Facebook is testing a new feature in Facebook ads that could be very attractive to Hoteliers. Their new ads target people based on the information provided in status updates.

This program, which is still in Beta testing to only 1% of Facebook users, delivers targeted ads based on the real time comments of the Facebook user.  Until now, Facebook ads have not been an effective tool for an individual hotel property.  This creates a significant opportunity.  For example, if you are a hotel in Miami your ad could appear to a Facebook user after they enter, “Planning my Miami vacation”.  The ability to reach potential guests as they start their travel planning process is exciting.

Unfortunately the program is still in testing so we will have to wait to test it’s effectiveness.  For more information about the testing check out: http://www.allfacebook.com/facebook-tests-real-time-ad-targeting-2011-03

For more ideas on how to improve your Facebook presence Contact Us.

In an interesting article,blogger Brian Solis examined research done by social scientist Dan Zarrella on Facebook posts.  He revealed statistical trends among posts that have been “liked” on Facebook.  Keep these factors in mind and you will improve the engagement and visibility of your Facebook efforts.

1. Write at a 5th grade level or below.  In general, the more complex your writing the less likely it is to be “Liked”

2. Include digits in the title (Top 3 or 7 Ideas).  People respond to titles with numbers in them.

3. Post your best information on Saturday or Sunday.  More Facebook users “Like” items on the weekend.  They may have more time to spend reviewing content or, with workplace restrictions, this may be their best chance to spend time on the site.

4. Include these words in your title: top, first, best  or video.

5. Do NOT include these words in your title: vs, apps, review.

6. Include verbs in your title.  Titles with action perform much better.

7. Be Positive.  Posts with positive sentiment are more likely to be shared.

Keep these easy factors in mind and you will see a better response from your efforts.  For more detail on the research check out Brian’s full article.

Twitter has proven itself powerful enough to change the world.  A critical element in getting your tweets found is the Twitter hash tag.  Here are 4 hash tag best practices from socialmediamagic.com:

1. Only Use Hashtagging as Directed: Hash tags should be used to categorize the topics or subjects you are talking about. Period

2. Try Not To stuff Too Many Hash Tags Into Your Tweets: Try to limit your hash tags to 3-4, so that your tweet still holds some relevance to the world.  Focus more on the content of your Tweet and less on the hash tags.

3. Stay On The Topic of Conversation: If you use a hash tag make sure your tweet is related to that tag.  Off topic posts are essentially spam and won’t win you any fans.

4. Don’t Sabotage Your Competitors: Often companies spam their competitors’ conversations trying to diminish that competitors’ value.  This just reduces the value of Twitter for everyone involved.  Stick to the high ground.  If your Twitter strategy can’t deliver value on its own you need to rethink your strategy.

Looking for more information on hash tags?  Check out wthashtag.com.

Happy Tweets!  To read the full article visit:
http://socialmediamagic.com/blog/twitter-hashtagging-practices/