Manage your social media community before it begins to manage you. This is good advice if you’re building your social media presence and intend to use it as a useful marketing tool and a source of information for your audience including potential customers. A dedicated social media presence takes time and requires daily attention and some planning. Don’t feel you need a presence on all social media accounts, especially if your resources and time are limited (Do you really need that Pinterest account?), but narrow down the key ones to a manageable few and make a concerted effort on those. It’s better to do a few channels well than a lot poorly. Here’s some other key tips to help you save time and be more effective. Implement a content management plan A proactive social media presence requires a solid content marketing plan. Your audience will respond more positively if your content is well thought out and timely. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Maybe call it an editorial calendar and identify key dates, events, holidays or seasons. Work out a monthly plan and break it down into weeks. Is there a specific theme for the month? Is it a holiday or a summer related activity you wish to promote? Try and mix up your content so it’s not too repetitive but make sure it’s all relevant. Indicate which platform it will be posted on and what external resources are required e.g. images, video etc. Identify your clear target audience for each post and keep them in mind when you create the content. 
Use a social media management platform There are various tools that help you manage multiple social media accounts and platforms. Some of these include Hootsuite, SproutSocial and TweetDeck. There are others but these are three popular suites that can integrate your Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts (and others), enable posting to different accounts from one central dashboard, view numerous feeds and schedule posts in advance, which can be a lifesaver. These tools also have the added advantage of giving you metrics of all your accounts in one place like your reach and levels of engagement. SproutSocial also has a nifty service called Landscape for resizing an image beautifully for each social media platform. Practice social media listening Social listening is the art of listening in to conversations taking place and being willing to engage or join in the conversations. If you’re not monitoring your accounts then you will be missing out on important feedback and insights into your community and customers. It’s important to note that many customers may not say exactly what they feel directly to you or on your page; their criticism may be on an anonymous page or competitor profile. Put simply, you need to expand your efforts in just looking in the obvious places for feedback. The above companies also incorporate social media monitoring into their tools where you can monitor sentiment and search for key words or terms. Put simply, there’s no point in engaging in a social media marketing effort if you’re not going to monitor and interact with your audience. Image copyrights: rvlsoft / 123RF Stock Photo and 2nix / 123RF Stock Photo
AirAsia X Increases Flight Frequencies
AirAsia X has announced an increase in frequencies to eight destinations including Melbourne, Sydney and Perth in Australia. In the next few months, flight frequencies will be increased between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Melbourne (to 14x weekly flights), Sydney (to 11x weekly) and Perth (to 14x weekly). They join increases to Osaka (to 9x weekly), Sapporo (to 5x weekly), Beijing (to 11x weekly), Shanghai (to 11x weekly) and Taipei (to 14x weekly) from Kuala Lumpur. For detailed flight schedules and more information, please log on to airasia.com. To coincide with the increase in frequencies AirAsia has launched a sale for all AirAsia X flights (flight code D7) with low fares available to Kuala Lumpur from Perth from $149*, Melbourne from $239*, Sydney from $249*, and Gold Coast from $269*. Fares between Auckland and Gold Coast are on sale from NZ$119* and from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur priced from NZ$329*. AirAsia X’s award-winning Premium Flatbeds are also on sale to Kuala Lumpur from Perth from $469* and Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast from $699*. Premium Flatbed fares between Auckland and Gold Coast are on sale from NZ$250* and from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur priced from NZ$799*. The travel period is from now until 24 November 2016. For all bookings and additional sale fares please log on to airasia.com. For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com Flights and fares are subject to availability. 
