Posts Tagged ‘training’
Friday, January 25th, 2013
Fact or Fib? 80% of U.S. social network users prefer to connect to brands through Facebook.
Fact or Fib? Social media and blogs reach 80% of all U.S. Internet users.
Are you reaching your potential clients with your social media marketing?
Here are 5 powerful ways to reach a wider audience while drawing more fans, readers and followers to your social channels. By creatively funneling people from one channel to another you will leverage their involvement and help them become more engaged. They’ll get to know you better!
You know the saying; people buy from people they know and like. Here are some tips to develop that relationship.
#1 Blog Sharing 
Sexy Bookmarks is a great tool to encourage people to share your blog. It’s reactive and cool! When you hover over an icon it pops up! Plus you can customize which icons appear in your blog. Here’s what it looks like.
An RSS feed is a way to capture their attention with each new blog post.
Bonus tip: Once people see your blog, remind them to connect with you on your other social sites by including an invitation to connect via hyperlinks to each of your other social and web sites. See below for an example.
#2 Facebook | Blog 
Networked Blogs is an easy to set up app/tool that will automatically roll your latest blog post right to your Facebook page. Here’s what it looks like on your Facebook page.
#3 Pinterest |Facebook 
WooBox is the go-to tool ensuring that your Facebook fans have direct access to your Pinterest page. Simple to install it puts a Pinterest app front and center on your Facebook business page.
Bonus tip: Pinterest has just added Business pages. You can now change your personal Pinterest site into a business page and add your website verification that makes it easier for people to find you. When you complete this step by adding some code provided by Pinterest to your website .
Here’s what your Pinterest bio will look like.
#4 Twitter Engagement 
Have you uploaded your new Header image? Twitter has recently given us more real-estate to brand and show who we are and what we do. Here’s your chance to put a picture or graphic of your specialty, niche or latest fam destination. Remember to include links to your other social sites in your Twitter profile. Here are some great examples from our industry.
#5 Measure & Monitor 
Some of my favorite tools to learn more about when to post, fan demographics and HOT news are:
- SocialMention-track what’s being said about your top destinations, suppliers and your company
- Crowdbooster—measure and optimize your social marketing, plus tips to help you improve
- GoogleAlerts—set up a notification system to be alerted to top news on your key words
- TweetWhen – track your Twitter stats
- Facebook Page Insights—check your fan demographics and success of your posts
- Reachli—learn more about your Pinterest audience with analytics
- More of my favorites.
Fact or Fib? Both are FACTS! Gripping reasons to leverage your involvement and up your game!
For more stats please go to: http://bit.ly/W3mWet and http://bit.ly/U3QKGa
What success stories have you had marketing your social sites?
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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, marketing, marketingplan, Networking, Pinterest, salestips, Selling, social engagement, Social Media, tourismbusiness, training, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in blogging, Facebook Marketing, hospitality, hotel industry, marketing, NACTA, National Tour Association, Networking, NTA, OASIS, Pinterest, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Twitter | 2 Comments »
Sunday, December 9th, 2012
Hootsuite continues to amaze me.
Hootsuite
At the recent #somet12 conference in El Paso we were honored to be able to hear Dave Olsen relate how they’re adding ‘interestingness’ to their own product.
Hootsuite Ambassadors, called HootScouts, are bringing the excitement of Hootsuite to more people around the world. These ambassadors come armed with Owl Swag and host Hoot-up’s. (a gathering of Hootsuite users) Here Hootsuite users have a chance to talk about how they’re using the apps, how to better engage their social fans and exchange ideas.
They also have a chance to ‘Play with the Brand’, as Dave said, by creating their own owl masks and using the swag in creative ways. This helps them not only spread the word, but the company gets a sense of what users are talking about. These brand advocates take photos and let the company know their ideas for improvements. What a fun way to have people engage with a brand in a fun and playful way.
