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Optimising success: How digital marketers can leverage ChatGPT for strategies, ad campaigns

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Stephen Newton, Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ad Dynamo by Aleph
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By Stephen Newton, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Ad Dynamo by Aleph

Over the past few months, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has taken the world by storm. If you haven’t been following news about the artificial intelligence (AI) tool, you might think that sounds hyperbolic. But it’s not.

Stephen Newton, Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ad Dynamo by Aleph

Stephen Newton, Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ad Dynamo by Aleph

In February this year, it became the fastest consumer tool ever, with 100 million users, taking just two months to reach that point.

While the tool isn’t perfect (like many AI applications, it’s prone to occasional bouts of hallucination), it is still incredibly powerful. When used correctly, it can be transformative for people working across a broad range of industries. Digital marketing is no exception.

Although AI-based image, audio, and video generation tools seem like more of a natural fit for marketing (at least from a creative point of view), ChatGPT can be very effective both on its own and in combination with those other tools. It really comes into its own when it comes to putting together marketing strategies and campaigns.

Research and information gathering

In fact, ChatGPT can play an important role from the very early stages of putting strategies and campaigns together. As anyone with extensive experience in digital marketing will tell you, good research can be vital to a successful campaign. But even basic background research can take an extended period of time.

Even if you’re a search engine whiz, getting the information you want can take hours upon hours of searching. That’s to say, nothing of the expertise needed when the research gets more granular, and you need to analyse large volumes of data. ChatGPT can make both basic research and deep analysis significantly quicker. In the case of the former, you’ll get a much quicker answer to something like “How many 15 to 24-year-olds are there in Nigeria?” (useful for figuring out your total addressable market) on ChatGPT than if you had to search for and sift through the relevant statistics yourself.

And when deeper knowledge is required, ChatGPT can assist in market research by analysing large volumes of data, identifying trends, and generating insights. Marketers can utilise this information to understand consumer preferences, monitor competitors, identify emerging market trends, and refine their marketing strategies accordingly.

ChatGPT can also be used for A/B testing and optimisation. Using the AI tool, marketers can run simulated A/B tests for campaign messaging and variations. By inputting different prompts or content options, they can generate responses from ChatGPT and assess which approach resonates most with the target audience. This can help them better optimise campaign elements before implementation.

Beyond that, ChatGPT can interact with website visitors or social media users to collect information, qualify leads, and gather customer preferences. With those capabilities, marketers can design conversational flows that capture relevant data, segment prospects, and identify potential opportunities for personalised marketing campaigns.

Fueling creativity 

Using an AI tool like ChatGPT for those research and insight-gathering purposes would likely make intuitive sense to digital marketers. After all, many of the tools they currently use already have some AI capabilities. ChatGPT just takes things a step further and makes it easier to gather that information.

But those are far from the only capabilities that ChatGPT has. It can also be used in the creative conceptualisation process and, assist in generating high-quality content for various marketing channels, such as blog posts, social media updates, email newsletters, and website copy.

With the correct input of prompts and descriptive  briefings, ChatGPT can provide creative ideas, headlines, product descriptions, and engaging narratives.

Of course, it might not deliver the same level of quality as you’d get from an experienced copywriter, but it would provide a useful start or send you in a direction you wouldn’t previously have thought of. Think of it a bit like GPS. You could use it to find the most direct route from A to B, or you can use it to take roads you’ve never been down before without worrying you’ll ever get lost.

ChatGPT can also allow you to take more creative approaches to things like the customer engagement elements of a campaign. For example, it can be integrated into chatbots or live chat systems on websites and social media platforms. That, in turn, means that it can handle customer inquiries, provide personalised recommendations, and offer support in a conversational manner.

Partnerships still matter 

With all  those capabilities, it would be tempting to think that you could ditch your digital marketing agency and do it all yourself. But, as impressive as the technology is, it’s not quite there yet. The right marketing partner, with deep expertise and experience on the internet’s most popular platforms, is still crucial to ensuring that your marketing messages are seen by the right people. Chances are, such a partner will also have the technical expertise and understanding needed to get the most out of such evolving AI tools like ChatGPT.

