Walking in Your Shoes: Value of Online Marketing
We enjoyed a day with the team at The One 8 Hotel
During April we kicked off our ‘Walking in Your Shoes’ initiative, with the aim to get our support and technical personnel to experience the industry firsthand at some of our valued client establishments. In this second installment of the series (read about Feroza’s day), we will find out what Tanya Normandeau discovered during her day at the The One 8 Hotel.
“My first impressions of the hotel were very positive. The feel is modern and the rooms simply gorgeous. All of the personnel on duty were competent and friendly and walked the extra mile to help their customers. I sat down with the owner to discuss his vision and focus.”
Tips to improve your website and help increase bookings
Even if you’re on lots of online travel agent sites and specialised accommodation sites, your own web site is the most important marketing tool you have. Obviously, a direct booking from your own site — where you don’t pay any commission to a third party — is first prize for your marketing efforts.
With the help of some experienced colleagues in the industry, here are some tips on what visitors look for on your B&B, guest house or hotel website.
1. Lots of good, big photos
People are doing a lot of research online before they book. They will generally compare at least 4 to 5 web sites and photos create the first impression for them. Since research is about learning facts, bear in mind that up to 60% of people are visual learners. They need pictures to tell the story.
