7. All that the City had was . . .
•An unused site with 11
“likes”
•A “places” page filled with
area businesses and non-
signature events
•And a third site with
government oriented
information for local
residents only . . .

9. A social media plan was developed
The Program To create an inviting site on Facebook targeting
both local and outer market tourists who were
searching for fun activities in and around Tomball,
and would also complement soon-to-be-
created sites at Flickr.com and YouTube.
The Content A “Wall” of creative postings, images, videos, and
more representing what Tomball had to offer guests
An “Info” page with a description of Tomball, legal
disclaimer information, comment and submission
policies, links to the City web site and more.
The Name The site was named “Tomball, Texan for Fun!”® to
coincide with the City’s rebranding effort as a great
getaway for festivals, live entertainment, unique
shopping and dining, lodging and more.

10. How we got started . . .
We visited several city sites on Facebook for
examples of how others maintain their sites.
After viewing the San Antonio, Corpus Christi,
Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and Fredericksburg
Facebook sites it was decided to classify Tomball
as a “page” versus “places”, with the “travel and
leisure” designation, not “attractions/things to do”.
The Greater Houston CVB and several other cities
provided Tomball with copies of their social media
policy to help in the creative and legal process.

11. How we publicized the new page . . .
The City of Tomball web site and weekly E-newsletter
The monthly tourism e-newsletter “Tomball, Texan
for Fun!”®
Emails collected at our festivals and events
Emails from those who had opted in to receive info
Press releases and media partnered promotions
Word of mouth – our best source of new “likes”
Local business and trade networking partnerships
Online travel and tourism sites
Postings to online travel and entertainment blogs

12. It’s got the look . . .
ORIGINAL SITE

13. It’s got the look . . .
Colorful, eye catching
banner photos that
change weekly, or more
often depending on the
event schedule, and
include the new Tomball
tourism slogan
A profile photo
featuring Tomball’s
new spokesmascot,
Rusty Rails.
Link to other sites
Call for festival vendors
News and features,
i.e. TFEA Conference

14. Images of fun stuff to see and do . . .
•Nature scenes
•Characters
•Live music
•Rusty Rails
•Anniversaries
•Festivals & events
•Local eateries
•Antiquing
•Boutiques
•Historical outings
•Farmer’s Market
•Wildlife
•Sports
•Holiday
celebrations
•And more . . .

22. Link to Tomball
restaurant photos at
EaterHouston.com
Weekly Tomball
Farmer’s Market
update
Event update
with latest
band booked
for “Bugs, Brew
& Barbecue”

23. Band update
for event
Announcement of
two new wine bars
coming to Tomball
in September
Live music
update for local
venue, Main
Street Crossing

24. Photos from
the site of the
“Rails & Tails
Mudbug
Festival”
Announcement of
the monthly artists
reception at a
Photo from the
local gallery on
site of the
Main Street
“Rails & Tails
Mudbug Fest”

25. Photo
promoting
upcoming car
show and
motorcycle
rally
Banner
naming
corporate
partners for
5K Bunny Run

26. Photos from
Art Walk,
Tomball and
link to
Postings for an event, live music at Main Street Crossing and
update on bands scheduled to perform at “Rails & Tails”

27. Announcement of upcoming
festivals and site photos from the
Tomball German Heritage Festival

28. Posting
about
“haunted”
sites
around
Tomball
Art Walk,
Tomball!
gallery and
Photos from the site of the link to
Lions Club Car Show
posted in real time

29. Event invitation and follow up
posting for Memorial Day
Weekend Chili Challenge

37. Request for
festival volunteers
Request for
promotion entries

49. Michael Baxter
Marketing Director
City of Tomball
401 Market Street
Tomball, TX 77375
281-222-4775