I N S ID EOUT SOLUTIONSC r e a t i n g M a r k e t i n g R e s u l t s F o r Yo u r D e s t i n a t i o n

Blogging For SuccessPresented by Laura Alsianne

We’ll be answering theseburning questions:

• Why Blog?• How to Blog• What to Blog

INSIDEOUT SOLUTIONS, INC.

INSIDEOUT SOLUTIONS, INC.

Why Blog?Because people read them

1. 51% of internet users read a blog at least monthly, and over 60% by 2014 (Technorati).

2. Companies that have a business blog attract 55% more website visitors than non-blogging companies (HubSpot).

3. More than 43% of U.S. companies will market via a blog by 2012, up from 34% in 2010 (eMarketer).

Why Blog?

The juicy stuff:

• A blog will lead new types of visitors to your web site!

• New posts are indexed immediately by search engines.

• Search engines allow blogs to “push” their updates for immediate inclusion in search results!

Who doesn’t love that?

INSIDEOUT SOLUTIONS, INC.

How do you Blog?A few rules of the road:

1. Connect Personally.2. Create a strong theme/personality.3. Give your posts a “Behind the scenes” feel.4. Write about more than just your Inn (please).5. Be the Expert. Be helpful and informative.6. Make your blog useful and memorable.7. Make your blog fun and relatable.

8. Keep the sales marketing to a minimum.

9. Consider featuring guest/expert contributors to write.

How do you Blog?Create your road map

Get Organized with:

1. Begin an annual calendar of events.2. Outline your interests.3. Outline the interests of past guests.4. Outline the main attractions of your area.5. Imagine your inn as the epicenter.6. A List of unique attractions.

How do you Blog?Content resources abound

Get Searching!

1. Your Local Chamber Site2. Conduct subject searches on:

• Twitter• YouTube• Google (all 18 search engines!)• Yelp• Yahoo Travel• Bing• Travel Sites like Trip Advisor and more.

How do you Blog?

With your Google Account:Set up Google alerts for your major topics

• Doing this will send you notifications each time important events related to your town/city and attractions are mentioned on the web.

INSIDEOUT SOLUTIONS, INC.

What do you Blog?Armed with your new lists, your blog categories emerge

1. Cultural Activities and Events (music, art, theater).2. Celebrations and Festivals3. Giving Back, Philanthropic or "Get Involved"4. Outdoor Activities (in your town)5. Area Events & Activities6. Breakfast and Recipes from your Inn7. History of the Inn8. Restaurants and Shopping9. Seasons at the Inn (or in your city/town)10. Inn Specials/Deals11. (City/town) Weddings, Meetings, Gatherings12. Pet Friendly Inn

What do you Blog?

Give it some SEO Love

• Write your titles, content and captions with SEO in mind.

• Include Images/Galleries/Videos & Maps.

• Include Links to relevant pages on your website.

• Reinforce your brand in subtle ways w/o selling.

Anatomy of a Post

1. The Post Title. Does it have Search Engine Mojo?

(Test it out before you hit the “Publish Button!”)

2. One (and only one) blog category per post.

3. Relevant blog tags. Make them specific to the post.

4. One or two links back to your website, (only when relevant).

5. An Engaging image with caption, alt text and title for SEO.

6. Add the "Read More” line to all posts over two paragraphs.

Six Key elements:

1. Update your blog regularly, posting weekly is great.

2. Write at least 300 words if you can.

3. Keep posts interesting with images and media.

4. Market your blog everywhere you can reach.

5. Publish your blog posts to Facebook and Twitter.

INSIDEOUT SOLUTIONS, INC.

Update, Publish, Market

1. Create value for your readers before marketing to them.2. Wow your audience with impeccable branding and design.3. Exceed your audiences’ expectations w/great content.4. Mix up your content topics and delivery methods.5. Become “The Source” to build loyal followers.6. Integrate your blog with other social media platforms.

INSIDEOUT SOLUTIONS, INC.

Six Core Elements ofa Successful Blog