Travel, Tourism and Hospitality
How exciting this would be in the travel and tourism world. Imagine consumers ‘playing with your brand’ making their own ____________ and discussing their travel dreams. You fill in the blank with your destinations’ mascot or iconic figure. Attractions can fill in the blank with their favorite mascot whether it’s Mickey or Minnie or _________________. Travel agents: imagine having people at your next consumer night use swag from the supplier you’re representing creating a collage of their favorite reasons to ____________________.
This is a great way to build a posse or tribe and take your clients from loyal to brand advocate.
How can you add these ideas into your marketing strategy?
After the conference I had a chance to meet with Dave personally and here’s what we talked about. I hope you enjoy the interview….even though you’ll hear a bit of airport noise at the end. Dave and I chatted about some exciting new apps available. Exciting news!
Click here for the interview or click on the player below.
What’s your favorite app within Hootsuite?
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When you ‘like’ my Facebook page you’ll have access to Free Resources just for travel pros!
Tags: Facebookmarketing, Hootsuite, hospitality, marketing, marketingplan, Mobile marketing, Podcasting, sales, salestips, Selling, smallbusiness, social engagement, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, training, travelindustry
Posted in Audio Interviews, Branding, marketing, Monitoring tools, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, travel industry | 2 Comments »
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
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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: bit.ly, blog, Constant Contact, Facebook, Facebookmarketing, facebookpromotion, link shorteners, marketing, sales, salestips, Selling, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, touroperator, tourwholesaler, training, travelagent, travelindustry, Vertical Response
Posted in Facebook Marketing, marketing, Monitoring tools, Social Media Marketing, strategy, Time Management, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Twitter, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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.
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:
- Change your cover photo,
- add to your photo albums,
- post an inspirational quote using one of your travel photos.
Pinterest:
- Add text to your photos to promote a destination, add special effects to capture attention.
- Use the resize tool to create beautiful long pins.
- 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:
- Include eye-catching effects that will make your photos POP,
- create collages of the tour you’re promoting,
- add text to the photo to draw attention
Blog posts:
- Use the overlays to highlight a specific feature or benefit,
- add texture to create interest.
Powerpoint presentations:
- Create more intrigue by using the photo frames
- 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?
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Tags: blog, editing tools, Facebook, facebookfans, facebookpromotion, hospitality, hotelsales, marketing, marketingplan, Photos, Pinterest, Social Media, tools, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, touroperator, tourwholesaler, training, travelagent, travelindustry
Posted in blogging, E-mail, hospitality, hotel industry, marketing, Pinterest, promotion, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, travel industry, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
Thursday, May 31st, 2012
Did you know that 19% of travellers visit a blog site when planning a trip. Wouldn’t you love for them to be so intrigued with your content and expertise that they book with you?
Content is KING! Yet sometimes we all find it hard to get creative enough to entertain, educate and engage in each and every post. To help you break out your creative side here are some killer ideas for you.
Curate content.
- •Find your ten favorite travel websites.
- •Publish a post listing these top ten sites and explain why you like them.
- •Tip: When selecting these websites, make sure they don’t have links to other agent booking engines or directly to supplier sites.
- •Highlight your top 10 favorite suppliers/ships/hotels/beaches/resorts/destination…you choose
- •You may want to write a blog about each category
- •Enlighten your readers with your experiences enjoying each
- •Include photos and your own reviews
- •Capitalize on success
- •Showcase top travel bloggers. Check out this list.
- •You’ll lead your readers to other top quality material and they’ll thank you for the resource
- •Then make sure you’re on that list next year!
- •Put together your own Top 10 listof resources
- •Top travel apps, suitcases, packing tips
- •Top wineries to visit in California and other destinations you sell
- •Top restaurants in your top selling destination
Mine Socially
- •Search your Facebook business page comments
- •Write about what people are talking about
- •Search supplier Facebook pages for comments and questions that may be similar to what your clients might ask. This is like getting a gift for free!
