What's Google Got that Facebook Don't--a Marketing Purpose

A website may capture the imagination, but that does not make it a great marketing opportunity.

"Let's begin with Tumblr, a niche social-media site with a rabidly loyal and rapidly growing user base, which, according to The Wall Street Journal, is seeking a whopping $800 million dollar valuation, despite having absolutely no revenue model or brand offering. The most successful use of the platform by marketers thus far has been via 'reblog contests,' yet another gimmicky abuse of social media by brands essentially bribing users to promote their content," writes David Teicher of AdAgeDigital. "Which brings us to Facebook. What's so upsetting to the social-media marketer in me, is that despite the sheer number of consumers and businesses on the platform, many of whom want to engage with each other, the resulting engagement predominantly comes in one of two, equally ineffective forms." Read more.

Facebook Giving Away Your Cell Number?

“Last month, Facebook told developers they’d be able to get users’ current address and mobile-phone numbers,” reports MediaBuyerPlanner. “Three days later, Facebook put the feature on hold while it works on a better procedure to make it explicit to users when exactly they’re granting access to their most direct contact information. Now two members of Congress want to know more about these plans.”

M&Ms and Bud LIght Promote Super Bowl Ads on Facebook

“Super Bowl marketing on Facebook is now in a full sprint down the sideline, as brands look to score social media points with consumers leading up to the Feb. 6 event. And candy maker M&M's and Bud Light have jumped in the game,” says ClickZ. At the same time, VISA is working with Twitter and NFL on Super Bowl promotions.

Ad Volume Rises for Social Networks

"The latest comes directly from eMarketer. US social network ad revenues were very good 2010 with 2011 promising to be a whole lot better," reports MarketingPilgrim.

The report indicates that major U.S. advertisers are following Web surfers as they spend more time on various social networks--not just Facebook.

ClickZ noted "Facebook earned a whopping $1.86 billion in ad revenue last year, according to an eMarketer estimate, but the company is not resting on its laurels. It has added a feature that, at least in part, appears designed to enrich the geo-targeting possibilities on its marketing platform."