Arik Kumar De, Head of Commercial for AirAsia X Berhad said, “As the pioneer for low cost long-haul travel, we are pleased to offer our guests greater value with additional flight options to selected destinations. Our guests can now enjoy more flexibility in their travel plans for the coming few months through the added flight frequencies which will be an added convenience factor.” Travellers can also log onto AirAsia’s one-stop travel portal at AirAsiaGo.com which offers a range of more than 80,000 three-star, five-star and boutique hotels to choose from. *Flights and fares are subject to availability. Availability of connecting flights are subject to timings of the individual flights. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares include airport taxes & surcharges. Processing fee is applicable for online bookings made by credit, debit or charge card. Processing fee does not apply to Australian customers paying with PayPal. Fees apply for checked baggage except on Business Class Flat Bed fares. Other terms and conditions apply. Booking period 25 April 2016 – 8 May 2016 or until sold out. Travel period 26 April 2016 to 24 November 2016. Lowest possible sale fares are one-way online at airasia.com. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise.
Parkside Alma Heights Rapid Sales Success
Moffatt Property Development Group has seen early success in its decision to target the fast growing corridor north of Brisbane around North Lakes. Its Parkside Alma Heights town house development in Dakabin has almost sold out with construction now underway and with completion expected in June 2016. Parkside features 21 three-bedroom town houses with prices ranging from $355,000 to $375,000. Moffatt Property Development Group’s Don Moffatt said, “This boutique development has resonated with investors and first home buyers due to its location and quality finishes. “This location is greatly sought after due to its proximity to transport, shopping and schools. “There are three supermarkets – Coles, Woolworths and Aldi with specialty retail shops being built adjacent to this precinct. “With two major transport corridors providing easy access to both the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, as well as Brisbane, Parkside Alma Heights’ accessibility is proving one of the main drawcards. “We’re very pleased with this result having just commenced marketing in November and have confidence in bringing our next development forward.” Experienced Sunshine Coast-based builder Vantage Building Group is constructing the town houses. “Vantage’s track record ensures the quality of construction and finishes that we are bringing to Parkside,” Mr Moffatt said. “Suitable development sites are difficult to come across, so we’re fortunate to have a pipeline of quality product in this area.” Parkside is only 35 minutes to Brisbane CBD, close to Dakabin train station and near the expanding Westfield North Lakes. Data released by CoreLogic RPData showed North Lakes as the standout performer for total house sales in the greater Brisbane region for the 12 months to September 2015 with $236 million in sales. Westfield are spending $140 million on an extension to link the North Lakes mall with the new Ikea store currently under construction. The Westfield extension is expected to be completed by the end of 2016. Due to the success of Parkside Alma Heights Moffatt Development Group will soon be launching another development in the area. For further information on Alma Heights please visit: www.almaheightstownhouses.com.au 
Great Barrier Reef Shines In Attenborough Documentary
The world’s most renowned naturalist, David Attenborough, has embarked on one of his most compelling journeys yet with the forthcoming screening of his documentary of the world’s largest living structure, the mighty Great Barrier Reef.
David Attenborough’s three-part Great Barrier Reef documentary will commence screening at 7.40pm on Sunday 10th April on the ABC and be available on ABC iview.
Attenborough had this to say about the prospect of returning to the reef to film the documentary: “The most exciting natural experience of my life was the first time I dived on a coral reef. Being on the Reef is a revelatory, thrilling and unbeatable experience and with this project, we are going to be able to share it with millions.
“As I entered the water I remember suddenly seeing these amazing multi-coloured species living in communities – just astounding and unforgettable beauty. So I’m very excited to be returning to the Reef with all the latest technology and science to see one of the most important places on the planet in a whole new way.”
Attenborough has also said to The Guardian.com of the Great Barrier Reef that, “It is fantastic, better than travelling to the moon.”
Attenborough first visited the Reef in 1957 using the first scuba-diving equipment and has been back several times since but never for a documentary of this nature.
The three hour-long programs will have eventually aired in 130 countries to around one billion people.
Daydream Island’s Living Reef Manager and resident marine biologist John Gaskell says that the reef continues to fascinate visitors to Daydream and the Whitsunday region.
“We’re lucky to be located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a constant source of wonderment to our guests, no matter whether it’s their first visit or one of many,” he said.
“This documentary will shine the light on the amazing variety of marine life to be found, many of which can be seen whilst snorkeling just off our own fringing coral reef.”
