Posts Tagged ‘LinkedIn’
Tuesday, April 30th, 2013
freedigitalphotos.net
Maybe it will go away.
Social media’s really not that important to my clients.
I don’t want to make any mistakes, so I just won’t do anything.
These are common concerns I hear whispered at the back of the conference room. Guess what, when I spoke at NTA in 2009 to a capacity filled room, social media was in its infancy. Now in 2013, it’s growing exponentially and changing constantly. Are you harnessing it for your business?
Key takeaway: Survey your clients to find what social platforms they use, then decide how to leverage your time and talent. Social media is the new search engine. When you have a consistent voice and presence you’ll find your SEO will grow and clients will help you market by becoming your brand advocates.
Free Survey Tools
There are a number of simple, free tools to use to survey your clients. You may want to check out Survey Monkey, Kwik Surveys, and Poll Daddy.
Travel pros, you may want to ask your clients 3 quick questions; 1) What social sites do you visit? A. Facebook, b. Twitter, c. other, d. none. 2) How often do you check your social pages? A. daily, b. weekly, c. other. 3) Do you read on-line news and travel info? YES, NO.
Tour Operators, you may be interested in polling your tour participants about their social photo album use by asking something like this; 1) What social sites do you upload your vacation photos to? a. Facebook, b. Instagram, c. other d. none. 2) How likely are you to photo tag your friends in your vacation photos? A. always, b. when I remember, c. other 3) Do you capture your memories on video? YES, NO
Here’s what it looks like on Survey Monkey:
You can easily reach your audience in a variety of ways:
Social Tip
Remember to use the powerful polling and questioning tools on Facebook and LinkedIn. Don’t forget the instant power of a question on Twitter.
With these tools you’ll leverage the power of knowledge. You’ll be amazed at the many ways you’ll be able to apply your new knowledge and reach your clients, potential new clients and brand evangelists where they ‘hang out’ in the world of social media.
Tip: Start simple. Keep at it. Evolve. Focus on the 1 platform where most of your clients are, then branch out from there. Here are 9 Key Tactics to avoid Social Media Missteps.
How many social sites do you invest your time in?
Another social slip-up to avoid is to think it’s just about business. Read more
Connect with me online
Join me socially: Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest
When you ‘like’ my Facebook page you’ll have access to Free Resources just for travel pros!
By Catherine Heeg
About the Author, Catherine J. Heeg
Catherine Heeg is a travel, hospitality and tourism industry thought leader. As President of Customized Management Solutions and an international speaker and trainer she delivers customized interactive social media, marketing and communication workshops and webinars. Customized social marketing strategy design and coaching keep her driving results for the tourism, travel and hospitality industry.
Tags: Facebook, facebookpromotion, LinkedIn, marketing, marketingplan, Mistakes to avoid, sales, salestips, smallbusiness, social engagement, Social Media, Social slip-ups, Survey Monkey, Survey tools, Surveys, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, touroperator, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in Branding, Customer Service, hospitality, hotel industry, LinkedIn, marketing, Mistakes to avoid, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, Social slip-ups, strategy, Suvey, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Twitter | No Comments »
Friday, March 1st, 2013
Are you ready to add even more pizzaz to your LinkedIn profile?
Adding video to your LinkedIn Profile
In a recent webinar I hosted for travel pros the biggest question your colleagues had was how to add video and showcase their specialties and niche market. The process is quite simple and gives you the chance to stand apart while providing a unique component to your professional profile. Talk about a great branding opportunity.
Adding video to your LinkedIn profile
(Slide show below. Please note the first slide will change automatically in 4 seconds, the rest of the slides can be changed manually by clicking the forward arrow beneath the slide. This will give you a chance to complete the information on the slide before manually moving to the next slide. I wanted to be certain you have the right amount of time to capture this valuable information.)
Marketing your LinkedIn profile
** Include your LinkedIn address on all printed materials; business card, invoices, itineraries, promotional materials and social sites
** More tips on the slides below.
Where to find video for your LinkedIn profile
** Supplier videos. Tap into the resources of your top travel industry suppliers.
** For more tips please refer to the slide show below.
What tactics have you found helpful to stand out from the crowd on LinkedIn?
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!
By Catherine Heeg
Tags: branding, LinkedIn, marketing, marketingplan, sales, salestips, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, touroperator, travelindustry, video
Posted in Branding, Facebook Marketing, Google +, LinkedIn, marketing, promotion, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Video | No Comments »
Friday, February 22nd, 2013
Travel pros are always searching for new ways to reach untapped markets.
Leverage your LinkedIn Presence
LinkedIn is the opportunity to reach new potential clients in a different channel and meet them thru a business networking situation. That’s great news for both leisure and corporate travel consultants, hoteliers that focus on both markets, as well as tour operators and receptive operators.
