Incorporate Facebook Into Travel Marketing Plan

Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In addition to your marketing Web site, your CVB or tourism bureau has the opportunity to be seen by more than 250 million people all over the world at any given time. This idea of increasing your Web traffic may seem complicated and time-consuming, but it is much easier than you may think.

According to Facebook's statistics, more than 120 million users log in each day, contributing to more than 5 billion minutes being spent each day worldwide on the site. Despite what you may think about Facebook being targeted for teens and young adults, the current fastest growing demographic is people ages 35 and older. Combine that with the Domestic Travel Market Report statistics that the average age of a domestic traveller is 46 (and that 75% of Americans travel for leisure) and you don't need another reason to join Facebook.

Other than the statistics, Facebook brings a lot to the table:

• A plethora of media devices at your fingertips. Uploading video, pictures, slideshows and easy posting makes sharing multimedia easy.
• The ability to generate discussions easily. Direct messaging capabilities, wall postings, group networking and creating fan pages give your CVB or tourism bureau a broad range of tourism and destination marketing tools at your fingertips.
• High SEO capabilities. Facebook can be placed high on Google results, especially if you customize your Facebook address.
• High reachability. You have the ability to not only keep up with your clients, but give potential clients a taste of what they are missing. You have the ability to search for people who are interested in travelling, as well as the individual assets your destination has to offer, and you reach out to them directly.
• Networking. Become a fan of similar pages to gather a bigger following. In turn, they have the ability to link back to your site.

All of these capabilities for tourism advertising and destination branding are not just limited to your company's Web site. These services are available in addition to what you may already have in terms of Internet marketing.


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Facebook Fan Page Marketing Tips

Make the most of your brand's Facebook fan page
with these Facebook marketing tips
(Photo credit: Social Network Asia)

As you're probably aware, Facebook fan page marketing is what most people are talking about in the online world at the moment. However, are most doing it correctly? That reality is no, they are not! There is an art and science to marketing on Facebook and building relationships but most never fully get it.

Here are some tips to help you on the fast-track to getting new customers.

Don't be a jerk and spam people! No one likes an annoying person so don't be that guy/girl. If someone didn't subscribe your status updates, don't pressure them to and send them info without permission. This is a big no-no and will get you kicked off of Facebook fast.

Get a professional background created.

This will help your Facebook fan page marketing more than you realize. It sets the stage for interaction later on. Don't be cheap on your design either. Trust me, you don't want that to be the first impression someone gets of your business.

Get a custom Facebook landing page built

This serves two purposes. One, it will get the prospective new customer to "like" your page. This will allow any status updates you post to appear in their news feed. This helps you have top of the mind awareness with them and be able to provide value their way.

Purpose number two of the custom Facebook fan page is to capture a name and an email. This allows you to keep in contact with the prospective customer on your own terms off of social media. This is essential! You have to get them onto a separate list.

A good thing to do is to offer something of high value in exchange for the leads name and email. You can offer a free report or video training. It's up to you, just make it valuable.

Get traffic

Use the Facebook sponsored ads platform to drive traffic to your fan page. This is very easy to set-up and target to your market. There are literally dozens and dozens of ways to bring visitors to your page / site but pay-per-click runs on autopilot. You can turn it on and turn it off when you want.

Other forms of traffic you can use to get more fans are email marketing, videos, online forums, press releases, articles, blogging, and Google Adwords.

Measure conversions

Always test your Facebook ads and track your conversions. If traffic is king, conversion is surely queen. See which ads perform better than others. You always want to strive for the highest click-through rate.

Using the above Facebook fan page marketing tips will get you more fans and allow you to turn them into actual paying customers quickly.

Discover how to get a flood of new customers each month with Facebook fan page marketing. For the latest free tips and Facebook marketing strategies that work, visit Social Network Asia's blog now!


Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/6105442

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Develop Brand Marketing Strategies

Relationship between trade marks and brand (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To the "outside world", when you create your brand you create unlimited opportunities to leverage what you do into high payoff programs, information products, teleseminars, joint ventures, workshops and more.

On the inside, creating your brand gives you a powerful sense of identity, mission and alignment with your Unique Brilliance. You feel as if the heart and soul of who you are is now (finally!) in tune with building a successful business.

But what if you're struggling with trying to figure out what your brand really is? If you haven't been able to create a high-impact, high visibility brand, that tells me three vital elements are missing from your business-branding strategy.

Luckily, once you focus on, discover and integrate these three missing elements, your brand will "pop!" This branding strategy works equally well for internet branding and other brand marketing strategies.

If creating a strong, memorable, authentic brand has been eluding you, then take a look at each of these strategies for your answers. If you already have your brand, then you can use this list as a "brand checkup," or for help in rebranding.

Branding strategy #1: What results do your clients experience from your service? 