Daydream’s on-island Living Reef attraction is one of the world’s largest man-made living coral reef lagoons, home to more than 140 species of marine fish, 82 species of coral and 15 species of invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs.
Comprising a north and south lagoon and holding more than 1.5 million litres of water, the Living Reef lets visitors learn about and get up close to the fascinating inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef.
AirAsia X Now Connects Gold Coast to Auckland
Inaugural Flight Sale Gold Coast to New Zealand from AUD$129*
Gold Coast, Australia. 23 March 2016 – AirAsia X has commenced its daily flight service between the Gold Coast and Auckland, New Zealand, this morning with the arrival of flight D7206 from Kuala Lumpur into Gold Coast Airport, which then departed for Auckland.
The inaugural flight to Auckland had a healthy load factor of 95 per cent. Departing passengers were greeted and presented with gifts by Surf Life Saving volunteers in the terminal.
To celebrate this new route AirAsia X has commenced an online sale that will run until 3 April 2016 or until sold out. Guests can find incredible low fares available for a limited time only, starting as low as AUD$129* one-way to Auckland. Bookings can be made at www.airasia.com.
The travel period for the promotional seats is from 25 March 2016 to 22 May 2017.
AirAsia X’s popular Premium flatbed seats are also on sale from AUD$349* one-way.
AirAsia X’s daily flights between Gold Coast and Auckland depart Gold Coast at 9.05am each day, arriving in Auckland at 3.30pm local time.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said, “This service provides a compelling alternative for Gold Coasters looking to travel to New Zealand and will also augment the inbound tourism opportunities for the Gold Coast.
“We’re very pleased with the number of our Asian guests travelling via the Gold Coast to New Zealand. Both the Gold Coast and New Zealand are world class destinations and much in demand from our guests across ASEAN.”
Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer, Marion Charlton, says, “AirAsia X has been a valued airline partner at Gold Coast Airport since commencing direct services to Kuala Lumpur in 2007.
“We look forward to working with AirAsia X to ensure the long-term success of this new Auckland service.”
An Airbus A330-300 aircraft operates the route with a seating capacity of 377. The configuration will be AirAsia X’s standard configuration of 365 economy seats and 12 Premium flatbed seats.
AirAsia X was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat and the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin titles at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The AirAsia Group also received its seventh consecutive year title as the World’s Best and Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline at the awards.
For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com Flights and fares are subject to availability.
*Flights and fares are subject to availability. Booking period 23 March 2016 – 3 April 2016, or until sold out. Travel period 25 March 2016 – 22 May 2017. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares are for one-way travel, hand luggage only and fully inclusive of all taxes and charges. Fees apply for checked baggage. Business Class fares come with complimentary services as advertised on airasia.com. Lowest fares available online at airasia.com. No processing fees are applicable for online bookings made with PayPal. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise. See airasia.com for full details and Conditions of Carriage.
The Wonders Beneath Daydream Island
Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s resident marine biologist and Living Reef manager, John Gaskell, is so impressed by the diversity of marine life found around Daydream Island that he decided to document it in a new book, Beneath Daydream Island.
Daydream is located just off Queensland’s Whitsunday Coast and only a two-hour boat ride from the heart of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Gaskell said that Daydream has a rich diversity of marine life immediately off the island supported by a complex fringing reef habitat.
“You can view much of this by simply snorkeling around the island or by scuba diving,” Mr Gaskell said.
“If you’re experienced then a night dive reveals a whole other world of animals and colour.
“The fringing reef off Daydream is one of the healthiest ecosystems in the Whitsundays.”
There is a combination of tropical species found throughout the inshore and outer reefs and a diversity of life comparable to some of the densest Australian marine habitats.
From tiny coral polyps to seasonal humpback whale visits, most major marine animal groups are represented here. This includes corals, reef fishes, sea turtles, crabs, shrimps, octopuses, sea stars, sharks and rays.
Some of the amazing marine animals to be found include sea snails, sea jellies, marine worms, sea cucumbers, surf parrotfish, honeycomb cod, and everyone’s favourite, red and black anemonefish – commonly known as clownfish.
