It happens ever so often that I see a complaint in my news feed about annoying sponsored ads. I get it, what was once just a social space to be only taken up by your friends, family, and not real friends has slowly been hijacked by big Brands and local businesses.  In order for social networks to be able to offer us free usage they need to make money some how right? So let’s not be too picky.

I realize that there is a rat race of data collection going on, one of the biggest things Facebook is honing in on is location based data building. I wasn’t surprised to see that they partnered up with IT powerhouse Cisco, to offer Facebook login for businesses that have Cisco wifi. Genius right?

Then of course today we see that Instagram is rolling out sponsored ads on our activity walls. Sure it will be slowly fed to us by only brands who have a big following in the network, but soon it will be open to the localized level I imagine just like Facebook, and Twitter.

To keep your sanity with all the sponsored ads everywhere keep in mind they most are based off of your behavior and habits. (I say most, because there still is a good share of badly targeted marketing out there).Remember the movie Minority Report with Tom Cruise? Below is the advertising seen, which I absolutely love because advertising keeps evolving and the way that we marketers get creative to target consumers is exciting but, eye scans? I could actually see that.

My point is, knowing that most online marketing is based off your behavior  follow these 4 steps below to ensure a better user experience.

1. Do a sweep of all your social networks that you’ve provided information to such as interests, and hobbies. If your interests have changed then update them. Be honest about what you like.

2. Only “like” brands, companies, pictures, etc…. that you actually do like. Kinda makes sense right?

3. To stop unrelated banner ads from following you around the internet limit the use of family or friends using your computer under your user name. Create and use a guest account.

4. It doesn’t hurt to clean your cache every once in a while:-)

Happy Friday,

Tanesha White

Your Digital Diva