Behavioral Advertising

Behavioral advertising is used to try to match the ads you see while browsing online with your interests. This is done by companies placing cookies on your computer (and I’m not talking about the edible, yummy cookies). Based on the sites you visit, interest categories are attached to these cookies and they allow advertisers to build up a picture of your browsing interests and habits. I’m not going to lie, sometimes those ads have helped me find something I was looking for cheaper. But sometimes it can get quite annoying being shown and reminded things I cannot afford that I’ve previously searched for.

There are a few ways that you can avoid these ads. Different browsers have settings and features that can help you control your personal information online. Checking these options can help you decide which browser is right for you. For example, some browsers options include whether you want to accept cookies or not and how long to allow them to stay on your computer. Some browsers have additional privacy features that you can download and install.  Also, certain browsers allow you to browse in “private mode”. Browsing in private mode will not save any history that you are browsing.

Another option will be to opt out. Some companies will give you the option to opt out of receiving targeted ads. Even though it won’t stop you from receiving ads but it will stop them from sending you ads from your interests. Here are a few sites that can help you control information collected about you :

http://www.youronlinechoices.com.au/

http://www.evidon.com:8080/consumers-privacy/ad-notice

http://www.privacychoice.org/

Resources:

http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-resources/privacy-fact-sheets/other/privacy-fact-sheet-4-online-behavioural-advertising-know-your-options

3 Social Media Mistakes

Social media websites can either make or break your company. In order to be on the right path when it comes to your social media marketing, make sure you're not doing any of these three things.

1. Only talking about your services and products.
No one want's to have their Twitter or Facebook feed full of advertisements or promotions. Make sure you follow the 80-20 rule. 80 percent of the content you post should be about your customers and 20 percent should be about your company and what you do. This will help you not come off as too corporate or self-serving.

2. Not sharing well with others. 
It's hard not to want to Tweet or Facebook promotional messages about your products, but you have to let your followers know that they are important too. Instead of posting things about your company, Re-tweet or share your followers content. Even reply to a few if you have to. This will show that you have a sense of community within your social networks and it will help you earn your followers trust.

3. Posting insensitive content about sensitive subjects. 
There's a saying that says keep religion and politic opinions to yourself. ESPECIALLY on your companies social media site. If you want people to start trash-talking your brand over social media, then go ahead and post poorly-timed, offensive remarks about sensitive topics. Sometimes it's better to stay away from those topics, even if you want your opinion to be heard. Talk to your family and friends about it, not your thousand of followers on your companies social media site.




Resources:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228574