Social Media Shaping Travel Decisions
• Availability of information via different channels of social media has changed hospitality marketing.
• Real-time decisions are being made using social media more than any other consumer category – and it’s growing.
• As a hotel, how can you use social media to drive traffic, engage with customers and find new prospects?
People are talking about travel
• Review sites are the main hub of those conversations: Orbitz, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Priceline, Yelp, Travelocity.
• Different conversations are happening in different places• Blogs – Personal travel experiences• Forums – Seeking specific answers• Social Networks – Connections and referrals• Twitter – Property discounts and dialogue
5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Use Social Media
1. It takes effort.
2. It can be hard to digest.
4. You will not become “Internet Famous.”
3. It’s a distraction.
5. Because it’s trendy.
5 Reasons You Should Use Social Media
1. Your customers already are.
2. So are your prospects . . .
4. It’s the world’s largest focus group.
3. And your competition.
5. Because it’s free.
What is Twitter?
• Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to post and read other users’ updates (Tweets).
• Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters or less that are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who are following them.
• Tweets can be sent via the Twitter website or any number of devices and third-party applications.
Facebook (for your hotel)
• Opportunities for engagement• Fan photos• Fan videos• Contests
• Opportunities for exposure• Interviews with staff• Photos from events• Unique content, like places to visit nearby
• Be a Page, not a Person (or a Group)
In Summary
• Yes, social media influences actual travelers making actual decisions
• You should be active on Facebook and Twitter, connecting to customers and prospects . . . along with your staff
• Listen . . . before you talk
• Proper tools and training can help you maximize resources and social engagement
Contact Us
Jeff GoldscherExecutive Vice President, Marketing & CreativeAquarius SE(240) 547-3492 (o)(240) 475-8174 (m)@jgoldscherhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/jgoldscher
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