malaysian-fusion comfort food.

She takes her culinary instructions to the next level by using entertaining elements like upbeat music or the frying and boiling ASMR sounds, making it more of an elevated visual experience than simply a teaching. In her detailed captions, there are explanations where she provides exact proportions and recipes so her fans may make the delicious meals she presents. Faezah Binti Sufian embodies the spirit of a Malaysian food influencer with her accessible style, culinary innovation, and genuine passion for local cuisine. She is Malaysia's top food influencer for this reason.

 Penang Foodie on Instagram: "Seafood Laksa in Penang 🔥 Best paired with crispy Popia 😋

📍Farlim Shell Station Laksa, Air Itam [No pork, no lard]

#penang #penangfood #penangfoodie"

Beyond its reputation as a top Malaysian food influencer, Penang Foodie is a full-fledged travel vlog that shows visitors and residents alike the culinary delights of Penang. A haven for Malaysians searching for picturesque beaches and delectable delicacies, this account will lead you to the top finds in the area. If you're looking for a list of everything you can eat on the island, you can find it on their website!

Penang Foodie uncovers hidden aesthetic cafes, showcases large luxurious cinemas, introduces viewers to a 76-year-old grandma's beloved tom yum stall, and highlights international cuisines, including an authentic African food stall run by a Nigerian, all while navigating the busy markets to find unique treats like Pokémon Oreos. This account is a must-follow Malaysian food guide with its carefully curated content and user-friendliness if you want to immerse yourself in Penang's culture, cuisine, and travels. Penang Foodie, a top Malaysian food influencer, turns the island's restaurants into a lively display, making it an absolute must-visit for foodies looking for the best Malaysian eats.

 boscowong on Instagram: "搓麵粉係幾好玩嘅！"

Bosco Wong, whose name is often associated with the glitz and glamour of Hong Kong's showbiz scene, has established himself as Malaysia's top distinct and esteemed cuisine influencer. Despite his success as an actor, Bosco's genuine interest was always cooking, and he shared this enthusiasm with his fans on social media. Honest, down-to-earth content of Bosco pursuing his lifelong passion for cooking may be found among bits and pieces of award ceremonies, promotional material for his TV series, and images from model sessions and fashion runways. His charismatic personality and genuine interest in food have won him followers worldwide and established him as a prominent figure in the Malaysian food scene.

In Malaysia, Bosco has invested in many housing units and maintained a restaurant for almost a decade, a testament to his enduring fondness for the nation. He demonstrates his flexibility in the kitchen with easy-to-understand and simple home videos in which he shows his fans how to make various foods, including broths, in the Western way. With his existing charisma from his acting chops and natural talent in the kitchen, Bosco Wong has become one of the leading food influencers in Malaysia.

Tip: Take a look at the top Instagram influencers in Hong Kong.

A star and one of Malaysia's top food influencers, Arianna Kitchen, is a dessert lover, with her content circling her extraordinary skill in making mouth-watering sweets. Arianna Kitchen has leveraged her online fame to launch a clothing line, where she also models for her brand. From chocolate and cheese roti to puddings and cupcakes and, of course, the irresistible buko jelly, her videos are a lovely journey through culinary paradise. Although she sometimes prepares savory traditional Malaysian dishes, her natural talent is evident in the realm of desserts, where she excels at preparing irresistible sweets that charm her audience.

Her flexibility as an all-around talent has been shown via this unique combination of fashion and cuisine, reinforcing her standing as more than just a culinary influencer in Malaysia.

 Masak with Passion on Instagram: "BILIS PETAI BERLADO 🌶

Saja je bagi lalu tengahari ni kat screen korang, supaya korang dapat idea nak masak apa petang nanti 😍

Selalu sis masak Sambal Petai, kali ni cuba resepi baru Masak Berlada pulak!

Bahan2:
☘️Cili Merah
☘️Cili Padi
☘️Bawang Merah
☘️Bawang Putih
☘️Halia
☘️Belacan
☘️Asam Jawa
☘️Petai
☘️Ikan Bilis

Selamat Mencuba Semua 😉

#datinismamasak #resepidatinisma #masakwithpassion #resepi #recipes"

One of Malaysia's most famous foodie accounts, Masak with Passion, is run by Datin Isma, who has the charisma and knowledge of a celebrity chef. Her affectionate nature toward food discovery and her innate talent with a camera makes her a standout among Malaysian foodies. Cooking is an art form for Datin Isma, and she often shows herself enjoying her food while passionately explaining the textures and tastes that make it so special.

