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When Is a Diamond Not a Diamond? What the Latest ASA Rulings Mean for Creators and Brands
A question with major consequences for advertisers... When is a diamond not a diamond? It sounds like a riddle, but this week it became a serious regulatory question. Two ASA rulings have put the spotlight on how laboratory-grown diamonds are marketed and, more importantly, on what consumers are told before they buy. Following complaints about their adverts, Novita Diamonds Ltd and Linjer were both investigated for presenting synthetic diamonds as if they were natural. The AS
deb2328
May 1810 min read


From One Complaint to a Published Ruling: How the ASA Really Works
The Ad That Started It All In January 2026, a paid Facebook ad for DanceBit appeared in my Facebook feed. It showed animated characters dancing, promised benefits from muscle strength to stress relief, and carried a bold, eye-catching claim: "IT'S FREE NOW”. To the average consumer scrolling past, the message was clear. Start dancing today, pay nothing. Except that wasn't true. When I eagerly clicked through the link on the ad, hoping to take advantage of this, now free o
deb2328
May 116 min read


When the Standard Isn't Acceptable: Why Technical Compliance Is No Longer Your Safety Net
The disconnect between laboratory standards and kitchen-table expectations and how it affects your messaging in advertising. The Chemistry World Daily Newsletter recently explored how substantiation serves as the keystone of compliance—a principle that remains technically true. Yet in a world where black and white increasingly merge to grey, even the most rigorous standards contain muddy waters. The composting cases expose this perfectly: laboratory benchmarks that permit 9
deb2328
Mar 276 min read


From Shadowban to Spotlight: How Playing by the Rules Beat the Algorithm
Discover why transparent, compliant content often outperforms "growth hacks" - and how understanding platform rules and advertising regulations can actually boost your visibility instead of limiting your creativity. The Fear Every Creator Knows You wake up, reach for your phone, and check your overnight numbers. Zero. Not just low - flatlined. Your latest post, the one you spent three hours perfecting, has barely reached 10% of your usual audience. Your Stories views have
deb2328
Mar 29 min read


The Strategic Advantage of Knowing What You Don't Know
When launching a new business, the pressure to be everything to everyone is intense. Overwhelming at times, and hard to ignore. There's a persistent myth that successful founders are polymaths - people who seamlessly juggle marketing, finance, operations, and product development while somehow maintaining perfect work-life balance. But here's the counterintuitive truth that separates sustainable businesses from burnout statistics: knowing your limitations isn't a liability; it
deb2328
Feb 44 min read


When "Authentic" Becomes Commercial: The Rise of Stealth Advertising on TikTok and Facebook.
Why the blurred lines between personal content and paid promotion are becoming a regulatory—and ethical—battleground. Let me set the scene. ..You ’re scrolling through TikTok at midnight. A creator you follow is having a typically rough Tuesday—spilled coffee, messy bun, "just keeping it real" vibes. They sigh, reach for a skincare product, and mention, almost offhand, that it’s the only thing getting them through the week. It feels like a moment of genuine connection. What y
deb2328
Jan 287 min read


Building a Training & Consultancy Business: The Real Story Behind the (hopefully) Success
Starting a training and consultancy business is like climbing a mountain – the view from the top is breathtaking, but nobody tells you about the blisters along the way. It was 3 months into building the Training courses when I realised, I hadn’t had a full weekend to myself since I started…which just wasn’t sustainable. It got me thinking about the challenges I’ve faced, the tips and tricks I’ve found that make me efficient, but, most importantly, I started thinking about why
deb2328
Jan 195 min read
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