LinkedIn has been called the ‘red-headed step-child’ of social media. As a red-head growing up with dark haired parents, I always thought that maybe I was the step-child. When LinkedIn came along I had to check out this new ‘Red Head’. So I jumped on the band wagon and have found great connections and new ways to communicate with colleagues.
Marketing tactics
Travel consultants
Think of the possibilities of marketing yourself to distinct groups of professionals by giving them the gift of time and relaxation in their next vacation. Consider reaching small business owners and providing them expertise for their corporate travel planning.
Hoteliers
Consider LinkedIn as a way to reach out to conference planners and corporate-stay decision makers.
Tour Operators
Have you thought about maximizing your connections with industry leaders and keeping up with your suppliers.
I love the Infographic below as it brings focus to 10 ways to make the most of your social networking.
Positive Positioning Statements
My favorite tip is #2: Optimize your positioning statement. This is a critical piece of your LinkedIn success when members are searching for a skill set or expertise.
Travel pros may want to list their title as “Cruise Expert” or “Vacation Pro” to aid in search results both within LinkedIn as well as in organic internet searches.
Tour operators may find success listing their key destinations in their title. It may look like this; “New York and Washington DC inbound receptive expert”.
What successes have you found on LinkedIn?
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!
Here are other marketing articles for travel & tourism pros:
5 Creative Ways to Market your Social Presence
3 + 30 Proactive Promotional Tips for your Blog + Infographic
5 Key Blog Marketing Tactics+ Infograhic
By Catherine Heeg
Tags: hospitality, hotelsales, LinkedIn, marketingplan, Networking, sales, salestips, Selling, smallbusiness, social engagement, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, touroperator, tourwholesaler, travelagent, travelindustry
Posted in Branding, hospitality, hotel industry, Infographics, LinkedIn, marketing, Networking, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry | No Comments »
Friday, November 30th, 2012
Pinterest is the newest ‘shiny’ thing to become a part of the travel & tourism industry’s social involvement. And it’s really bright & shiny!
The biggest news is that it’s actually working to engage travellers while they’re in the trip planning stage.
Travel consultants are leveraging this by using their own library of photos along with photos from supplier image galleries to entice, enthrall and close more sales.
Destinations are reaping the benefits as travelers are posting photos to their own boards and further spreading the word to future travellers. In addition, pins a DMO posts on related boards are benefitting local businesses as they’re being frequented by travelers.
The big question now is how to leverage this exposure over other social sites. Here are some marketing tactics to help travel pros spread their Pinterest page content to their other social pages.
Pinterest |Facebook
- Make sure you add the Pinterest app to your business page. Check out Woo Box to easily add access to your Pinterest site.
- Add a Post to your Facebook page announcing your newest board
- Ask your Facebook fans to follow you on Pinterest
- Make sure your Pinterest address is in the About section on your Facebook page
- Monitor your social presence. Here are some tools for you.
Pinterest |Website
- Add a ‘Pin It’ button onto your website
- Add the Pinterest icon linking directly to your Pinterest site.
- Create ‘Pinnable’ web materials
Pinterest |Blog
- Add your Pinterest address to your blog post
- Add a ‘Pin It’ button to your blog
- Blog about your Pinterest contest or your newest board
- Get creative with your photo editing. Here are some tools for you.
Pinterest |Twitter
- Tweet about your new involvement in Pinterest and provide a link to your newest board
- Create a Welcome board that showcases photos of your latest trip, an upcoming group departure or your newest blog post and Tweet about updates to this board.
- Update your Twitter profile to include a link to your Pinterest site.
Pinterest |LinkedIn
- Add your Pinterest address to your LinkedIn profile’s Professional section
- Announce new boards to relevant groups on LinkedIn
Pinterest |Google+
- Post your latest blog or photo updates to relevant Google+ circles
- In your G+ posts, include information on your latest Pins with a link to the relevant board.
Here are some other tactics for you to make the most of your Pinterest presence and grow your following of raving fans. See Infographic below.
Tags: blog, blogging, Facebook, facebookfans, Facebookmarketing, facebookpromotion, hospitality, LinkedIn, marketing, marketingplan, NACTA, NTA, Pinterest, sales, salestips, Selling, social engagement, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, touroperator, tourwholesaler, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in blogging, Facebook Marketing, hospitality, hotel industry, marketing, Monitoring tools, NACTA, National Tour Association, Networking, NTA, OASIS, Pinterest, promotion, Social Media Marketing, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Twitter | 2 Comments »
Friday, November 16th, 2012
freedigitalphotos.net
1 Hour and 17 minutes! That’s how long people spend on Pinterest.
1 in 5 Facebook users are on Pinterest DAILY! That’s 4 million daily unique visitors to Pinterest.
Are you leveraging this untapped potential in your own marketing? Here’s how to engage your followers and turn them into clients today!