“One of the more spectacular events we’ve witnessed here at Daydream is the coral spawning which occurs each year in late spring at night, roughly four days after a full moon,” Mr Gaskell said.
“The stony corals around Daydream have such a high density which makes for a spectacular sight. The spawning can be compared to a silent underwater snowstorm where millions of pink, yellow and white specks rise slowly to the surface.”
Mr Gaskell took all the images in the book during his many diving and snorkeling trips around the island.
“This book was produced in the hope that many others will be inspired to experience Daydream Island’s wonders first hand,” he said.
Beneath Daydream Island can be purchased at any retail outlet on Daydream Island for $20.
For more information on Daydream Island Resort and Spa visit www.daydreamisland.com
A New Year Means More Digital and Social Media Changes
Another year is underway and nothing’s more certain than the changing social media landscape. It’s important to keep updated with relevant changes to your social media accounts and initiatives.
Here’s a wrap of a few recent changes and trends which may impact your social media strategy:
News Feed Update Now Responding To Surveys
Facebook continues to tinker with its News Feed as it tries to improve the experience and show more relevant stories. This will of course assist with targeted marketing activities.
Facebook has traditionally used technology to hone the News Feed, tailoring the experience based on your likes, clicks, comments and shared posts. Facebook of course recognises that technology is not perfect in assessing your varied interests. It is now using qualitative research to have users rate their experience and assess posts in their feed. By surveying users and asking the question “how much did you want to see this story in your News Feed?”, Facebook is gaining a better understanding of what people are interested in seeing regardless of whether they interact with the post.
According to Facebook people are having a better News Feed experience when the stories they see at the top are stories they are both likely to rate highly and and likely to engage with.
Facebook is making an update to News Feed to incorporate this likelihood based on their research.
These changes will have a varying degree of impact depending upon the composition of your audience and posting activity. Facebook says that in general this update should not impact reach or referral traffic meaningfully for the majority of Pages.
Overall you should continue to post content that your audience finds meaningful and interesting.
Facebook provides some good information on News Feed Best Practices and also Page post best practices. Review these regularly and track the effectiveness of your posts to give you greater insight into your most valued content and best posting habits.
Facebook Sports Stadium
Facebook is clamouring to get a slice of the real-time chatter which goes on during big events, particularly big sporting match-ups.
This has long been the domain for Twitter where people can instantly share news, scores, opinions and generally vent about the last score. Twitter registered 28 million tweets for Superbowl 49 – up from 24 million the previous year and is favoured because of its immediacy.
Facebook has responded by launching Facebook Sports Stadium aimed at their 650 million followers who like sports. It’s a place where you can see:
-posts from your friends and their comments on the game
-expert commentary and posts from those who cover the game and access to their Pages
-live scores and stats
-other game information like TV schedules.
Currently available for American football games it will soon cover other sports around the world. We’re bound to see it in Australia soon.
It apparently struggled to keep up though with traffic during the recent Superbowl 50 between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers and was a number of minutes behind with the scores.
It took 7 mins for Facebook Sports Stadium to update the score with the Panthers’ touchdown. Early days but Twitter is still winning. #sb50
— Gabriel. (@GGOwusu) February 8, 2016
Facebook will persevere and it will be hard to bet against them making an impact during these live events. Soccer and the Olympics will surely be a huge worldwide draw card.
Instagram Multiple Accounts
One eagerly awaited Instagram feature, which has been a long time coming, is the ability to run multiple accounts on Instagram. Up to now, you had to log off Instagram and log in under another account if you were, for example, using a private account and also managing a corporate account.
Twitter and Facebook has had this capability for a while and finally it has come to iOS and Android in the latest Instagram version, 7.15.
You now have the ability to add up to five accounts and you will be able to see which account you have active from several points in the app.
This will be a huge time saver.
Podcasts
Podcasts are poised to become one of the fastest growing mediums for individuals and brands wishing to reach new audiences according to smk (social media knowledge).
