As a follow-up to our April 2008 special report on word-of-mouth marketing we offer these handy links to help you get started building your own branded Facebook and YouTube pages. Check back again for more expert insights. We’ll post ’em as we get ’em.

State school sporting events have long been the venues of choice for marketers looking to make connections with coveted college student populations local fans and tightly-knit alumni networks. But the Big Ten is hardly the only game in town. This month we take a look at alternative student networks—accredited U.S. colleges often overlooked by marketers but jam-packed with demographically unique target groups.

Once upon a time nightlife events consisted of attractive men and women dropping into bars and nightclubs wearing tight t-shirts and armed with samples. But as with every other experiential niche the old reliable tactics don’t cut it anymore. Nightlife programs must engage for more than a night to hit the mark. Four keys to successful nightlife marketing:

Debates on immigration and assimilation certainly won’t be fading any time soon. But while politicians fight it out the fact remains that the growing Hispanic populations have increasing buying power. And companies are making sure to reach out to these markets. The question is: What’s the best strategy? The answer: Keep it real—as in authentic.

It takes more than just speaking the language to make a connection. Companies are tapping into consumers’ passions by creating events that engage people on their own turf.