- •Search Twitterfor comments on your top destinations
- •This will give you an idea of popular conversations that you can use to inspire your writing.
- •Listen, really listen, when you phone/email clients upon return.
- •Expound on their trip highlights.
- •Put together a list of your favorite travel bloggers and connect with them about guest posting opportunities.
- •Consider finding people who’s expertise compliments yours
- •Search blog directories such as Technorati, AllTop to see what’s HOT!
Inspiration
- •Write a review. Think about a product/supplier/destination that you like, and are happy to endorse, and write a review about it. No need to get too creative, just explain what you like about it, and why.
- •Use a current movie as inspiration. Just think, your research could be a trip to the theater
- •The Artist or Midnight in Paris and write about Paris.
- •The Help, focus on the old-South and current events, museums that will add perspective to the movie.
- •TV Shows as inspiration.
- •SMASH or Glee, write about new Broadway plays.
- •Cooking shows (Cupcake Wars, Chopped) and write about unique cooking schools in destinations you currently sell or have group departures.
- •Best selling books as inspiration
- •Snowflower and the Secret Fan—blog about modern day China and the chance to learn more about their history.
- •Corelli’s Mandolin. Write about Italy and all it has to offer currently
- •Review your favorite Travel guide books for your top destinations
- •Highlight your top 5 or 10 guide books and review the ease of use, inclusions, size, etc.
- Review your favorite ethnic cookbook
- •Weave in travel, culinary, wine and cooking school options.
- •Include a call to action to book with you
Like this infographic? Get more content marketing tips from Copyblogger.
This infographic can be found here. For additional social media related infographics, please check out my Pinterest boards.
Which of these content opportunities will you use first?
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Tags: blog, blogging, CITC, Facebook, Facebookmarketing, hospitality, hotelsales, Infographics, marketing, marketingplan, NACTA, Networking, NTA, sales, salestips, Selling, smallbusiness, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, tourismsalestips, touroperator, tourwholesaler, training, travelagent, travelindustry
Posted in blogging, Branding, Facebook Marketing, hotel industry, marketing, NACTA, National Tour Association, Niche Marketing, NTA, sales, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012
Exciting changes travel quickly! Facebook’s Timeline for business pages is HOT news!
As a travel pro, here are 3 tips and tricks, plus an important bonus tactic, to keep you ahead of the game. I know, you’re probably overwhelmed by bookings, accounting and keeping up with supplier changes. Now you wonder how you’ll manage to tackle another Facebook change. I’ve put together a quick update for you with how-to’s and strategy designed for the travel and tourism pro.
#1 – Your new Cover Photo
This exciting change gives you the opportunity to showcase your specialty visually! From a marketing standpoint this is awesome news! You can now highlight:
- •Your best-selling destination
- •Upcoming group departure
- •Your latest fam trip destination and focus on your credibility
- •Photos of people enjoying your services (you may want to get a release from those pictured)
Tech stuff: This new cover photo needs to be 851 pixels wide and 315 pixels tall. Most people choose a high-definition photo that captures the essence of their brand, the business model and their key specialty.
Tip: don’t use a photo that doesn’t belong to you and follow Facebook’s rules on cover photos.
How to add your cover photo:
If you don’t have a cover photo yet, log into your business page and you’ll see a bar at the top that will walk you thru setting up your new page. You can choose where to upload a photo from, see example
If you already have uploaded a cover photo and would like to change it, hover over “Change Photo” when you’re logged in as an Admin on your page.
Tip: you can reposition the photo up and down, but not sideways. Be certain to do any cropping prior to uploading your photo. See example below:
How to change a cover shot
Here’s an example of a travel consultant who has used the cover photo extremely well to highlight her business:
Journey’s by Jo example of Cover Photo
Tips for Travel Pros:
- You may consider changing your cover photo to highlight destinations during their peak selling period. For example, in fall when you’re selling ski vacations, change your cover photo to ski photos you’ve taken, purchased or acquired the rights to use.