In my Brand Authenticity workshops I ask participants to create a list of not just one or two results, but THIRTY! Why so many? Because it forces the (and you!) to dig deep and get really specific about the results you offer.

For example, let's say you're a life coach and you love to work with women on finding better balance in their lives. That's a tough sell (even though most women will wistfully acknowledge they need more balance!) Your list of thirty client results for may include: starting regular exercise programs, picking up long-wished for hobbies, joining book clubs, asking for a raise or setting clear boundaries with their kids about doing homework.

Now, isn't that a lot more tangible and sellable than quasi-results like "be more accepting,” “be happier,” or the ubiquitous (and sorry, nearly meaningless) "put themselves first for a change?”

My coaching challenge to you: You don't need to wait for my next Brand Authenticity workshop. You can create this list for yourself starting now. Just pull out a piece of paper and start listing each and every detailed result you help your clients achieve.

Branding strategy #2: What problems does your service solve?

Like the prior list, this one too needs to be more than just an answer or two. Again, aim for thirty problems your service helps your clients solve. It's okay if some of your answers overlap with your prior list – just be sure you are detailed and specific in what you list.

Branding strategy #3: What are you a stand for, no matter what?

Great brands have power and punch to them. For example, Maureen, one of my Brand Authenticity clients created the brand "Real Relationships." Another client, Jack, created "The Christian Business Profit." (I love the play on words!)

Both Maureen and Jack are clear on what they stand for and that shows up in their powerful, compelling brand names. So, what are YOU a stand for, no matter what? The "no matter what" part matters because it will shift you out of complacency or fear. It will move you into that courageous, vibrant, determined place where your passion breathes fire and life into your words.

So whether you are internet branding, rebranding or looking at branding strategies for the first time, your powerful, authentic brand is just waiting to be discovered! So what are you waiting for?


Article source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/marketing/article_3992.shtml

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Mobile Digital Marketing and Advertising

Image via CrunchBase

Most people today have a mobile phone by their side most of the day. This is the most personal platform available for customer calls to action. People are out and about these days and have a lot on their minds; the ability to easily use mobile whenever desired combined with today's increased device functionality streamlines the purchasing process, which leads to greater conversion rates compared to any other method.

Marketing strategies should include the mobile channel to engage customers and drive sales. This is true even for the home-based business. On the local level, brick and mortar businesses implementing a mobile campaign will just about be able to lead people right through their front doors and to specific products of interest.

Digital marketing is the practice of promoting products and services using digital distribution channels (Radio, TV, Internet, Mobile) to reach consumers in a timely, relevant, personal and cost-effective manner. There are 2 different forms of digital marketing. Pull digital marketing in which the user seeks out and selects (pulls) the content from a site and. push marketing, which involves both the marketer (creator of the message) as well as the recipients (the user). The marketer has to push (send) the messages to the user in order for the message to be received. Examples of push digital marketing include Email, SMS, MMS and RSS. For a very effective marketing campaign push and pull message marketing should be used in concert along with traditional channels that promote calls to action.

MMS (Multimedia Message Service) mobile marketing enables streaming video, flash, and advanced capabilities and can contain a timed slide show of images, text, audio and video. This technology enhances the users experience and will lead to more click-through rates.

Blue-tooth systems which offer "hot spot" areas are also being deployed. These offer content-management system with a Blue-tooth distribution function. This technology has the advantages that it is permission-based, has higher transfer speeds and is also a radio-based technology and can therefore not be billed. Geo-fencing is another technique that can also be used to trigger mobile ads and special messages to users as they enter or exit an area like a stadium.

The migration into the mobile advertising market has been highlighted by Google's acquisition of Ad Mob and Apple's purchase of Quattro Wireless. Brand names are in hot pursuit of this personal technology medium.

The Rapidly Increasing Mobile Trend

There has always been a demand among consumers for more technologically advanced products that simplify our lives and facilitates the delivery of information as evidenced by mainstream media methods that have gone from print materials to radio to TV to computers to laptops to cell phone and now to smart mobile devices.

Why mobile needs to be in your in your arsenal of marketing resources

• Google's new mantra is "Mobile First"
• Mobile device use is already 5 times more than the Internet
• Apple recently sold more than 2 million iPhones
• 160,000 Droid smart phones are activated every day
• $6.2 Billion were spent by consumers on apps this year (Gartner)
• The US Mobile Web has been growing over 2% month over month. (Nielsen)
• More than half of all Internet connections today are through smart phones
• 91% of Americans keep their cell phone within 3ft of them

Increasing Usage of Handheld Devices

Email, mobile web browsing and social networking are increasingly seeing usage on handheld devices. Over the past few years SMS (Short Message Service) that is a one-way text message sent via cell phone has become a legitimate advertising channel and it is the most popular branch of the Mobile Marketing industry. In fact data indicate that people favor receiving timely opt-in text messages. These messages can be 160 characters in length and include links to mobile optimized websites or application downloads to help create more effective and measurable calls to action.

