In the beginning cavemen created the

computer . . .

Over the years alien visitors improved upon the technology

and gave us the Internet . . .

But the Internet did not reach its full potential until the Alien leader, Mark Zuckerberg, gave us . . . Facebook

From Blah to Ah! “A Facebook Facelift in Tomball”

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 . . .

Something had to be done . . .

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 . . .

ORIGINAL SITE

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 . . .

Banners to coincide with events . . .

Banners to coincide with events . . .

Event promotion . . . July 4th Street Party

Event promotion . . .

Event promotion . . .

Event promotion . . .

“Insights” related to July 4th Celebration . . .

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

Festival information. . .

The arts in Tomball . . .

Mom-and-Pop eateries . . .

Historical attractions . . .

Live music . . .

Let’s talk quirky…

. . . and more quirky

Promotions . . .

Request for festival

volunteers

Request for promotion

entries

Promotional teasers . . .

Promotional introductions . . .

And continuing awareness . . .

Contests and giveaways . . .

Online merchandise sales . . .

Milestones . . .

Festival and tourism trade information

Video and photo links. . .

Local media coverage . . .

Local media coverage . . .

Tomball . . .From BLAH to AH!

Tomball . . .From BLAH to AH!

Michael BaxterMarketing DirectorCity of Tomball401 Market StreetTomball, TX 77375281-222-4775