How Rishad Daroowala uses his Room With A View blog to promote the Pan Pacific Vancouver
by Josiah Mackenzie on August 19, 2010
5 Comments
5 Comments
I was introduced to Room with a View Blog by Guillaume on episode 6 of This Week in Hotels, and loved the multimedia format. For me, it accomplished the goal of any good destination blog: gave a preview of things I could do in Vancouver as a visitor.
Today, I talk with author Rishad Daroowala about:
- The design of the blog – why Rishad wanted the layout to focus on the content
- How they tried to separate Room with a View blog from other hotel blogs and hotel websites
- How they are integrating social media networks into the blog
- Which social network is bringing the most interaction and discussions
- What metrics they watch (and why it’s not a priority)
- How Rishad puts himself in the shoes of the reader
- How he comes up with topics to write about – and manages these with an editorial calendar
- The information gathering system Rishad to source new content ideas
- How he works with the PR director to manage news
- The best ways to grow the popularity of the blog
Listen to our conversation here:
Prefer to listen on the go? Download the mp3 here
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Article by Josiah Mackenzie // August 19, 2010
Josiah helps hospitality organizations use technology and the social web to provide better service and generate more profits.
+1 347 422 6784
its good to see a classical example of outsourcing hotel’s social media responsibility. the content combination is useful not to bombard readers exclusively with the hotel’s promos…instead add something of value about the neighbourhood.
i also love the images of guests using the hotel, it adds weight to note that celebrated individuals make use of the facility…it’s good PR for prospective guests.
unique concept overall and I’m surprised that it’s an independent blog, I would have assumed it’ll be an extension of the hotel website.
Actually, Muzi I think this is being run internally – Rishad is a staff member.
But you’re right – this additional content is very attractive for people visiting Vancouver.
I don’t know how but I did come across this blog earlier. Nevertheless, I was curious enough to check it out again.
Rishad does a great job with the content. I especially love the multimedia content on the blog. I mean, what other hotel blog has a video about Julia Robert’s and her new movie ? And the best thing is, it is connected to an offering of the hotel !
I am not too big a fan of the site design though.
First up, there is no clear call to action. Even though the idea behind the blog may have been to retain it as an independent blog, the main aim must be for readers to want to book a room at the Pan Pacific. The information about the hotel (About Pan Pacific Hotel) is too far down to scroll.
I presume the Pan Pacific is a luxury hotel. However, there is a certain amateur feel to the hotel blog that is unbecoming of such a prestigious hotel.
I am sure a few design tweaks would reflect Rishad’s great content even better.
Great job Rishad, I am sure other hoteliers would love to have you on their team…I know I would
Cheers
Mihir
I know the content is king on this site, and the site design is simple. But I don’t see it as “amateur” – but focusing on this content.
The line between simplicity/minimalism is hard to draw at times, but I actually think the site does okay with this.
But a clear call to action is something we can all work on…even me on this blog
Hmmmm I dunno J.
I am the biggest fan of simplicity and minimalism. But in a classy way.
In particular, I don’t like the font and I don’t like the look of the sidebar. It reminds me of the Blogger platform that I hate so much. Even though I must admit that WordPress has really pampered me with it’s awesome blogger templates.
A call to action ? I remember that is the first question you asked me about my blog
Cheers
Mihir