On her website, Datin Isma offers a variety of delectable foods, highlighted by her trademark colek buah, mango sauce, and the decadent kek batik, in addition to an intriguing selection of skincare items and clothing. Her platform is a complete guide to cooking, with easy-to-follow recipes and video lessons that show you how to make great meals at home. Masak with Passion is Datin Isma's way of sharing her cooking journey with her fans. It lets them into a world where food isn't just energy but a passion to be shared and enjoyed, making her even more of a top Malaysian food personality.

 @sfs_kitchen on Instagram: "Kembali lagi series #lauksahurmakajar 🥹 #sahur #udangtelur #masakmasak 
.
#MenuSahurSFS"

By emphasizing the essence of home cooking, sfs_kitchen stands out among Malaysia's top food influencers. This account is a sanctuary for novice and intermediate home chefs searching for simple-to-follow recipes that produce wholesome and delicious meals. Sfs_kitchen's approach to content development is honest and casual, which adds to its charm: Rather than depending on expensive macro lenses or complex editing processes, their Instagram account offers straightforward instructions that any amateur chef can understand and follow. Simplified yet authentic, the recipes are visually pleasing and full of the comforting warmth of home-cooked meals that the entire family would enjoy.

Sfs_kitchen caters to a specific need in the recipe community by regularly sharing meals made for their children, aged five and three, thus satisfying their ever-expanding taste buds. By highlighting family-friendly recipes, the account stresses its dedication to serving the average Malaysian food enthusiast, establishing itself as a vital resource for humble home cooks. Sfs Kitchen symbolizes the perfect version of a top Malaysian food review influencer, a go-to for parents looking for ideas for healthy, kid-friendly meals.

 ʀʏᴀɴ 周俊源🦁 on Instagram: "One of the newer kid in town that has a great cafe vibe & ambience. Personally my edit has always drawn towards dark & moody tone. First reel after awhile! // 📸🌿
.
#coffeemeetbojio #fujifilmmy #fujifilmxt3
."

The essence of a contemporary Malaysian food influencer is Ryan Chew, better known by his Instagram username, squarepad. When it comes to food photography, he has turned content creation into an art form. As a freelance photographer, he brings his eclectic portfolio—which includes images of food, restaurants, and cafe interiors—to vivid life. One of Ryan's favorite ways to spend their free time is to try different establishments.

You can instantly see Ryan's distinctive vision at work in his website portfolio and Instagram feed. His expertise is displayed in the stunning photographs, which he had expertly color-graded to his standards. From the enchanting atmosphere of cafés and customers' delight to the complex beauty of cuisine and architecture, his photos are stunning works of art. The way Ryan photographs food transforms it from something you eat into something you admire and think about.

Ryan Chew is one of Malaysia's top food influencers because of his creative flair and precise curation, constantly showing that food is more than simply something to eat: it's a visual feast.

 Carol always eats on Instagram: "Rolling into the weekend with some sushi delights 😋. 

Salmon lovers rejoice! Genki Sushi is having Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Feast from 13 July to 17 September 2023. There are 12 curated salmon delicacies and two seasonal desserts for a limited time only!

Do check out @genkisushimy for more details and they are also having 50% off for selected Norwegian Atlantic Salmon dish. Time to ask salmon-else out to join this feast at your nearest outlet now. 

#GenkiSushiMY"

She has established herself as a leading food photographer in Malaysia. Using her reliable Sony A7C, she beautifully captures the beauty of food in all its forms, from the refined atmosphere of an afternoon tea to the casual charm of a street vendor's quick bites, from the artistic vibe of trendy cafés to the comforting love of home-cooked meals.

Instead of just documenting the dish, her meticulous planning and styling elevate each image to the level of art, as if the ingredients and food were models for a high-end photoshoot. This careful arrangement and presentation enhances the visual attractiveness of her themes, creating an irresistible impression of deliciousness in the meal. Her exceptional talent for transforming mundane meals into visually appealing treats is on display in each post, providing followers with a visual feast where every dish is seen and experienced. With her talent and food handling skills, Carol Always Eats has established herself as a top Malaysian food influencer.

 Racheal | ST Loh on Instagram: "Ramadan menjelang tiba, boss suruh buat survey² Ramadan Buffet 😋 Alright, here I come‼️

Kampung Nelayanku, tema Ramadan 2024 di The Westin Kuala Lumpur. Brings you traditional and nostalgic flavours with a Malaysian fishing village theme, Kampung Nelayanku. 

