Belinda Baugniet, an executive with Yahoo and Ebates, addressed an audience of 80 business leaders at Georgia Tech-Savannah’s final Learners & Leaders session of 2017, “Digital Marketing Outlook,” sponsored by Savannah Morning News. Participants heard about the current state of digital marketing and future trends, including mobile technology, livestreaming, wireless, one-click payments, and social customer service, among others.

“As you’re planning winning strategies for 2018, be sure to update your ideal customer profile and consider what makes your best customer return.” Baugniet told the audience. “Remember that more and more consumers are shopping via mobile -- 70 percent of the U.S. population owns a smartphone -- and local businesses need to have an online presence. By the year 2021, mobile advertising will have grown more than 200 percent. Is your business ready?”

Baugniet currently serves as director of marketing, Canada, at Ebates Inc., the biggest rewards-based shopping site with a strong community of millions of savvy shoppers around the world. She develops strategic marketing programs incorporating traditional media channels, digital and mobile media, and social media with a strong focus on key performance indicators and data attributable results.

Georgia Tech-Savannah’s Learners and Leaders series is an effort launched in 2014 to help companies in the coastal region stay current. To date, members of the coastal community have heard speakers on topics of relevance to the business community, including mobile apps, coaching and mentoring, leadership and logistics.