Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

2 Social Metrics Tools + Tips

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you want to know how many people are really clicking on the links in your e-blasts and blogs? Knowing the relevancy of the information you’re providing is key to engaging your audience and solidifying relationships.  Here are some tools and tips to leverage your marketing efforts.

Link Shorteners

Using a link shortener like Goo.gl or bit.ly gives you an advantage of metrics.  These tools provide you with the number of clicks each link receives.  Other link shorteners include:  TinyUrl, Fur.ly.   Please note that some of these link shorteners also have the option for you to customize your link name and create a QR code.

Tip:  Split test your material by creating 2 shortened links for a single piece of material and test your reach.  For example, use a Goo.gl shortened link to your blog in your e-blast then create a bit.ly shortened link and put into a Facebook post.  Measure which one gives you the most click-thrus per 100 readers.

E-Blast Tools

When sending e-blasts how closely do you study the analytics?  Both Constant Contact and Vertical Response provide stunningly deep metrics that are worth examining.  What I like about Vertical Response is the option to pay as I go.  This gives me flexibility if I don’t send as many e-blasts in one month I’m not responsible for a full monthly rate, only the credits that I use.

Check out what the analytics look like:

I find the details of knowing how many people open each e-mail important as it reflects the relevancy of the content as well as the power of the subject line.

Tip:  Test the time of day you send a blast, measure the open rate based on your subject line and compare the metrics for open rates, click thru rates and open times.  Keep in mind that our industry standard for open rates hover near 16%, with click thrus averaging 12%.  How do you measure up?

Other Noteworthy tools

Radian 6

UberVu

Twendz

TweetFeel

Viral Heat

YackTrack

TW sentiment @Sentiment 140

Additional Resources:

For additional measuring and monitoring tools  see “3 Twitter tools and 1 Facebook Tip”.

You may also find “3 Social Monitoring Tools” useful in your analysis.

These powerful tools will not only help you understand your audience better they are a constant reminder to continue to be relevant and remarkable.

This is merely a sample of the essential tools available to boost your marketing power.

What others do you like to use?

 

Other relevant articles on this topic:  3 Twitter Tools + 1 Facebook Tip

Connect with me online

Join me socially:  Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn and Pinterest

When you ‘like’ my Facebook page you’ll have access to Free Resources just for travel pros!

2 Photos Tools for Travel & Tourism Pros

Saturday, September 29th, 2012

Pinterest is taking our industry by storm!  Booming thunder, white lightning, the whole shebang!

Are your photos like that lightning storm?  Do they throw viewers back in their seat in awe?

Are your photo descriptions like thunder leaving readers amazed and thrilled?

Be a part of this powerful storm!  Be a driving force that compels clients to book with you!

Here are a couple of cool new tools that increase your storm power by showcasing your professionalism and increasing the virality of your photos and posts.

Virality is dependent on capturing attention and enticing other Pinners to view and then share your photos.  See the infographic below, then we’ll explore how this whirlwind can shake up your travel and tourism marketing.

Source: pinerly.com via Pinerly on Pinterest

Source

Tool #1 iPiccy

iPiccy is a free editing tool that’s so easy to use. Edit pictures, apply beautiful photo effects, add text and even paint!

Here’s what you can do to add interest and share-ability to your photos.

Collage

How about adding a collage like this to your next newsletter or e-zine?  Think about what you can do with your blog posts? A variety of collage designs are available along with a variety of tools to change color, hue, contrast as well as the borders.

Travel agents; this is a chance to leverage your last fam trip and showcase your expertise in a unique look.

Tour Operators; consider showing potential tour members the experiences they’ll have on your next group departure.

Hotels; leverage those great lobby, guest room and meeting space photos from your website.  Are you interested in drawing in more group or wedding business?  Pull together a collage of your event space fully decorated.

Utah Collage - iPiccy

Collage - iPiccy


 

 

 

 

Long Collage – iPiccy

 

Adding text is easy.