The main highlight that you not miss is the seafood 🦑🐟🦐🦞🦪🦀 Seafood On Ice, Fresh Oysters, or with the cooking styles of the Malaysian fishing village - Lala Buloh Masak Pedas, Siput Sedut Masak Lemak Cili, Sambal Udang Petai, Kari Kepala Ikan Bendi and many more.

Not to forget also the festive dishes such as Rendang dishes, Lemang, Ketupat, Ikan Bakar, Kambing Golek, Nasi Kansah and Saffron Egg, Otak-Otak Muar, Sotong Kunyit, and so on.

Tiber lapar pula kita nak buat compilation menu for boss 😅 Jom, kita share harga pula. Jangan lupa grab EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT 😍

🌙 KAMPUNG NELAYANKU BUFFET PRICE
💵 RM228nett per person (adult)
💵 RM110nett per person (child)
*Children 6 years old and below dine for free.
*All prices in nett are inclusive of prevailing taxes

✨️ EARLY BIRD PROMOTIONS (Purchase Online)
 February 15 – March 13, 2024
RM175nett per person (adult only)
Voucher Dining Dates: 
March 14 – April 7, 2024

Discounts (not applicable with Early Bird vouchers or other discounts)
20% off for Club Marriott members
25% for Senior citizens (60 years old and above) 
20% off for selected bank cardholders

For booking and inquiries, guests may reach out to Westin Dining at Call: +603 2773 8015 
WhatsApp: +60 12-305 1715 / https://wa.me/60123051715 

Email:  westindining@westin.com 
Online Purchase at www.thewestinkleshop.com
Website www.thewestinkualalumpur.com

@thewestinkl

#Ramadan2024 #RamadanBuffet #TheWestinKL #TheWestinKLRamadan"

As a marketing machine for food and drink firms, Foodilifecious is changing the game for Malaysian food influencers. In addition to the usual influencer fare, they provide various services like social media management, group blogger reviews, and F&B marketing and training to increase brand awareness and engagement. With more than a decade of experience, Foodilifecious has established itself as a crucial hub for promoting a community of bloggers and influencers and exchanging evaluations of Malaysia's food scene, from quiet, quaint cafes to busy and bustling hawker centres.

Foodilifecious provides a comprehensive review system throughout its online platforms, including its website and social media accounts. This system includes reviews of everything from the newest restaurants to the most must-have kitchen products. Standing out among Malaysia's top food influencers, Foodilifecious presents the finest Malaysian cuisine and helps companies and fellow influencers shine via their comprehensive promotional strategy.

Reading tip: How To Amplify Your Brand With a Blogger Outreach Campaign

 Syengg on Instagram: "Dessert hunting together 😄 which one is your favourite?
.
#IGreels #Seven #jungkook #desserts #Couple #CoupleReels #CoupleActivities #DessertHunting #cafehop #cheers #FindYourShangriLa"

As a smaller but significant food personality in Malaysia, she uses the newest social media trends to her advantage to give her audience fresh material. It's fun to see how her account mixes fun food trips with sweet moments with her boyfriend, showing how much they love food.

Tip: Take a look at the top couple influencers on Instagram.

From her explorations of local Malaysian foods to her dives into the culinary scenes of places like Korea, Syengg's enthusiasm for meals shines through in every piece of content. Not only do her "must-try" Instagram Reels talk about the top food, but they also let you see culture and excitement through her eyes. Syengg is one of the top food influencers in Malaysia to keep an eye on with her knack for establishing rapport with fans via common interests and experiences.

Conclusion On The Top Food Influencers in Malaysia

Ultimately, the top food influencers in Malaysia are now playing a crucial role in connecting the country's storied culinary heritage with the modern digital world, going beyond just serving as inspiration for Malaysian cuisine. They've been able to show the variety and richness of Malaysian food to people worldwide through their wide range of content, including everything from home-cooked meals to the newest restaurants and treasures in the country. They have improved Malaysian food culture with honest reviews, fascinating finds, and beautiful images and promote food travel in the country.

Making Malaysian cuisine more accessible and appealing to everyone - locals or foreign food enthusiasts - these influencers have created a one-of-a-kind venue that celebrates food in all its forms. Doing so has allowed them to substantially impact the Malaysian food community online, drawing attention to the amazing variety of Malaysian cuisine and inspiring others to try new things. Every dish has become a discovery and every meal an experience thanks to these top Malaysian food influencers, whose originality, enthusiasm, and influence have enhanced our feeds and expanded our love for local culinary history.