- 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.
#2 Messages
Great news! Your clients can now send you private messages in addition to posting on your Wall. This gives you a chance to have a private conversation about bookings, dates or concerns without the Facebook world knowing.
You can turn this feature on or off from your Admin dashboard by clicking Manage Permissions.
How to change the Message Feature
The message feature is enabled by default. To disable it, click and remove the check-mark. As a page Admin you can reply to a message, but not send one to a fan.
The reverse of this is also true, you can now privately message another page owner. Think of the power of messaging a supplier.
#3 Highlight posts on your Timeline
Imagine your best photos and videos you’ve included in posts being spread out across the width of your wall. What a great way to showcase photos from your last fam trip and visually entice clients to book with you.
When you ‘Highlight’ a post by clicking on the star (see example below) it enlarges the post to the size of the bottom post in this example. (see arrow) Talk about attention-grabbing!
How to Highlight a post
Travel pros love the benefit of being able to showcase upcoming group departures, packages that are hot-sellers as well as unique destinations that will excite and inspire clients.
BONUS! Pin to the top of your Page
Do you ever wish your best posts could stay at the top of your page? Leverage that article you’ve written about an upcoming group departure so it doesn’t get hidden in the flow of other posts.
Now you can ‘Pin’ a story to the top of your page for a week. Making it stick to the top of your page gives you the chance to fully market a unique product, highlight a new destination or a special you’re providing to your clients.
Here’s how it works:
- •Find the post you’d like to appear at the top of your page.
- •Hover and click the pencil icon at the top of the pos
- •Click ‘Pin to Top’
- •A small ribbon-like graphic will appear at the top of your post indicating it’s been ‘Pinned’
How to Pin a Post
Savvy travel marketers are using this feature to Pin stories, promotions, offers and events to maximize their visibility. Only 1 pinned story is allowed at one time. You can change the pinned messages at any time.
The potential for pinning is powerful!
Imagine:
- pinning a top suppliers’ newest product to the top of your page
- prominently featuring your next group departure
- showcasing an article you’ve written about your latest travel discovery
- providing a link to your website or on-line booking engine
This is just the beginning of a series of articles on these changes at Facebook and how they will affect you.
For a quick cheat-sheet, Facebook has put this together to highlight the newest features.
If you run out of time for your own social media presence, remember I’ll do the work for you!
Build your site? YES
Maintain your site with multiple postings? YES
Coach you on your social marketing? YES
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Tags: Cover Photo, Facebook, facebookfans, Facebookmarketing, facebookpromotion, Highlight on Timeline, hospitality, marketing, marketingplan, NTA, Pin to Timeline, sales, salestips, Social Media, Timeline, tourismbusiness, tourwholesaler, training, travelagent, travelindustry
Posted in Branding, E-mail, Facebook Marketing, hotel industry, marketing, NACTA, National Tour Association, NTA, promotion, sales, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry | No Comments »
Friday, November 25th, 2011
Twitter Hashtag
On Twitter, there are some really cool conversations happening that bring together groups of people at a set time and date. Think of combining a sales seminar and information meeting into 1 format that joins people from around the world.
This is a reality when you gather around a hashtag (#). You’ll need a moderator and a conversations managing tool. For resources and a checklist, please click.
When you join a Twitter chat here are couple of tools that will make your chats easier.
Transcripts
If the moderator provides a transcript you can refer to it and connect with others on the conversation and download the links provided in the conversation. Check out Chirpstory.com and TweetDoc.org to create your own transcript. By merely typing in the # and the date of your conversation, these tools create a full transcript along with photos of participants.
Platforms
Some people participate in Twitterchats directly from Twitter. When you use the search key and search the # you’re chatting on, you’ll eliminate other miscellaneous tweets that enter your stream. Then simply hit the refresh key often to see the stream in real time.