Podcasts have been around for some time and were first mentioned back in 2004. The rise of smartphones and tablets has certainly boosted their popularity.
smk identifies a defining moment in the rise of Podcast being when ongoing true story Serial became the first to pass five million downloads in 2014.
Podcasts are great to consume whilst you’re on the move with most listeners loving to learn about new things.
Some of the most popular Podcasts in Australia currently include:
Serial
Stuff You Should Know
Hamish and Andy
TEDTalks
Conversations with Richard Fidler
Cruise1st: Hawaii To Sydney Adventure Cruise
Sail from Hawaii to Sydney exploring idyllic Tahiti & French Polynesian islands and New Zealand along the way with a 19-night Cruise1st fly, stay and cruise deal.
Departing September 19, 2016, the package includes a flight to Honolulu and one night of pre-cruise accommodation before boarding Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas for an 18-night cruise.
The cruise stops in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora in Tahiti, French Polynesia; and Wellington and Picton in New Zealand.
Departures from Sydney are from $3599* per person twin share and include $100 of on board credit per cabin as well as onboard gratuities.
Radiance of the Seas offers a cruising experience like no other, with panoramic vistas, sleek surrounds and a range of dining and entertainment options.
There is a nine-storey central atrium; floor to ceiling windows; casual and formal dining options including a Brazilian steakhouse, Italian restaurant and sushi; three pools; fitness centre; rock climbing wall; mini golf; basketball court; jogging track; video game arcade; Royal Babies and Tots nursery; theatre; casino; clubs; lounges; duty free shopping and a teen lounge area and disco.
For more information call 1300 596 345 or visit www.cruise1st.com.au.
*Subject to availability. Restrictions may apply. Prices are per person, twin share based on an inside stateroom. Prices and specified hotels subject to change at any time.
Don’t Commit These Social Media Fails
Despite many claims there are only a few real social media ninjas out there. While many businesses and individuals are doing it pretty well, there’s always room for improvement. However, there are some basic errors that too may accounts still make. Don’t get caught out making these obvious errors in your social media management.
Poor profile
We’ve all visited a page or profile and not been really sure if it’s the place we’re looking for or relevant at all to our needs. Make it obvious what you’re about and if you’re a business provide relevant contact information and a summary of exactly what you do or the products you are offering. If you don’t it could be costing you dollars.
Make sure you fill out your profile information in full and provide information people want about you. Don’t leave them in the dark and create a bad first impression. They will go elsewhere quick smart.
Buying followers
Avoid the temptation to buy followers. While it may sound tempting to buy a thousand new fans for ten bucks the reality is that they are largely fake accounts and won’t engage with your content.
Authentic engaging content is the holy grail and this will bring real fans who want to follow you for a reason. It’s the old tale of the hare and the tortoise as far as building a real following is concerned.
Not monitoring conversations
There’s no point building up a broad following if you’re not going to listen and take notice of what people are saying about you. You can gain valuable insight and feedback about your business from what people are saying about you – warts and all.
If you’re not paying attention you will miss out. If you’re attentive and prepared to interact you will be seen as authentic, caring and open for business.
There are many free and paid tools out there that can help you monitor and track conversations and sentiment. Meltwater, Hootsuite and Sprout Social are some of the better ones. Otherwise, just look and listen each and every day.
Call to action (CTA)
If you are wanting a visitor to do something; buy, refer, ask something, then you need to entice them to do just that and provide the way to do it.
Make sure you provide the link and let the person know what they’re being lead to – ‘Click here to to take control of your financial future now.’
Having no CTA just leaves them hanging and ultimately frustrated and unfulfilled. You’ve done the hard work in getting them there; don’t forget to close the deal.
Poor scheduling
You want to make sure that your audience is seeing your content. You need to understand them and their online habits amongst other key demographic information. Give your posts the best possible chance of being seen. Don’t post when your audience is less likely to be there.