Tip: Learn more about social media statistics for Malaysia.

How Meltwater Can Help You Optimise Your Influencer Marketing Strategy in Malaysia

Meltwater’s AI-driven all-in-one platform can help marketing and communications teams navigate a fragmented content landscape. At the same time, our Social Influencer Hub provides analysis and influencer marketing reporting to help you determine the effectiveness and continually refine your influencer marketing campaigns.

If you’d like more information about how you can manage creator relationships from contracting to content curation while measuring the ROI of your influencer campaigns in Malaysia and all over the world, contact us today to learn more:

The Top 10 Food Influencers in Malaysia

Reporting has been a fact of business life probably since early Phoenician traders wrote their sales figures and customer feedback on parchment as they traversed the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea in search of customers more than a thousand years BC. Back then, a sales-qualified lead (SQL) was a personal introduction in the back room of a smoky Middle Eastern tea house, while data sources were talkative Bedouin who had just arrived by camel-train from a distant North African land. Data visualisation likely took the format of columns of numbers etched onto a scroll. 

Arguably, the first smart reporting tool was the humble Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that debuted more than 30 years ago. Today it is still an entry point for many small business users requiring simple data entry and analysis. But while Excel did the job for many years, this approach requires a level of human input that can be slow and subject to error. The distribution of data also tended to be to a limited number of decision-makers and the content was far from being real-time.

Nowadays, the tools that business professionals use in their day-to-day working environment likely have some form of built-in reporting function, but these are typically more suited to ad hoc reporting interpretation rather than for rapidly conveying unified, enterprise-wide, data and insight.

As data requirements become more complex and big data generates a terabyte-scale of info and metrics every second of the day, the requirement for more advanced marketing reporting software has become obvious. Making rapid and real-time decisions based on up-to-date insight provides a clear competitive advantage, which we'll explain later in the article. This need has caused businesses to search for more complex solutions that can make sense of the big data around them feeding into their competitive intelligence databases.

Business intelligence questions that can be answered immediately and with all-important accuracy by reporting tools can be the difference between success and failure. It therefore brings little surprise that two-thirds of executives are expected to increase IT budgets in 2021.

Reporting tools go by a range of names, we've detailed some of them below. Whatever the name, they all come down to the same thing: collecting large quantities of information quickly in order to find meaning and insight.

Business intelligence and reporting tools (BIRT for short)

Understanding software reporting tools in more detail 

What are the different types of reporting software tools?

Examples of specific reporting options and use cases 

Getting the best out of dashboard reports 

Before we get into reporting tools, let's first clear up what we mean by reporting since there are so many different types. In this article, we'll be solely focusing on Enterprise reporting and this definition by Gregory Hill summarises this form nicely:

Enterprise reporting (or management reporting) is the regular provision of information to decision-makers within an organisation to support them in their work.

The Digital Project Manager, for example, provides the following definition: “A reporting tool, or reporting software tool, is a system that takes in data from various sources and extrapolates it in tables, charts, visual presentations, and other styles so that the information is easier to parse.”

InetSoft Technology Corp defines reporting software as: “Applications that provide enterprises with various reports about their businesses. [These] can range from sales to production reports, to ad hoc reports [or] reports in which the user customizes the queries, perhaps for a specific problem. Primarily, reporting tools hub essential data from every corner of the enterprise and then present the data in a meaningful way to employees and decision-makers.”

What questions reporting tools should answer

Good reporting software tools should be able to tell us just about anything we need to know. That being said, we're a big fan of the mantra "measure what matters". Not everything that can be measured should be measured; any wise executive will explain the importance of using reporting tools to measure strategic goals and the long-term organisational objective. With this in mind, here are a few metrics we'd recommend keeping an eye on.

Examples of KPI reporting metrics to analyze

The following are examples of key metrics that will assist high-level measurement:

Since there's such a vast amount of data available to measure these days, professionals can easily feel overwhelmed. To prevent this, data visualization is key. Mere data reporting without applying data analysis and visualization to find meaning in the numbers is pointless.

To take analysis further and add a layer of insights, many companies employ (or outsource) data analysts or use automated processes such as embedding visualization reporting tools. The latter can be integrated with standardised templates that have a pre-determined format and structure for regular, easy-to-use, reports. If data need is more bespoke, there are plenty of vendors out there that offer custom dashboards.