E-mail can also be used to inform customers about opt in text message programs. Or an email can be triggered as a result of a text message, to provide additional details around the call to action or fulfill an information request.

Mobile Programs also often include desktop and mobile web use that enables customers to directly provide their permission to receive text message communications by completing forms on-line. Web visits could also be triggered as a result of a text message announcing specials, prizes or incentives for completing surveys and questionnaires.

Mobile programs could also include social networks (Twitter, Face book, Linked-In, My-Space) where businesses can utilize their company's profile to promote mobile programs and initiate opt-in permissions for text message communications. Incentive marketing promotions can also be listed to encourage people to forward texting programs to their contacts.

Mobile and Main Street

Many cell phone networks are starting to offer Location-based services (LBS) as a way to send custom advertising and other information to cell-phone subscribers based on their current location. Laser focused tracking is possible down to the block and demographic targeting down to the make and model of the phone your prospect is looking at as they click your ad. Companies such as Foursquare, Gowalla and even Google Place pages are all developing innovative ways to connect with potential local customers.

Augmented reality systems are also in development that combines the physical real world with enhanced computer generated imagery. When combined with GPS and the cell phone camera people will be able to just point their phone at a specific location and get real time directions or other information like local restaurant reviews. Battery manufactures are also hard at work using nanotechnology to improve run time and recharge times. They are also developing alternative charging methods all in an effort to support the increasing demands placed on batteries.

Mobile presents an amazing opportunity for "main street" businesses because it will be as if they were walking around town with the prospect and leading them right into their business and right to the very product, service or meal they are looking for.

Revenue Producing Benefits

Businesses can now stay in touch with mobile users through various techniques resulting in improved efficiency with revenue producing benefits. We are on the crest of an exponentially increasing trend of mobile use and marketing through this channel is still new so there is little competition out there. There are simple very cost effective, turnkey systems available right now for anyone who wants to promote their business or who may be interested in starting one that easily lends itself to mobile commerce, such as an affiliate marketing program.

Small businesses can quickly kick off a simple mobile strategy almost immediately by using ultra cheap mobile ads utilizing specially designed "squeeze pages" that fit on a mobile device screen and only allow the user to either check out the product or exit the offer. They cannot "surf" around for alternatives. There are also very new mobile only CPA marketing networks and special You Tube for mobile video applications. All this combined with a targeted email campaign is generating skyrocketing conversion rates for those using them. Businesses that seize the moment will be riding this hi-tech tsunami wave straight to the bank.


Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/4903857

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Branding Business via Celebrity Marketing Strategies

SUCCESS (magazine) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Success Magazine has a great article, "Celebrity Marketing", in their February 2012 issue.

This article got me thinking. What can celebrities teach me about marketing or branding my business? Even though you may not agree with celebrity strategies, there is still an underline message that can apply to any business. These tips are great for college graduates, and for new network marketers.

1) Celebrities personally connect with their fan base. Celebrities don't only focus on the products they offer, they learn more about their fans and build relationships. Social network marketing is the MOST POWERFUL path for communicating with the masses! This path is a two-way street. Many celebrities make time to respond, and are sending their own tweets. Take this lead from the celebrities! Learn about your "fan base" problems, build a relationship, and respond to them. By responding you become a 'real' person. Through the relationship you can explain how your product or service will solve their issue.

2) Create an emotional attraction. People typically stay loyal to a brand because the brand promise meets or exceeds their expectations. They can also become emotionally connected by how it makes them feel. Harley Davidson enthusiasts are a perfect example. Their emotional touch point is the open road, personal freedom, and for some, rebellion. These enthusiasts feel so connected, many are willing to tattoo the company logo on multiple body parts.

This is way over the top for me! However, what type of emotional connection attracts your "fan base"? These emotional connectors can easily be connected with their problems. For example, a woman has a weight problem. To lose weight, she attends zumba classes. Now even after she lost her weight, she still attends zumba classes because it makes her feel; more energetic, younger, and sexier. So she started zumba to fix her problem, and then became emotionally attracted because the way it makes her feel.

3) Live & breath the brand. This means you must love your product or service. You must love it so much, that you use it. When someone is using a product regularly, it is only natural for them to tell others. You can't attract customers if they don't know about it. When owning a business, don't be shy or act like the "wallflower" at a school dance. If you want a your business to grow, then get to talking.

There are many other success strategies in the Success article. These are three that I think are very helpful to a college graduate getting involved with network marketing for the first time, or a stay at home mom trying to start a home business.

If anything, realize how important utilizing social network marketing is for your financial success!