It can be a bit hit and miss sometimes, but you can build up an understanding of the best times to post. Monitor your engagement and reach by day of the week and time and start looking for any patterns. Most good social media tools will feature a scheduling function to help schedule pre-prepared content to post at times you desire.
Australian winemakers open for business in China with Alibaba and Australia Post
Australia Post is helping home-grown businesses capitalise on the lucrative Chinese eCommerce market through its new partnership with the largest online wholesale website in China, 1688.com.
1688.com is a business-to-business (B2B) online marketplace, operating wholly in Chinese. It was established in 2010 by the Alibaba Group, operator of the largest online and mobile marketplaces in the world, to help foreign businesses sell their goods in China at wholesale prices.
Today’s official launch of Australia Post’s 1688.com “Australian pavilion” (auspost.1688.com) will provide a powerful online platform for Australian businesses to sell into China in bulk, reaching more than 100 million registered users and enticing Chinese importers to buy Australian products at more affordable, wholesale prices.
Australia Post will initially help sell wine through 1688.com because of the strong demand for Australian wine exports into China but, given the growing interest in high quality Australian products more generally, this will expand to include other categories in 2016.
Australia Post’s Managing Director and CEO Ahmed Fahour says that as we enter a landmark era in China-Australia free trade, there has never been a better time for Australian businesses to access China’s flourishing eCommerce sector, which is set to become the world’s top import market for online goods by 2018.
“Australia Post is committed to supporting local businesses by breaking down barriers to selling overseas and delivering eCommerce solutions that make it easier to do business across the country and overseas,” Mr Fahour said.
“International expansion can be a daunting prospect for many Australian companies but Alibaba’s B2B platform, 1688.com, offers the perfect solution for small and medium businesses to drive more sales in China.”
“Our world-first partnership with 1688.com is a one-stop eCommerce, logistics and delivery solution that streamlines labelling, packaging, pallet consolidation, sea and air transport, customs clearance, warehousing and distribution.”
“Alongside our new storefront on Alibaba’s 1688.com, we already have an existing storefront on Alibaba’s Tmall Global business-to-consumer (B2C) marketplace (auspost.tmall.hk). This means customers who want to sell their products into China can partner with us to sell directly to consumers in China via Tmall, as well as wholesale to Chinese businesses via 1688.com.”
“When you combine these two marketplaces and Australia Post’s role as AliPay’s exclusive agent in Australia, we now offer a complete eCommerce solution that can be tailored to any local business wanting to get into the Chinese market.”
Michael Mang, Head of International Marketing and Business Development for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, of Alibaba.com and 1688.com says, “Our ongoing partnership with Australia Post is a crucial part of our cross-border trade strategy. We are delighted that our agreement enables Australian exporters a direct sales channel to Chinese retailers with even greater wholesale opportunities.”
Australia Post is today launching the online store in collaboration with the Margaret River Wine Association – the first wine region to sell via the Australian pavilion, showcasing wines from five premium wineries in Western Australia – EVOI Wines, Flametree Wines, Happs Wines, Laurance Wines and Rosily Vineyard.
Nick Power, CEO of Margaret River Wine Association said, “Our producers told us they needed a faster speed-to-market solution for Chinese exports, and Australia Post listened. The 1688.com Australian pavilion is the culmination of many years of work to solve a major obstacle for the Australian wine industry, offering a simple avenue to sell and ship to China in bulk.”
“We’re thrilled to be the first Australian wine region to showcase our premium wines on 1688.com. Ten different bottle varieties across the Margaret River region’s five participating wineries are now on sale to millions of Chinese people through this online store,” said Nick.
“Putting local competition aside, we hope our partnership with Australia Post and 1688.com will pave the way for other Australian wine regions to get on-board and take advantage of this huge opportunity to enter one of the world’s largest consumer markets.”
Over the coming months, Australia Post will work directly with other premium wine regions to broaden the range offered on the site.
Australian businesses looking for help to grow their business in China, can contact 1688@auspost.com.au
To visit the 1688.com Australian shopfront (in Chinese) go to auspost.1688.com.
