‘Fall’ into the Hudson Valley

Coppery colors, a cool autumn breeze, infinite activities, family and friends enjoying themselves; there’s no need to imagine a place like this. The beauty of the Hudson Valley is upon us. And, for you city-dwellers, the Hudson Valley is close yet far enough away to escape.

Mowhonk Mountain House

 I was not surprised when I read that the Hudson Valley is one of the top ten most visited places in the U.S. All of us here at BBG&G enjoy living and working in such a celebrated part of the country. As a firm with extensive experience in destination marketing, we have done our research about tourism in New York. When it comes to marketing the Hudson Valley, it’s almost natural for us. It is something we love talking about.

Everyone’s vacation desires can be fulfilled in The Hudson Valley. That’s why I adore this region. The Hudson Valley provides activities for the adventurous: hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, tubing, kayaking, white-water rafting, skiing, fishing and more. There are also more relaxing things to do like wine tasting, shopping, and antiquing. This time of year there are a lot of family activities like apple and pumpkin picking, fairs and festivals. And how could you forget the Walkway over the Hudson! It’s the longest pedestrian bridge in the world and you’ll be in the heart of fabulous fall flora above the Hudson River as you watch the passing boats beneath.

Culinary Institute

My personal favorite thing about the Hudson Valley is the dining. This region is a foodies dream come true. The Hudson Valley is filled with healthy, fresh farm-to-table restaurants offering a culinary experience that will appeal to everyone. We even have the world-famous Culinary Institute of America right in our backyard! Options are endless.

When it comes down to it, a weekend outing won’t be enough to see everything in the Hudson Valley, but it’s a good justification to come back again and again. I truly feel lucky to have un-covered the majestic Hudson Valley and still awe at the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River views. 

Facebook Advertising by Gender – Why Are Men So Cheap?

Advertisers are far more likely to target by age and location than by gender but new studies are showing that gender targeting for Facebook ads will get you more bang for your buck. Facebook, the largest social networking tool in the world, is dominated by women. But, more companies are spending the majority of their ad money specifically on men. How come?

Men click on ads more often- 60% of them to be exact. While only 40% of women click. Due to this higher ‘clicking’ men are less expensive to target. The average cost per thousand ads is only sixteen cents for men; women cost twenty cents.

Men deliver better exposure rates and click through rates than women and it increases their value for marketers. Don’t get me wrong, women are worth spending money on too! They LOVE interacting with brands on Facebook, your ads just have to be more relevant and eye catching.

The evidence comes from how and why men and women use Facebook. Women use it for maintaining existing relationships and usually have an agenda. Men look for making new relationships and have a shorter attention spans thus leading them to be distracted by relevant advertisements. (I know it’s tempting, but bite your tongue ladies) You can reach more of a unique audience when targeting men.

If you are a brand or company that serves men and women, general advertising is not the route to take when it comes to Facebook. Gender targeting is a lot more effective and will boost ROI.  Use different colors, text and images to obtain the attention of a particular gender. While it is clever to spend more money reaching men with Facebook ads, don’t forget about the other 58% of Facebook users!