Choose the text tool and insert the name of the featured destination, tour name, website address, inspirational quote.  The possibilities are endless. 

iPiccy text tool


 

 

 

 

 

TIP:  If you choose to use images that you’ve purchased from an on-line gallery or a supplier gallery, please check the guidelines on making changes like these to the images. The safest route is to use your own photos.

Tool #2 PicMonkey

Check out this free tool to edit your images and resize them to fit your social sites and marketing pieces.  You’ll find a bit more flexibility and creativity in creation tools here.

Borders

With a wide selection of choices you’re sure to be able to create memorable graphics for newsletters, e-mail blasts and promotional materials.

Borders - PicMonkey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo effects and Text

Adding effects like softening, edge effects, sepia as well as artsy and different camera looks and colors are also available and easy to use.   I found the text tool had more flexibility that other image tools as you can change the font, color and boldness.

Travel agents; imagine using this to promote your next group departure.  Adding words will increase the virality of this photo on Pinterest.  (see infographic for stats)

Tour Operators; how about teasing your clients with a photo of an upcoming, still unannounced destination then incorporating these ideas into your next blog post.

 Hotels;  how about giving fans a sneak preview of your newly renovated rooms or lobby using these softening tools.

PicMonkey text and effects

 

Overlays, Texture and touch ups are also available.  Think of the possibilities to create stunning images that will be shared by your Pinterest and Facebook fans.

Resize can be used to create long pins that will stand out on your boards. This option will lengthen your photos to 4500 for tons of visual appeal. Research has shown that long pins are shared more often.

Tip:  Socially speaking

These tools can be used to enhance your presence socially.  Use these tools and try this:

Facebook:

  1. Change your cover photo,
  2. add to your photo albums,
  3. post an inspirational quote using one of your travel photos.

Pinterest: 

  1. Add text to your photos to promote a destination, add special effects to capture attention.
  2. Use the resize tool to create beautiful long pins.
  3. Make sure that all of your pins include a description as well as a link to your website or Facebook page for more information and booking opportunities.

E-Blasts and e-zines:

  1. Include eye-catching effects that will make your photos POP,
  2. create collages of the tour you’re promoting,
  3. add text to the photo to draw attention

Blog posts:

  1. Use the overlays to highlight a specific feature or benefit,
  2. add texture to create interest.

Powerpoint presentations:

  1. Create more intrigue by using the photo frames
  2. Use sharpening/softening tools to focus on your topic.

As travel & tourism pros we constantly strive to engage, enlighten and entertain with compelling content.  These tools create a tempest of virality!  Leverage your assets and be remarkable in the eyes of clients and potential clients.

What tools do you use to edit your images?

 

Connect with me online

Join me socially:  Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn and Pinterest

When you ‘like’ my Facebook page you’ll have access to Free Resources just for travel pros!

5 Key Blog Marketing Tactics + Infographic

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

So you’ve spent your valuable time blogging about your latest fam trip, the newest addition to your attraction or destination or adding a new video blog to your archives, now what?

How do you get more eyeballs to see your posts?

As travel pros, we have exciting topics and a never-ending supply of possible content.  Marketing it is essential!

Here are 4 ways to maximize your marketing.

Tip #1 – Newsletter

Announce your newest blog post in your e-newsletter, print newsletter or thru an e-mail blast.  Bonus tip:  make sure you check that the link opens in a new window.

Tip #2 – Facebook

How about adding your blog to your Facebook page?  Check out Networked Blogs for a free and easy way to automatically post your blog to your Facebook business page. Bonus tip:  remember to use a media calendar to plan out your weekly themes, then add links to your blog posts that focus on these themes.

Tip #3 – LinkedIn

Depending which blog platform you use, check out the applications in LinkedIn. Bonus tip:  Announce your newest blog posts in LinkedIn groups to which you belong.

Tip #4 – Twitter

Conversations on Twitter are real time and it’s an excellent way to spread the word about your newest blog post.  Join conversations, use # that refer to your blog topic and @mention specific followers who are a part of your blog.