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. ~ Dale Carnegie 

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/6851716

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Interactive Social Media Marketing Strategy for MLM

Image via CrunchBase

Social medial marketing is has turn out to be the principal means of promoting in the preceding few years.

Media sites similar to Twitter, YouTube, MySpace and Facebook have blown in to the main-stream and developed into

the most trafficked sites in the world. Facebook drives more traffic per day then the largest search engine Google. Not anything similar to this as ever existed that is available to ordinary marketers like us to their message to the world at very little cost through merely a computer and internet access. This is the reason interactive media marketing is so eye-catching.

Nonetheless there exists a dark truth to interactive media. Certainly it costs no money to advertise on, although you sacrifice something ultimately more valuable, your time. A large amount of MLM owners do not know how to employ social media marketing strategies well and in an competent manner, if they are knowledgeable in interactive media strategies, some may realize how to utilize it in a useful manner but don't use it in an efficient manner. This is the reason social media sites have turn out to be colossal time wasters for a lot of network marketers and a stumbling block to creating their MLM success.

Now don't misinterpret, I'm not slamming social media, I for my part adore interactive marketing media. In truth it is not the interactive media that is the issue, it is how interactive media is used ineffectually by most marketers. There are oceans of network marketers advertising their business opportunity and products to an audience that really don't give a hoot opportunities. Individuals on social media don't couldn't care less about your business opportunity or how splendid you compensation plan is. Social media is about you, who you are, what value you offer, how you can stimulate greatness.

The most effective social media marketing strategy is to advertise yourself by offering value, sharing the good and bad with your followers. When you build your business around you, your name and create a following of people interactive media marketing will work. That's because social media is a technology that is entirely based on the practice of growing relationships and that the reason it's taking over the internet. Your answer to creating you MLM success story will be found in the closely controlled use of these interactive media marketing as a instrument to achieve trust and connection with your followers.

Take into account that social media and marketing is not about your MLM opportunity its about YOU! Are you a leader who can inspire greatness and mentor business partners to accomplish success, being the one who gives value is of significant importance when attempting interactive media marketing strategies.

If you really plan to grab the social media bull by the horns I advocate you go out and begin learning additional information on internet marketing. Start produce brief instructional videos, not about your company or products but about marketing, tips and tricks you acquired from marketing, personal development or about your lifestyle. Even if its something plain as being with your family on a week day while almost everybody else is at at work. Make sure to all the time have a solid call to action at the closing, that lets your audience what you would like them to do, so that you can collect your MLM success.

Article Source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Social-Media-Marketing-Strategy-For-MLM-Success&id=3737886

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Twitter Marketing Tips for Business Entrepreneurs

Image via CrunchBase

Twitter is used far and wide to promote small and big businesses today. Although believed to be effective, it cannot serve the purpose you expect it to perform without the proper techniques. Listed below are some Twitter marketing tips which can help make your tweets more convertible to profits.

Always Lend A Helping Hand - This is the same as sharing quality content to your followers. Companies are often aggressive in posting links to webmercials which often offer products or services. If you want loyal customers coming your way, provide links to content that will address the issues that concern them at the moment. Through this, you can be assured they will be hungry for more information from you. Use the right words to make your tweets resemble your personality or the brand you are promoting.

Optimize Keyword Use - One of the Twitter marketing tips often left unnoticed is keyword placing. It is the same with the procedures with full-length content. From your keyword list, select ones which would sound perfect for your posts. Make the most out of your 140 characters. Google is now giving high regard to the content of social media accounts since more and more people are turning to them as source of information.

Build Connections - Gaining many followers is not enough. Starting with a few which you can engage in a meaningful conversation is more important. With that, you can fetch insights about your brand. Observe the concept of give and take. Take time to search for those who talk about your business. Besides thanking them, return the favor by re-tweeting their posts. Should you come across questions related to your niche, provide a ready answer.

Utilize Available Tools - Hootsuite and Summify are two of the best tools used in effective Twitter marketing strategies these days. They are both great in categorizing different tweets and trending topics. They make it easy for you to track tweets related to your niche. They can also lead you to questions which you may answer with tips that showcase the benefits of using your products or services.

Tweet About Your Blog Posts - This step is as easy as inserting the link to your new blog post in your tweet. Do this in a regular basis and you will be surprised to see a generous amount of traffic flowing to your blog or website. If you are looking for a reliable lead generation program through social media, this is one procedure which you must not miss.

Sync Your Twitter Account With Your Facebook And LinkedIn Accounts - This will make your tweets more relevant to your business. As you share content simultaneously across networks, you are able to save time and effort. More so, you will get easy updates with the Twitter activities and posts of your clients.

These are just a few of the Twitter marketing tips which you can take advantage of for successful advertising. As advancements continue to rise, a few more procedures may be added to this list.

Article source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Six-Twitter-Marketing-Tips-For-All-Business-Types&id=7247123

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