Other people find that using Tweetdeck or a similar platform provides a cleaner stream of tweets.
Opportunities
There are so many opportunities to use Twitter chats and here are a few of my favorites:
- *Wedding & Honeymoon Travel specialists: Twitter Chats are a great chance to meet with a number of brides to exchange ideas
- This can be a benefit you offer to your clients—a chance to ‘talk’ with other brides about their plans, best ideas, on-line wedding resources, etc.
- *Cruise only travel agents: Imagine meeting on Twitter with a select group of your top clients.
- Learn what they love about cruising then use this info in your next marketing campaign
- Exchange ideas for the next group departure
- “Ask a Travel Pro”—think about the opportunity to gain new clients by hosting a weekly or monthly Twitter Chat
- People can ask questions based on a pre-selected topic; you share your expertise.
- You can leverage this and gain new clients as well as more insight into what people are interested in—great fodder for your blog and your sales/marketing pitches to clients
- *How about getting together with new corporate clients to review how they can use Twitter while on the road.
- *Attractions and hotels: Great way to meet with your top tour operators and conduct focus groups to learn their needs.
- *Destinations can meet with their tour wholesale clients to learn what they would love to see in your destination. This will be a chance to update them on the latest and greatest sites and activities in your area.
- *Tour Operators can meet with their travel agent partners to listen and learn
- *Tour Operators: how about meeting with your group leaders to learn their needs and build a more creative product
Keep in mind that your conversations may be picked up by the media making interviews and greater exposure possible.
- 2 out of 5 journalists get all their news from Twitter
How have you used Twitter Chats in your business? I challenge you to start using this tool today!
See 4 Secrets to find Captivating Content, and discover how others find great social content!
You may also find these posts helpful:
Keep the conversation going! Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags: hospitality, marketing, salestips, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismbusiness, touroperator, tourwholesaler, training, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in Branding, Customer Service, hotel industry, Mobile marketing, NACTA, National Tour Association, NTA, sales, Social Media Marketing, strategy, Time Management, tourism industry, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Twitter | No Comments »
Friday, February 11th, 2011
Getting involved with social media and finding the time to stay on track with your social media marketing strategies may have to involve a change in your focus. For example, think about how much time are you currently spending putting together a printed newsletter, or proofing ads. How much time do you spend working with your printer on a new flyer, and working on the graphics for your latest flat sheet? Have you considered spending this time on digital marketing efforts?
Talent Search
Consider which of your team may be most valuable to you in this new media role. Is there someone who’s brilliant at writing copy? Who in your office composes the best customer service letter? You may consider working with them to design your strategy, brainstorm your content and develop a time frame to implement this new form of conversation. In addition, there are specialty firms that will start up and maintain your social media sites for you.
Timing
Eventually you’ll be able to scan your social media sites, respond to messages and build new content in about 1-2 hours per week. This is the average most users in our industry spend on social media. Granted, at the start you’ll spend more time learning and getting used to the new systems.
Here’s a hint: carve out time each day to work on your social media endeavor.
As tourism professionals, can we afford not to be a part of these conversations? These conversations are already taking place and when we’re involved we’re adding value for our clients and discovering opportunities.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin
Catherine Heeg is an international speaker and trainer in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Social Media Marketing….know you need it. NO time! Here’s the solution for you! We’ll set up and/or maintain your social sites for you. This gives you time to be brilliant in your own work!
Let’s keep the conversation going. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags: Facebook, hospitality, LinkedIn, marketing, salestips, Social Media, Time Management, training, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
Posted in Facebook Marketing, hospitality, hotel industry, ITMI, marketing, National Tour Association, NTA, sales, Social Media Marketing, Time Management, Tourism Sales Tips, Travel Consultant, travel industry | No Comments »
Saturday, January 29th, 2011
Are you still thinking why do I need to be on Facebook? I don’t have the time! Maybe you already have a Facebook page, but are wondering how to update it and keep your fans engaged.