Tip: Have you considered using image recognition to add more data into your reporting?

Now that we have an understanding of what BI tools can do to maximise our measurement requirements and track key performance indicators across the entire business, it’s important to understand that there is not just one type of reporting software tool available.

There are many types of reporting tools, such as dashboard software, data visualization software, scorecard tools and ad-hoc report writers.

Dashboard software lets us put the reports that matter most to us front-and-centre; data visualization software is all about turning data into something visually oriented that users can easily read. Scorecarding tools, however, are all about performance data so we know who our high achievers are, and ad-hoc report writers create various styles of reports in the moment for companies who have ever-changing needs.

Reports can also vary in their interactivity too. Static documents cannot be changed by the end-users, while interactive measurement options allow us to navigate through various hierarchies and visualisation elements. Interactive reports allow us to drill down through various levels of the data at the click of a button. They also allow us to navigate, sort, filter and view the data sources for our specific needs.

Delivery mechanisms can vary as well. Common export and delivery options include delivering reports via email, .pdf, different excel formats, .csv, or via FTP. Most Enterprise tools will work with us to figure out the format that best suits our business need.

Tip: Image recognition software adds to your dataset.

What makes a best-in-class reporting tool?

Essentially this is about making it as easy as possible to translate large volumes of data from multiple data sources into actionable info. ‘Easy-to-use, ‘simple to understand', ‘intuitive to operate’ and ‘easy to visualize’ are all phrases that spring to mind here.

Given that data scientists and data analysts are expensive and in short supply, a tool that incorporates self-service business intelligence is a huge plus for management. The goal of self-service BI is to make business users become self-reliant and less dependent on their IT organisations to answer business questions as they arise. In many cases, IT provides these analysis tools and applications to the business, but when an employee needs that data and information, they can source it themselves.

Ben Aston, Founder of Vancouver-based indie digital media publishing company, Black and White Zebra, lists the following as among his top requirements for a tool:

Are the reports aesthetically pleasing and easy to interpret?

Can the data be visualized in a variety of different ways?

Can we export, print, and share the content with relative ease?

How easy is customisation and visualization?

Is it an all-in-one tool that can pull data from different types of data sources, from web reports to web pages, to spreadsheets, apps or accounting software?

Is data easy to search using both technical and non-technical language and specifications?

Are there different ways to ‘ask questions around the data', depending on user ability or preference?

People also ask the following reporting based questions:

Also called a report generator, this program is usually part of a database management system that extracts information from one or more files and presents the information in a specified format. Most reporting tools allow us to select records that meet certain conditions and to display selected fields in rows and columns.

Report writing software consists of programs that produce both periodic and special reports. These may be issued weekly, quarterly, or annually. There may also be unscheduled data reporting requested by managers.

Good dashboards display data, but a great dashboard is interactive. In reality, visual data reporting goes deeper. It not only gives us data, but also lets us interact with it. The ability to interact with the information in front of us helps users understand the data better and enables us to take action.

What's the best way to share report information?

This really depends on what's being reported on. For example, if the info could be used across multiple departments, it might be useful to create newsfeeds updating staff on the company intranet. Alternatively, many companies create command centres and offer all departments access to the data. If the info is sensitive, a dashboard that only a select few people have access to will be more suitable.

Examples of specific reporting options and use cases

Now that we have a thorough understanding of reporting software tools, the capabilities that separate the good from the mediocre, what they can do, and the solutions that they can bring to the table, let’s examine some specific options and use cases.

Using KPI reports to measure Marketing KPIs

Tip: Take a look at the findings of the biggest Global Digital Report 2023, and download the whole Global Digital Report 2023 here.

KPI reports that really matter and how to track them

Everyone needs something to strive for to keep them on track. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a great way to make goals more tangible and quantify what was up until now unquantifiable. When we (or our boss) are wondering if we're doing a good job, KPI reports are there to answer the question and nudge us to even greater heights.

If we're working in the PR and marketing environment, for example, our leadership team doesn’t want a dashboard that’s merely a list of links to PR clips and some social media snapshots. They want a KPI report that enables management to understand how their investments in Paid, Earned, Shared and Owned (PESO) media — and the comms team — are supporting their wider business goals.

Yes, many of our goals centre around eyeballs and engagement. But to prove our worth to the leadership team, we also need to measure the right KPIs. Here’s how to get started on a marketing KPI report.