Tip #5 – Pinterest

Don’t forget to include your blog posts links into Pinterest pins.  This is an incredible way to spread the word and engage new readers who have searched out a specific destination.  Try this:  Create a board of photos from a desination.  In each Pin description include info on the photo as well as a link to your blog post that highlights this destination.

Follow this blog for additional tips and tactics for travel pros.  In upcoming blog posts I’ll share more essential marketing tips for your blog.

Below are some essential tips to ensure your blogging success.  I found this infographic here.

 

Source: pinerly.com via Pinerly on Pinterest

Connect with me.

What tactics do you use to market your blog?

Connect with me online

Join me socially:  Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn and Pinterest

When you ‘like’ my Facebook page you’ll have access to Free Resources just for travel pros!

 

 

 

7 Steps to a Powerful Timeline Pin

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012

Changes on Facebook seem to happen more often than airline schedule changes.  Timeline gives us some remarkable new ways to enthrall and engage our tourism audiences.

Pins are no longer just for Pinterest and tack boards. Facebook now boosts it’s marketing options by giving businesses a chance to keep something top of mind and top of page for 7 days.    Here are some valuable ways to maximize this new feature:

  • •Travel Agents:  Consider showcasing the destinations that are selling well and include a link to a package offering.
  • •Tour Operators:  Imagine being able to welcome page visitors with your upcoming group offering or an article about a new destination.
  • •Hotels:  How about showing off your newest press release or package offerings.
  • •DMO’s are featuring people engaging in activities and enjoying member facilities
  • •Attractions:  Create a splash for your fans by Pinning information on the most popular feature, the newest show or a note-worthy article to get your fans excited.
  • •Restaurants:  How about posting photos of your newest menu item or a link to a video of the mixing of the hottest new cocktail.

Here’s how you do this:

  1.  Hover over the upper right corner of a post,
  2. Click the pencil icon and you’ll notice a drop down box.  (see below)
  3. Click Pin to Top
  4. You’ll notice a gold ribbon will appear at the top of the post.
  5. After 7 days this post will fall into your timeline in chronological order.
  6. You can re-pin it again for another 7 days.
  7. You can un-pin a post at any time.

Figure 1 - Pin to the Top of your Facebook Timeline

Here are some examples for you:

Notice the gold ribbon at the top of the post.

 

Highlight a new destination

 

Have fun with this new Pinning feature of Timeline! Pinning is a great tool that encourages connection and interaction with your audience and, promotes key features of the travel and tourism industry.

What do you plan to Pin to the top of your page?

Connect with me online

Join me socially:  Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn and Pinterest

When you ‘like’ my Facebook page you’ll have access to Free Resources just for travel pros!

11 Cool Content Tactics for Blogging Travel Pros

Friday, May 25th, 2012

Creating compelling blog content is a powerful way to captivate!

Blogging to Captivate

Captivate your clients.  Captivate new clients.  Captivate the media.

Did you know that 19% of travelers consult a blog when planning a trip?  Think about how many people you have an opportunity to reach when you showcase your expertise and provide readers with added value.

When I speak at industry conferences the biggest blogging question I hear is “Where do I find interesting and relevant things to write about?”  Great question and here is a list of solutions for you!

These content boosting opportunities have been divided into expertise levels so that if you’re just starting out in the blogging world you’ll find ideas in the novice section to quickly and easily get you rolling out blogs with content that’s easy to access and research.  Then as you get more comfortable with your writing style there are intermediate ideas that you can use to leverage your skills.  The advanced ideas are great for bloggers that need more momentum to keep their content fresh and engaging.