So, if you want to make the most of ChatGPT in your digital marketing efforts, don’t go at it alone. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get familiar with it and explore its capabilities yourself. AI will  play a profound role in future careers, and we should learn how to use all of the relevant tools. But unless you have the deep industry knowledge needed to get the most out of these tools, you will be better off partnering with experts who hold that knowledge for a good while yet.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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How to Turbo-charge Your Productivity as a Backend Engineer!

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By Seye Folajimi

I start each day with one goal: to be as efficient and focused as possible. A developer’s life is full of interruptions, and without good time management, it’s easy to fall behind. As a Backend Engineer at Moniepoint, I’ve assembled the toolkit that helps me and I believe by extension any technical professional to deliver results consistently.

In this feature article, I’ll share the tools and habits that have practically multiplied my productivity and sharpened my focus on the job.

My Daily Toolbox

I rely on a handful of core tools every day. IntelliJ IDEA and Visual Studio Code are my primary editors: IntelliJ for heavy backend work (it’s packed with features) and VS Code for quick edits or scripting. When testing APIs or debugging endpoints, Postman is indispensable for sending requests and saving environments. For spotting code or configuration differences, I often paste text into Diffchecker.com and let it highlight the changes. And for database work, MySQL Workbench provides a visual SQL editor and schema designer that saves me a ton of time. Dear professional, using the right tool for each task means fewer context switches and a smoother workflow.

Productivity Strategies That Power My Workflow
Beyond raw tools, I use structured habits to stay on track. I break the day into focused blocks and assign each chunk to an activity (coding, reviews, meetings, etc.). This time-blocking approach improves focus by letting me give my full attention to one task at a time. I also apply the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance; this ensures I tackle critical work first. Rather than flitting between emails, calls, and code, I batch similar tasks into dedicated slots. Some of my core techniques include:

  • Time Blocking: I assign specific blocks of time for coding, meetings, code reviews, and so on. This means I can dive deep into one task without switching contexts. (For example, I often use 25-minute sprints followed by a 5-minute break – the classic Pomodoro cycle – to keep my mind sharp.)

  • Prioritization (Eisenhower Matrix): Each morning I list my tasks and sort them by urgency vs importance. The Matrix helps me “do first” what truly matters and “delegate or drop” low-value items. This clarity prevents me from getting bogged down by busywork.

  • Automation: Whenever I catch myself doing something repetitive, I stop and ask, “Can I script this?” Whether it’s a shell script for routine commands or a CI/CD pipeline for deployment, automation frees up hours. Reducing manual repetition lets me focus on more critical work. Even simple automations (backups, report generation, test harnesses) add up to big time savings.

  • Notification Discipline: I turn off unnecessary notifications and check email/Slack only at scheduled times. By minimizing interruptions, I stay “in the zone” longer and preserve my cognitive energy.

Building My Custom Focus Extension: The Hot Gate

I even took matters into my own hands by coding a productivity tool from scratch, i called it “THE HOT GATE” .

 The “Hot Gate” refers to the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE, a famous event in Greek history. It’s where King Leonidas of Sparta and a small force of Greeks (famously 300 Spartans) held off the vast Persian army of Xerxes I for several days.

The extension:

  • Blocks distracting websites during deep work sessions.

  • Organizes tabs to reduce clutter.

  • Unlocks distractions only during breaks.

I built it using JavaScript and browser APIs. One limitation: I can still turn it off manually. I’m considering adding a restriction to prevent that—but it’s still a local extension. Maybe someday I’ll publish it.

Breaks and Rewards
I’ve learned that smart breaks actually boost productivity. I take 2–4 minute strolls every hour, prompted by reminders from our infrastructure team. It’s refreshing and clears my head.

After big wins (like deploying a major feature or solving a tough bug), I reward myself—whether it’s a nice meal, a movie night, or just a chat with friends. These rewards keep me motivated and prevent burnout.

Wrapping Up

In my experience, combining the right tools with disciplined habits is what unlocks consistent high performance.

I’m constantly refining my setup—automating repetitive tasks, organizing my schedule better, and building systems that help me stay in the zone.

At Moniepoint and beyond, delivering quickly and reliably takes more than just code. It takes systems thinking, self-awareness, and the discipline to evolve your workflow over time.

By adopting these practices, I’ve become both more productive and more fulfilled. And I’m hoping the story is same or at least similar for you after reading this.