Tip #1 – 
Announce your latest Pin on your Facebook business page and provide a link.
Photos on your Facebook page are more readily shared and ‘liked’ so here’s your chance to maximize your social reach. In working with travel pros I’ve found that people are more likely to share photos of beaches, sunsets and food. Where’s your focus going to be?
Tip #2 —
Do you want to engage and sell more? A call to action is crucial to reach your goal. Ask your Facebook fans to re-pin their favorite photos from your boards.
Bonus tip: Is cruising your niche market? You may consider setting up boards for each cruise ship you’ve sailed, then ask your fans to re-pin their favorite photos to their own Pinterest boards. This is a call to action along with building remarkable reach. Then, consider making this into a contest. More on that later.
Tip #3 — 
# aren’t only for Twitter! When you’re composing a description of your latest Pin think about key words that people may search and include as many as you can using # for the most important. Picture this—you’ve just returned from a fam trip and you’re in the process of marketing that destination. How about creating a board for the destination then in the description of each pin include something like this: “#name of destination, is great for #activity enjoyed. I had a spectacular time! Tip: remember to #travel tip”
Tip #4 —
Your blog is the perfect avenue to talk about what’s exciting on your Pinterest site and ask for comments and re-pins. Have you considered inserting some of your best photos into your next blog post, talking about Pinterest in that blog and then linking people to your Pinterest site? An awesome way to stimulate conversation all while maximizing credibility!
Tip #5—
Try this…in your next e-blast announce your newest Pinterest board additions, provide links and ask people to comment and re-pin their favorites.
Bonus tip: make sure that your links in your e-blast open in a different window so you don’t lose your blog reader.
When you put these techniques to work for yourself, imagine the potential for reaching and engaging your fans in a unique new fashion. Ignite and inspire your friends, fans and followers with these techniques!
What success stories have you had with your Pinterest site?
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!
Tags: blog, blogging, Facebook, facebookfans, Facebookmarketing, facebookpromotion, hospitality, hotelsales, LinkedIn, marketing, marketingplan, NACTA, Networking, Pinterest, sales, salestips, Selling, smallbusiness, social engagement, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, touroperator, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in blogging, Branding, E-mail, Facebook Marketing, hospitality, hotel industry, LinkedIn, marketing, NACTA, National Tour Association, NTA, OASIS, Pinterest, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Twitter, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Market Your Events
Do you want 3 new ways to market your events and tours? In this audio podcast we’ll explore the power of Facebook Events and how to create them. We’ll look in depth at the power of LinkedIn Events. Don’t miss the last part where we delve into secrets of integrating new and traditional media.
Check out this short audio podcast. I’m interested in hearing your success stories. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags: Facebook, facebookfans, Facebookmarketing, facebookpromotion, LinkedIn, Listening, marketing, Networking, Podcasting, Podcasts, Social Media
Posted in Facebook Marketing, LinkedIn, marketing, Social Media Marketing, strategy | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Time Management
Are you finding it hard to fit social media, audio and video podcasting and blogging into your work day? So many people I meet when I speak at conventions are challenged by how to prioritize their time and talent.
Every day
In my experience I’ve found success by setting aside a specific amount of time each day for social marketing. This enables me to batch different tasks; research and write, record a couple of audio podcasts at one time, write a series of blog posts and turn articles into pre-scheduled Facebook posts and tweets.
Additionally it’s helpful to:
- Check Facebook pages for comments and respond quickly
- Scan Tweets and look at specific hashtags (#)
- Read industry highlights and comment
Every Week
Each week I try to run thru the groups that I belong to on LinkedIn and answer questions, read material that’s newly posted and connect with those I’ve met during a recent conference.
In addition, I look at my Page Insights on Facebook and assess what’s been successful. What posts have gotten the most attention, what links have the most click thrus and where my new fans are coming from. These answers provide me the tools to tweak my upcoming posts.
When you commit to staying involved with your marketing efforts you’ll find that clients seek out your expertise and pass it along to their friends. Imagine filling your next group tour, selling your hotels’ group allotment or finding new sources of visitors to your attraction all thru the power of social connections.
Here’s another post that’s related: How to Find the Time for Social Media
When you find yourself too busy to research and post, here’s the solution for you.
Let’s keep the conversation relevant. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags: Facebook, Facebookmarketing, LinkedIn, marketing, sales, Social Media, tourism industry, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in Facebook Marketing, marketing, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, strategy, Time Management, tourism industry, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Twitter, Video | 1 Comment »
Friday, November 18th, 2011
Google Alerts
Do you ever wonder where people find compelling social content that inspires conversation? Where do they find relevant blogs and photos to attract new clientele to their tours? Where do they find those funny videos that show the right amount of ‘funny’ about their destination?
The mysterious ‘they’ out there have discovered the secret to sharing information. Let’s explore their secret!