Novice Content

When you begin a blog it can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time.  These essential content building sources will give you a jump-start.  Each of these killer ideas are designed to tap into your creativity and let your expertise shine. How about writing about:

  1. Historical facts from your top selling property, attraction or destination
  2. Top Customer Service issues that are brought up by your clients
  3. Funny questions from clients
    • * You know the ones…”can my dog sit on my lap on the plane?”
  4. Trivia from destinations, hotels, attractions.
    • * How many eggs does your favorite ship board prior to departure?
    • * How many pumpkins did your top selling boutique hotel order last Halloween?
    • * Construct your blog around the trivia and weave in additional information that will temp people to call you to book their trip.
  5. Review your client comments and testimonials for possible content.
  6. Did someone compliment you on your insider knowledge of a specific destination?  Write a blog post about it with some insider tips and a call to action to book with you  Include the client testimonial (with their permission)
  7. Subscribe to other blogs
    • * Supplier blogs and  trade blogs are a great inspiration to help you capture ideas
  8. Search out others in your sector to see what’s top of mind for them
    • * Do something different
  9. Check what conversations are happening at other Social Media sites
    • * Check out supplier sites as well as associations and other travel agents
  10. Mine the web and social sites of your top selling suppliers for the latest press releases
    • * Add your experience with the topic and showcase your photos
  11. Read a variety of publications for relevant, interesting travel news
    • * write a blog on your thoughts and experiences as related to the article
    • * Link to the original article

Inspiration is merely the start of great blogs.  You’re an industry expert and here’s your chance to be inspired to write material that will entice people to look to you when planning their travels.

 

Happy writing.  Where do you find inspiration for your blog?

Here are some time saving writing tips

 

Connect with me online

Join me socially:  Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn and Pinterest

11 Tourism Industry Timeline Inspirations + Tips

Thursday, March 29th, 2012
Are you ready to make the switch to Facebook’s new Timeline?

How about some inspiration?

Here are some industry leaders who have already updated their Facebook business page to Timeline and are showcasing their product and increasing their exposure.  Enjoy!

Upgrade tip:

  • Choose wisely.  Consider a product shot, gorgeous photo of your property or people using your service.  Think about what will attract your perfect clients.
  • Be certain to use photos that are yours, are royalty free or that you’ve purchased from a reputable on-line source.
    • Consider I-Stock or Fotolia
  • There are a few things Facebook doesn’t allow in your Cover Photo:
    • Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it at our website”
    • Contact information, such as web address, email, mailing address or other information intended for your Page’s About section
    • References to user interface elements, such as Like or Share, or any other Facebook site features
    • Calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends”

Tips for Travel and Tourism Pros:

  1. You may consider changing your cover photo to highlight destinations during their peak selling period.  For example, in fall when you’re selling sun vacations change your cover photo to sunny destination photos you’ve taken, purchased or acquired the rights to use.
  2. Tour Operators may want their cover shot to speak to their current clients as well as potential new clients by using photos of people enjoying a focal point of your business.  For example, if you provide cultural tours how about a photo of group participants enthralled by a private docent led museum tour.  If your focus is culinary tours, how about a photo of a group entranced by a chef-led cooking demonstration.
  3. Highlight the destination you’re focusing on in your regular Facebook posting calendar.  For example, if you’re talking about Italy on your page and highlighting things to do, fabulous museums and cycling tours, change your cover photo to match the theme and show guests of yours pedalling thru the beauty of Tuscany.
  4. As a hotel, you may consider capturing the attention of visitors by showcasing a different property each week or month based on selling patterns and/or availability.
  5. Hotels may also want to focus on aspects of their marketing mix and feature a photo of a bride during the prime wedding booking season.  How about focusing on corporate meetings, conventions or conferences during the time you’d like to boost this business.
  6. Attractions can focus on photos of people enjoying the main parts of the attraction with family and friends.  Be certain that you obtain any releases you may need to use photos of people.
  7. Restaurants and dinner show venues may want to show groups of people participating in and enjoying the entertainment.  Future guests and group buyers will be drawn to people who look like their demographic laughing and participating in the fun.
  8. Edit the names and graphics of the apps/tabs that appear on your page.

 

Industry Timeline Examples

Starwood


A Loft Hotels

 

Ritz Carlton

 

Barcelo

 

Globus

 

Tauck Tours

 

Sports Travel and Tours

 

  • Discover Hawaii Tours

Get in Touch with Catherine

Catherine welcomes you to phone or e-mail her with your needs and interests. A preliminary discussion will help determine whether Customized Management Solutions may help you drive the results you’re looking for.

Contact Catherine Heeg