Post on 15-Aug-2015
transcript
But the Internet did not reach its full potential until the Alien leader, Mark Zuckerberg, gave us . . . Facebook
Prior to early 2011, social media aimed at tourists was not a priority for the City of Tomball.
Tomball
Hometown
with a
All that the City had was . . . •An unused site with 11 “likes”•A “places” page filled with area businesses and non-signature events•And a third site with government oriented information for local residents only . . .
The Program To create an inviting site on Facebook targeting both local and outer market tourists who
were searching for fun activities in and around Tomball,
and would also complement soon-to-be- created sites at Flickr.com and YouTube.The Content A “Wall” of creative postings, images, videos, and more representing what Tomball had to offer guests
An “Info” page with a description of Tomball, legal disclaimer information, comment and submission policies, links to the City web site and more.
The Name The site was named “Tomball, Texan for Fun!”® to coincide with the City’s rebranding effort as a great
getaway for festivals, live entertainment, unique shopping and dining, lodging and more.
A social media plan was developed
How we got started . . . We visited several city sites on Facebook for examples of how others maintain their sites.
After viewing the San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and Fredericksburg
Facebook sites it was decided to classify Tomball as a “page” versus “places”, with the “travel and leisure” designation, not “attractions/things to do”.
The Greater Houston CVB and several other cities provided Tomball with copies of their social media policy to help in the creative and legal process.
How we publicized the new page . . .
The City of Tomball web site and weekly E-newsletter
The monthly tourism e-newsletter “Tomball, Texan for Fun!”®
Emails collected at our festivals and events
Emails from those who had opted in to receive info
Press releases and media partnered promotions
Word of mouth – our best source of new “likes”
Local business and trade networking partnerships
Online travel and tourism sites
Postings to online travel and entertainment blogs
It’s got the look . . .Colorful, eye catching banner photos that change weekly, or more often depending on the event schedule, and include the new Tomball tourism slogan
A profile photo featuring Tomball’s new spokesmascot, Rusty Rails.
News and features, i.e. TFEA Conference
Call for festival vendors
Link to other sites
Images of fun stuff to see and do . . . •Nature scenes•Characters•Live music•Rusty Rails•Anniversaries•Festivals & events•Local eateries•Antiquing•Boutiques•Historical outings•Farmer’s Market•Wildlife•Sports•Holiday celebrations•And more . . .
Festivals and more . . .
Link to Tomball restaurant photos
at EaterHouston.com
Weekly Tomball Farmer’s Market
update Event updatewith latestband bookedfor “Bugs, Brew & Barbecue”
Festivals and more . . .
Announcement of two new wine
bars coming to Tomball in
September
Live music update for local venue, Main Street Crossing
Band update for event
Festivals and more . . .
Announcement of the monthly
artists reception at a local gallery
on Main Street
Photo from the site of the “Rails & Tails Mudbug Fest”
Photos from the site of the “Rails & Tails Mudbug Festival”
Festivals and more . . .
Banner naming
corporate partners for
5K Bunny Run
Photo promoting upcoming car show and motorcycle rally
Festivals and more . . .
Postings for an event, live music at Main Street Crossing and update on bands scheduled to perform at “Rails & Tails”
Photos from Art Walk, Tomball and link to
Festivals and more . . .
Announcement of upcoming festivals and site photos from the Tomball German Heritage Festival
Festivals and more . . .
Photos from the site of the Lions Club Car Show posted in real time
Posting about “haunted”sites around Tomball
Art Walk, Tomball! gallery and link to
Festivals and more . . .
Event invitation and follow up posting for Memorial Day Weekend Chili Challenge