Whether you’re beginning your foray into social media or are an expert, here’s a list of creative ideas to inspire you.
Content Sources
- Set up Google Alerts and be the first to learn of new articles that fit your key words. Google searches blog posts, news and the web for those keywords and delivers it to you. Tour operators may want to set up alerts for the destinations they serve. Some marketers set up alerts for their company name or destination as it’s a great chance to see what people are saying about you and respond.
- Search blog posts at Technorati. This is an opportunity to respond and connect with future clients and media thru the blogosphere.
- Use the search functions on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to hear what the ‘woman on the street’ is thinking. When you join those conversations you’ll engage with potential clients you may not have had an opportunity to meet in the traditional marketing or sales arena.
- Check your own backyard. What FAQ’s do you hear? What trivia intrigues your guests? Is there a new recipe that has people lining up at your hotel or restaurant? Travel agents—what questions do you hear from your new clients? Blog, Tweet and Facebook it!
When you seek out and connect with potential brand evangelists, thought leaders and influencers in these mediums you’ll find that your own social media following will grow exponentially.
Other posts you may find helpful: 3 Tips to Write in Less Time
Successes
Where have you had success in finding content for your postings? It would be great hearing and sharing!
Let’s keep the conversation relevant! Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags: blog, blogging, Content Development, Facebook, Facebookmarketing, facebookpromotion, LinkedIn, marketing, NACTA, NTA, salestips, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in blogging, Facebook Marketing, marketing, NACTA, National Tour Association, NTA, promotion, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Twitter | No Comments »
Friday, October 21st, 2011
If a picture is worth a thousand words, how valuable is video? Think about how popular You-Tube has become. Wouldn’t you love to have that impact on your clients?
Think how thrilled your clients will be to see you in the destination you’re blogging
about. Think CREDIBILITY! Think VIDEO! Have you considered these techniques:
Video Blog
- imbed it into your blog post and add text to supplement your recording
- create it as a stand-alone video and post it on your You-Tube channel
- embed your video into an e-mail using eyejot or vimeo
- provide a link to your video in your next e-mail blast
Tip: test out your smart phone for video quality. I would suggest making sure it’s HD. If you would like a top of the line (and affordable) HD video camera, check out the Mino Flip. I love how easy it is to use—1 button!
When creating your video keep in mind that 2-4 minutes is the preferred length. If you need more time, simply create a series of short, snappy videos.
When you begin to explore using these technologies you’ll find exciting ways to differentiate your business and appeal to a wider audience. Your expertise and enthusiasm will attract clients, news media and the attention of your preferred suppliers and partners.
What video success stories do you have to tell?
Let’s keep the conversation relevant! Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags: audioblogging, blog, blogging, Facebook, LinkedIn, Listening, marketing, Networking, nichemarket, Podcasting, Podcasts, sales, salestips, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismsalestips, tourwholesaler, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter, videoblogging
Posted in blogging, Customer Service, Facebook Marketing, hospitality, hotel industry, marketing, Networking, Niche Marketing, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Twitter, Video | No Comments »
Friday, October 7th, 2011
Successful marking is rapidly changing! Integration is the new buzz word! The question that looms large; Is print marketing dead? The answer is no, not really!
Traditional marketing as we know it is changing and your tools to keep up with the changes are multiplying. Recently at TechFest we explored a variety of ways to save time, connect more effectively and build business. For those of you who want to integrate your traditional marketing methods with social marketing, here are 3 tips for you!
Icons & Links
First, re-visit and re-think the correspondence and promotional materials
Social Media Icons
you send to your clients. Successful travel pros are adding the hyperlinks and/or icons of their social connections to their e-mail signature. This is a subtle, yet strong, message to your clients that you are involved and evolved!
Web updates
Second, announce your social involvement by putting icons on your website (check out how this looks) or including your Facebook or Twitter feed right on your site. Check with your web designer for specific tools for your unique platform. If you’re involved and committed to using Facebook and/or Twitter, let your web visitors know about it. They are potentially your biggest and best fans and followers.
Making your blog social
Third, your blog! This is the perfect medium to announce your social involvement and engage people in the brand of YOU! Blog readers are already interested in your topic, now you can use a tool like ‘Sexy Bookmarks’ to help them navigate to your social pages. (check out my blog for an example) At the very least provide hyperlinks so that they can find and follow you.
These simple tips and techniques will make the difference in client awareness and engagement. The success of marketing comes from making it easy for people to get to know you and buy from you.
What techniques are working for you? Keep the conversation going! Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags: Facebook, Facebookmarketing, facebookpromotion, LinkedIn, marketing, marketingplan, Networking, sales, salestips, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, touroperator, tourwholesaler, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in Branding, Facebook Marketing, marketing, Mobile marketing, Networking, Niche Marketing, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, strategy, Tourism Sales Tips | No Comments »
