Magzter’s Quick Rise, Slim-Fast’s Fine Line, Reputation Management

The Strategist picks the day’s most interesting stories for the content aficionados who love the backstory and reading between the lines. Here are the gems you need to kickstart your Wednesday.

Magzter Is a Digital Magazines Giant that Has Come from Nowhere (Pandodaily)
Based in Asia, this cloud-based, cross-platform app has already attracted 7 million users — and is now adding 1 million new users per month.

The company has announced that they’re onboarded Hearst — the corporate giant between Elle, Cosmo, Esquire, Seventeen, Marie Claire, and others. Here’s their story.

Slim-Fast Wants Dieters to Look Good Doing the Reverse Cowgirl (AdAge)
You read that right. This over-the-top, racy campaign has one goal — to ‘connect with the modern woman.’ But is it working?

Is this an advertising win or epic fail? Here’s a case where advertising walks a fine line between funny, awkward, and offensive. You weigh in on the consequences. Success or myth?

6 Free or Cheap Ways to Protect Your Online Reputation (Inc.)
No budget for expensive social media ‘listening’ tools? No worries.

Here are some ‘old-school’ meets ‘new tech’ strategies for watching your reputation online. Keep your eyes open to what customers and stakeholders are saying about your brand — your sales team will thank you.

3 Apps to Help You Write a Marketing Plan (Entrepreneur)
Every good business strategy starts with a plan. In writing.

So if you haven’t put one together yet, now’s the time to do it. Not sure where to start? Consult these three resources to help establish your frame of reference. Here’s the structure you need to help your creative talents shine.