Facebook's self-serve ads preferred

TBI Research analyst Rory Maher says some advertisers are moving some of their spend from Google to Facebook because Facebook's self-service ads can be "ultra-targeted”, according to The Business Insider.

Rory wrote, " An example used was the ability to target 'Americans that are married or engaged and are avid flyfishers'. You can't do that on Google."

Another reason Facebook's self-service ad business is booming is because social games makers like Zynga and PlayFish are making lots of money selling users virtual goods. To keep those users coming back, they're spending lots of money on Facebook ads.

Tesco is to open its first store with no staffed checkouts as part of a trial, reports Mad.co.uk. The express store in Northampton will have only self-service checkouts, supervised by one staff member.

The supermarket claims the store will employ the same number of staff it would if there were checkout staff, but in different job functions. Tesco says the trial aims to look at how self-service tills can provide a better service in smaller stores by putting its staff on the shop floor, closer to customers.

"The checkouts are supervised at all times to ensure customers get the same great service and the feedback has been good so far. New technology has a part to play in doing a better job for customers but we will always have staff on hand to offer that personal touch."

Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is finalising discussions with SITA, the specialist provider of IT solutions to airlines and airports, to install six kiosks for self-service check-in at the airport terminal, says The Daily herald.

The kiosks are part of the investment in the new terminal and a continuation of PJIA's drive to deliver state-of-the-art services to its customers.

President of PJIA, Eugene Holiday, explained that a number of airlines have already green-lighted the usage of the kiosks. He said agreements with the other airlines will probably follow suit after discussions and after travellers voice their preference for all airlines to make use of the kiosks.