The challenge of setting globally standardised KPIs

Standardising performance indicators across our organisation is challenging, especially if we're overseeing a multi-region operation. What may be a good KPI in one region could, due to differing circumstances and cultural norms, not make for a great KPI report in another region.

In some regions, standardized measurement and a focus on ROI is not the norm for communications teams. If we are used to being measured on awareness and impressions, the boards attempt to deploy a standardized dashboard can be seen in a negative light. That’s why it’s important to align our teams and create buy-in on the reasons behind globally standardized KPIs. Doing so will also highlight how each regional team’s activities can affect the global brand sentiment and overall sentiment. With this groundwork in place, comms professionals can amplify team efforts, more effectively deploy resources, and develop a more cohesive brand identity.

Setting Key Performance Indicators for our team and our company

Most people who run a business or a team in a large company struggle when it comes to setting Key Performance Indicators for KPI reports.

One of the great things about KPIs for our team is that it makes one-on-ones easier as we have timelines and progress of key indicators to track and discuss. It also keeps our team focused on what MUST be done, even if they aren’t there to oversee. Basically, the KPI report is our proxy when we can’t be everywhere at the same time.

Here are three steps for setting KPIs for your team. Follow this step-by-step approach and the KPI report process will become much easier.

Getting the best out of dashboard reports

Dashboards are integral to getting the best out of our data reporting. Whatever the metrics we're tracking – whether it's business intelligence, SQL, the performance of people within the business, customer lifetime value or conversion rate of SQLs – a marketing dashboard becomes an automated oracle.  

Dashboards are always available to help out with everything from content marketing ideas to competitor intelligence and general business intelligence – when they’re done right and designed with clear intention. There are brand, competitor, industry and many other types of dashboards.

With the right KPI marketing dashboard, we'll be armed with analytics that help us understand where our brand is at, how it stacks up against the competition, and where it’s performing in our industry. The next step is to translate that dashboard data into winning PR, communication and marketing strategies.

Why we should use customised manual reports

While quantitative media analysis helps companies understand the ‘what’, sometimes it can be tricky to get to grips with the ‘why’ without the help of bespoke reports that lean on human qualitative media analysis. Qualitative media analysis gives context to the numbers so that business users can make objective strategic decisions. If reporting isn't your forte, fear not. Meltwater's team of experienced analysts can support.

We work with our client's requirements to curate and deliver custom reports based on their specifications and KPIs. Unlike standard dashboard reports, Meltwater's custom reporting services allow users to pick and choose which metrics and analytics are analyzed, rather than using templatized report options. What's more, unlike standard reports, our custom reports are delivered, ready to present, in the format our clients require, without any heavy lifting on their side.

Since customized manual reporting is bespoke, use cases are extremely varied. Whether we want to harness our consumer voice to inform product development, understand trends to make sure our brand stays relevant, or keep tabs on our competitor's movements so we can stay agile – custom reports are built to ensure we’re covered on all levels. 

Often management relies on manual customized documents to streamline its reporting efforts and: 

The Big Reporting Guide: Why It's Important And Which Types Exist

Note: This blog is based on the Global Digital Report 2024 – produced in partnership with Meltwater and We Are Social. See Simon Kemp's article about The Changing World of Digital in 2024. Download the Global Digital Report 2024 and the Global Digital Report 2023 for free.

Social media continues to dominate the digital landscape, with an increase in both new users and more time per user spent on social media platforms. A significant contributor to this is the rise in popularity of short-form video content. From Instagram Reels to Instagram Stories, almost every platform has its own functionality for users to enjoy quick, easy-to-digest video content.

With the use of social media in South Africa up across the vast majority of demographics, it provides an excellent means for businesses to reach their audience. This is done by partnering valuable content with robust social media analytics tools.

It is crucial to understand the conversations happening on social media about your brand, industry and even competitors. Achieved with a social listening tool like the Meltwater social media monitoring platform, the insights you gain will inform both your business and marketing strategy.

In 2024, the local and global digital landscape is set to see some transformational changes. The Global Digital Report 2024 shows how much social media growth has occurred and how that rise is only continuing, both in South Africa and globally. 

Given the ever-changing nature of social media trends, it is essential to have insight into current, credible social media statistics reports. That's why we'll be diving into South African social media statistics:

General 2024 Social Media Statistics for South Africa

How South Africans Engage with Online Content

Social Media Usage Statistics for South Africa

Key Takeaways of South African Social Media Statistics

45.34 million people use the internet (74.7%)

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