If you are trying to escape Inauguration Day and political news, this is not the Bee Update for you. This edition is flush with political stories and Trump craziness. Read on!
Trump’s Terrible Facebook Targeting: A Case Study
I always recommend Facebook advertising because of the amazing ability to target niche audiences. But this week, Facebook users got a lesson in how not to run their ad campaigns. The media mocked Trump for paying to promote his own inauguration, but I laughed at his terrible ad targeting skills. According to The Verge, one version targeted everyone in New York City age 27 and up.
Behind Every Successful Man… is a Successful Data Firm
On the flip side of the Facebook ad debacle is news about Cambridge Analytica. This data firm’s sophisticated use of targeted messages and social data helped propel both Trump and Brexit to victory. The firm is expanding big time and has recently hired Republican National Committee’s chief technology officer, reports Wired. The New York Times article on Cambridge Analytica’s technique is fascinating and (if you take a lot of Facebook quizzes) disturbing.
Just Say “No” to Spreadsheets
Does your non-profit track digital stats in a giant spreadsheet? Putting all your metrics in one place might seem like a good idea. But it makes it harder to take action on your data.
Getting Trump out of Google Analytics
You can’t escape politics — even in your Google Analytics account. If you are paying close attention to your analytics reports, you may have noticed Trump-themed spam in your account. It’s caused by a Russian hacker, and Beaconfire RED’s blog explains how to filter it out.
The Election Analysis to Rule Them All
FiveThirtyEight published a detailed, data-driven recap of the presidential election and why the polls got it so wrong. Great long read.
Visualization of the Week: Mapping the Bay
Annapolis-based non-profit The Chesapeake Conservancy created a map the Chesapeake Bay, applying big data to environmental conservation. The new map helps pinpoint surfaces with high rainwater run-off and make it easier to prioritize projects. Check it out here.