Social Media Strategies for Hotels

Social Media Strategies for Hotels

The top reasons why hotels interested in internet marketing should be interested in social media:

1. 1)      Social media is the fastest growing form of internet marketing.
2. 2)      Social media allows hotels to build one on one customer relationships.
3. 3)      Social media allows you to express yourself as an expert in your market.
4. 4)      Customer reviews and user-generated content are big factor in social media.
5. 5)      Social media optimization is the new aspect of social media.

There are two types of social media strategies

1. 1)      Dabbling – hotels that are concerned with the expense and time commitment needed to operate these applications.
2. 2)      Hard core – hotels that aggressively go out and investment in social media.

The basic social media starter kit is Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, MySpace, a small blog, and a user-generated application. Use appropriate keywords, link all the applications back to your website, and interlink the channels so the hotel benefits from cross-fertilization. Make sure you monitor the user-generated content, and respond to both positive and negative responses. 

Advanced social media includes all of the basics except now you track your returns by measuring social media buzz, and revenue generated from application leads. eBuzz connect is a software that can track you social media buzz, and chatter all on every website. Also check your search ranking results from social media optimization.

Reflection

          Social media is the next big internet marketing avenue. Businesses need to get onboard or they will be left behind. Not using social media application will end up having businesses lose revenue! All businesses are beginning to do social media as a form of internet marketing.

         As you can see with the growth of Facebook, and the amount of advertising they do now on that site. It is growing by leaps and bounds. Search engines are now using social media profiles to rank websites in their search rankings. Search ranking algorithms change constantly and now calculate website and the linking social media applications that are linked to it. So not only now do businesses have to search engine optimize their website but also need search engine social media optimization. Small businesses can use social media applications with very little expense

Hospitality Finance Technology Professionals- HFTP

        Hospitality Finance Technology Professionals- HFTP

               Hospitality Finance Technology Professionals  in an international professional organization which has served members since 1952. HFTP is an excellent way to network with area professionals, HFTP provides Hospitality certifications, coordinates HFTP events, and provides excellent resources (www.hftp.org)

              HFTP is a phenomenal organization that wants to teach and expose its members to new technologies. They provide online training and webinars for members, have conventions and events all over the country. Each chapter usually has a monthly meeting. The great aspect with HFTP is education, and keeping up with the technological boom that has hit the Hospitality industry. It is nearly impossible to keep up but HFTP makes it easier.

            The big event for HFTP is HITEC Conference which is in Austin, Texas in June. HITEC is where technology meets Hospitality and is the largest show of its kind. HITEC has been going strong and successful for 39 years. I look forward to going to this years HITEC Conference. Plane ticket is booked!

                                          Reflection

             Dr. Cobanoglu has extended student memberships to every student at USF Sarasota-Manatee. All you have to do is fill out the student membership form, and return it to him. There is no cost to join HFTP, and it is a great way to meet professionals in the industry as well as learn about the new technologies that are before us. It is a way to stay on top of what's new in our industry.

            I recently went to a HFTP meeting at the beautiful Gasparilla Inn on Boca Grande. It was a great meeting where I met many HFTP professionals. Did I mention that the food was delicious! Oh, the food was awesome! Our Manasota chapter has made it clear that they will support our student chapter. I have benefitted from our Manasota chapter graciousness as they have helped me be able to go to the HITEC Convention in June. The networking for a student is what is most important! Let's get involved!!