Seye Folajimi is a backend engineer with Africa’s fastest growing financial institution, Moniepoint Inc.  


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African Craftsmanship Takes Center Stage at TALES 2025 in London

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This summer, London’s West End will transform into a vibrant showcase of African excellence as TALES (The African Lifestyle Experience) returns with its most ambitious edition yet: Reimagine 2025.

A Luxury Cultural Experience

Hosted at Luxury Promise, 28 Cavendish Square, just off Oxford Street, the event will run from July 25 to August 3, 2025, offering ten days of curated experiences, fashion-forward storytelling, and cultural immersion.

With over 70 curated brands spanning fashion, beauty, art, music, and home décor, TALES 2025 will spotlight Africa’s brightest creative talents and celebrate craftsmanship across the diaspora.

Key Highlights

  • Exclusive African Fashion & Craftsmanship Discover one-of-a-kind pieces, from bold fashion in traditional textiles like Aso Oke, Adinkra, and Bantu, to luxury handmade beauty products and bespoke interiors.
  • Fireside Chats with Industry Icons Intimate conversations with trailblazers and tastemakers exploring the future of African entrepreneurship, culture, and design.
  • Kidpreneur x The Veteran A standout feature returns, bridging generations of innovation by spotlighting rising Gen Z entrepreneurs alongside industry legends like Gloria Ije Anyaehie-Coker, founder of GIA1 Fashion.
  • Exclusive Travel Offer with Air Peace TALES is partnering with Air Peace to offer a 15% flight base fare discount for brands and attendees flying to London, strengthening connections within the diaspora.

A Global Movement Powered by Bellafricana

Backed by Bellafricana, a platform empowering African creative entrepreneurs across 18+ countries, TALES champions authentic African stories, craftsmanship, and visibility on the world stage.

Supported by the City of Westminster

The City of Westminster proudly supports TALES 2025, reinforcing London’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and inclusive cultural celebration. The event will be featured across Oxford Street’s Instagram and website, ensuring maximum visibility.

Why It Matters

Following the runaway success of TALES 2024, which featured 40 brands and attracted a global audience, Reimagine 2025 raises the bar. As London’s fashion and cultural scene increasingly embraces diversity and authenticity, TALES 2025 is a timely and necessary celebration of African brilliance.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, culture lover, or global tastemaker, TALES 2025 is where Africa’s future-forward creativity meets London’s cultural heartbeat.

Event Details

Venue: Luxury Promise, The Corner Showroom, 28 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0DB 📅 Dates: July 25 – August 3, 2025 🎟 Admission: FREE — Registration required at

 


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Bolt Rewards Loyalty and Expands Branding at Lagos Family Fest

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Bolt, Africa’s leading ride-hailing platform, hosted its Bolt Family Fest in Lagos to honour driver loyalty, reward top performers, and strengthen community ties within its driver network.

As Bolt’s largest market in Nigeria, Lagos served as the ideal location for this vibrant celebration of excellence and shared growth.

The event recognised and rewarded some of Bolt’s longest-serving and still-active drivers, who have been with the platform for 7 to 8 years since the early days when Bolt was known as Taxify.

These veteran drivers were specially recognized and rewarded, each receiving a cash award of ₦200,000 in appreciation of their commitment to the platform and consistent service delivery.

In addition to honouring loyalty, the Bolt Family Fest provided a platform to scale up vehicle branding efforts in the city.

The on-site branding process was made easy and accessible for drivers, while attractive incentives including branded merchandise, gift bags, and raffle entries encouraged participation.

A key highlight of the day was a lucky dip giveaway, where two lucky drivers, one newly branded and one previously branded each walked away with a brand-new SmartTV.

Osi Oguah, General Manager, Bolt Nigeria said: “Our drivers are the heart of everything we do at Bolt, and this event is our way of saying thank you for their dedication and professionalism. We’re not just building a platform, we’re building a family.

“The Bolt Family Fest is about creating moments of connection and showing our drivers they are seen, appreciated, and celebrated.”

The event delivered multiple wins for Bolt including increased the number of branded vehicles in Lagos, enhanced Bolt’s street-level visibility across the city and strengthened the sense of unity and pride within the driver community.


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