Google+ is becoming an essential tool for the travel & tourism industry. Early adopters have shown us a path to success. Let’s explore some current best practices to maximize your presence.
Google + Best Practices
Share content about your business as well as other industry information. Research has shown that out of 9 or 10 posts 1 or 2 can be about your own business.
- Destinations can share information from hotels, restaurants and attractions to broaden their circle of influence.
- Hotels and attractions can share not only their in-house specials but local events, updates on local promotions and even video.
Comment other businesses to increase your own brands’ awareness.
- Tour Operators & Attractions can comment on a Destination update to draw attention to their own itineraries and new developments.
Photos in every post increase engagement and awareness. The space allocated to photos and videos in a post is large and clear. Focus on your Cover Photo and change it by season to highlight new events and group departures.
Profiles include clickable links and a variety of relevant sections to showcase your business. Key areas of impact are your blog, website, social sites, newsletter and on-line booking engine. Maximize the power of your key words by weaving them into all sections of your profile.
Customize the names of the Circles as well as your cover photo and logo. Stimulate reader attention to your blog, website and other social sites by creating links to each.
Icons! Add the +1 icon to your website so that people can more easily share your information.
Early adoption of new ways to socially reach more clients has been proven to uncover new business. When you harness the excitement you’ll join these companies who are already reaping the reward of early adoption. (Please note this is a brief list and I apologize if I missed your company.)
- Tour Operators: Tauck Tours, Globus Family of Brands, Explorica
- Hotels: Four Seasons, Hilton, RIU, Hyatt
- Cruiselines: Celebrity, Princess, Viking River Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruising, Carnival
- Attractions: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Callaway Gardens
- DMO’s: Visit Palm Springs, Destinations in Florida, Glacier Country Montana
What other best practices have you found helpful?
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!