You are not alone in these thoughts. Travel professionals seem to be agonizing over how to start, why they need or want to be on Facebook, and what reward it offers.
With over 500 million Facebook users worldwide, there are many people in your target audience waiting to hear from you!
This posting will focus on Facebook fan pages, or business pages, as opposed to personal profiles. In order to get started on Facebook, you will need both a personal profile and a business page, but for clarity we will focus only on the business page. On a business page fans ‘like’ you or join your page in order to take part in the conversations. You do not ‘accept’ them as you would do on a personal profile.
2 reasons why Facebook is so important
- Facebook opens one more channel of conversation with your clients and potential clients: it allows for a 2-way conversation to take place. Unlike print marketing or radio advertising, Facebook allows you to have 2-way conversations and learn more about your client’s wants and needs.
- Facebook pages are searchable on the Internet, meaning that when a client Googles your company name, not only will your website listing appear, but your Facebook business page will also be accessible. Even if your client isn’t a member of Facebook they can still access your business page! This information is truly valuable from a tourism perspective. Just think about a client who’s searching for a tour that your company offers and finds a lively conversation on your Facebook page about this particular destination. Not only will this client be engaged, but they will also have a chance to get to know you and your current clients quickly.
Remember, there are many people in your target audience waiting to hear from you. Read on to learn more about the cool new features on Facebook that will help you to reach out and engage with both your existing and potential clients.
If you’re daunted by social media, I have the solution for you! My new division will set up and maintain your social media presence for you. When you engage my services you can focus on what you’re most brilliant at while reaping the rewards of social media marketing. Check this out and get started today!
Catherine Heeg is an international speaker and trainer in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags: Facebook, facebookfans, Facebookmarketing, facebookpromotion, LinkedIn, marketing, sales, Social Media, tourism industry, tourismsalestips, training, travelagent, travelindustry
Posted in Branding, Facebook Marketing, hospitality, ITMI, marketing, National Tour Association, Networking, NTA, Social Media Marketing, strategy, tourism industry, Travel Consultant, travel industry, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Is summer usually a time for you to kick back and enjoy the nice weather while hoping that your clients will remember you in the fall?
Think back to when you were a kid…summer was a time to learn cool new things. I learned to tip the canoe and then right it without having to bail it out. Were you excited to learn how to dive, perfect your back swing on the tennis court or read that new book?
Why not make this summer your chance to learn something exciting that you’ve contemplated, yet put off. Perhaps you know that you need to get more involved in marketing your business. Here are some tips to get you started.
Social Media
Start by taking a look at what your suppliers, competitors and industry leaders are doing. Get involved by webinar to learn the best practices and how-tos of marketing via social media. Then try your hand at one form and practice and listen.
Your marketing plan
Every once in awhile I look outside our industry to learn what others are doing in their marketing efforts. Lately I’ve noticed a couple of things;
- businesses are revising their marketing plans more frequently to keep up with clients changing needs
- small business owners are becoming even more fluid in adapting to new technologies
- contract workers are flourishing. Tourism based businesses are jumping on the band wagon and bringing in experts when necessary to build a new marketing initiative, take on a project like social media or explore new destination opportunities.
Ask for Referrals
Currently, the tourism and hospitality industry relies so heavily on word of mouth and social networking to promote. Summer is a great time to contact past clients that you think of as ‘raving fans’ and ask for their testimonials to put on your web-page. Have you considered putting together a marketing effort aimed at your Facebook fans. Maybe a contest that will enable them to brag about their trip.
Start a summer romance with your business and your clients. Dive into these 3 tips and your fall will become a scorcher.
Keep the conversation relevant. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” –Charles Darwin
Tags: Facebook, hospitality, hotelsales, LinkedIn, marketing, marketingplan, referrals, Social Media, tourism industry, training, travelagent, travelindustry, Twitter
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