Couldn’t attend Blog World this year? Don’t worry – here are some of the best insights I took away from the event:
> When someone types in a search query, they’re giving you the opportunity to solve their problem.
> Most website traffic is from first time visitors – make sure you have a way to involve them immediately.
> Present your blog and social media presence as a way for people to connect with their peers, not just receive your marketing messages.
> Employee blogging is more powerful than executive blogging. According to Edelman research, readers find them five times more credible. Get your team involved.
> Involve your sales team in your social media marketing efforts.
> Use video to convey emotion or compelling visuals that are hard to show through written words.
> Content is the most important element of a good online community. Making sure that content is easy to find in search engines is next.
> Don’t spend time on the technology – focus on the content.
> People probably don’t want to join your social networking “club” – but they do want solutions to their problems. Provide free access to your answers.
> If you want to win the search rankings game, write in the language of the customer.
> The greatest selling tactic is the similar situation story.
> The web is a perfect market research environment. Ask your fans what they want, and they’ll tell you.
> Publishing rhythm is important online: find a schedule and stick with it.
> Consider using multiple sites/blogs for each of the niche audiences you’re trying to reach.
> To succeed online, you must keep re-inventing yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
> People admire complexity, but reward simplicity.
> Sometimes, blogs are a better discovery mechanism than a selling platform.
> Don’t force your readers to leave one network (ex: Facebook) for another (ex: your blog). Figure out a way to be where your readers already are.
> We are natually visual learners. Create content appropriately.
> Create relationships with “firestarters” – influencers that can quickly spread your message.
> Leverage social proof. Everyone likes what everyone likes.
> Never burn bridges – the travel industry is a very small world.
> Spend time building your expertise and core competencies. Study and learn.
> Don’t do something unless you’re the best in the world at it. If someone else does something better, use their services. Focus only on what you do best, and outsource everything else.
> Giving all the time without selling is an unhealthy relationship. (Your hotel needs to monetize your blog and social media presence.)
> Internet marketing isn’t really that difficult. It’s all about consistent execution on the tactics you know work.
> Do something consistently good every day.
Related posts:
- In Las Vegas for Blog World Expo
- Why you should blog: Two compelling numbers (Blog World)
- Be a “Content DJ” (Blog World)
- How Mike Taylor of Fairmont works with bloggers (Blog World)
- 120 Marketing Ideas for Hotels in 2009
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great recap and thanks for attending and making the show a success!
great ideas! if you want a more in depth A to Z social media plan, read the book: the New Rules of Marketing and PR: by ~ David Meerman Scott ~ keep up the good work!
Yes, that is probably one of the top 5 marketing books I recommend to people looking to start a ‘new media’ marketing campaign.