Hotel Industry gets Stupid trying to Avoid Aggregator Websites

Price Fixing Claims Go International; New U.S. Lawsuit Filed Alleges Travel Websites and Major Hotel Groups Conspired to Fix Rates


http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2012_3rd/Aug12_PriceFixingSuit.html

Another bottom feeder surfaces in Parking

Okay, I agree, Smart Airport Parking is a better marketing name than Green Bee or Blue Dog.  The real question is "what's next?" for the parking industry.  

Please keep your marketing strategy focused and beware of any company who makes a statement similar to:

YELLOW BIRD is the new kid on the block.  We are so smart and interested in helping your company fill parking spaces that our company "YELLOW BIRD" will list your company for free.  And together, we will fly as one - like a flock - soaring into the future. 

In return, we will ask for:

• a 20% commission;
• link in from your website;
• your brand name for search engine placement; and
• and much more that really will not cause harm to your business

Oh, and by the way, we will not share any customer data or demographics with you simply b/c your customer is not your customer.  It's ours!

8 Website Super Signals That Increase Brand Trust

                                   

Getting lost down a dark alley in a seedy, unfamiliar part of town is nobody's idea of a good time, so don't make your customers wonder whether they've visited the wrong side of the Web when they come to your website. That's particularly true of small business websites.

 

Brand trust is critical to converting site visitors into customers, but how is it created if your name isn't Apple or Coca-Cola? Here's a list of eight quality signals that, when implemented on your website, will increase not only brand trust but also conversions, which means more revenue for your business's bottom line.

1. Show authoritative sites in which you've been featured
Has your site been mentioned by authoritative brands or media outlets? When your site visitors see that you've been mentioned by brands they know and trust, they'll be more inclined to trust your brand by association.  Consider a "Featured In" or "As Seen In" section to your site that lists authoritative sites that have mentioned or featured your brand.

2. Join the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Signing up for the BBB and adding its badge to your site is a great way to instill trust in your business when visitors experience your brand for the first time. The BBB performs background checks on businesses it accredits, so questionable, underdeveloped businesses are typically excluded.
The BBB symbol also lets visitors know that your brand is subject to scrutiny if it operates in a less-than-ethical manner, which creates an added layer of trust.  A side benefit is that the BBB site will link to your site, which may benefit your search engine optimization efforts.

3. Include staff photographs
Nothing says trust like adding a photo of yourself or key staff members to your site. Why? Customers know that people engaged in questionable business activities typically don't want a mob of angry customers to know who they are and what they look like. Your customers may even develop a personal connection to your brand because they're able to put a face to a name, which is both valuable and uncommon for many Web-based businesses.  The "About Us" page on your site or the company directory is a great place for staff biographies and pictures. However, make sure the photos aren't amateurish, or the strategy could backfire.

4. Add testimonials
Actions may speak louder than words, but the words of your happy clients speak loudly nevertheless. Testimonials are incredibly powerful in building trust in your brand, especially for visitors experiencing your brand for the first time. Many people search for reviews on a particular product, service, or restaurant before making a purchase. I love Amazon and Yelp for that very reason.
Start building your brand through the words of happy customers. Gathering testimonials from satisfied clients is a great place to start. Also, although written testimonials are great to show off on your website, video testimonials are invaluable, because people know those are the hardest to fake.

5. Ensure your site is secure
If your business sells products online, then securing your customers' data is a must. Various products, such as Symantec Safe Site, scan your website to make sure it's not affected by malware; they also let visitors know that the identity of the site owner has been verified. Other companies offer similar products, and each provides a badge you can add to your site that tells customers you value and protect their information—a huge factor in building brand trust.

6. Add social media icons
Although social media is a great way to share new information or products for your online business, it's also a great way to build brand trust. If your site generates a fair amount of social buzz, consider adding share icons to your site that show how many people "liked" or "shared" your content. When people see that dozens or even hundreds of people have "liked" your product or page, they are more likely to feel the effect of safety in numbers and participate in your brand offering.

7. If e-commercing
Tell visitors that your website offers the best/lowest price for your service.  And guarantee it!
Shoppers would rather do business with your company directly so ensure them.  If you want to earn the trust of those visiting your site, take the guessing game out of the shopping experience.

8. Include a privacy policy
Similar to prominently displaying your phone number on your website, consider adding a link to your privacy policy in the footer of your site. People place considerable value on their privacy, so displaying your company's policy on sharing customer data is good practice. When customers see that a business cares about their information, it goes miles in building brand trust.

QR Codes for Marketing Strategy: Get Ready!

Successful QR Code Tips for Successful Marketing Campaigns 

If you live in the U.S. you may have begun to notice some unusual-looking square boxes appearing in print publications and advertisements. These 2D matrix barcodes are called QR Codes, or Quick Response Codes.

QR Codes are similar to the standard bar codes that currently appear on all types of consumer products, except QR codes can contain much more information than traditional barcodes. QR Codes have been widely used in Japan and Europe in recent years, but are only now starting to gain use with marketers in the United States. Major U.S. businesses that have begun using QR codes in advertising and promotions include Best Buy, Ralph Lauren and Pepsi.

You can think of a QR code as a paper-based hyperlink that connects the physical world with the online world. For marketers, QR codes allow advertisements, brochures, posters - even clothing or billboards – to direct users to mobile landing pages that contain much more information and interactivity than can be afforded on the printed page. This integration between print and web via mobile adds a new dimension of communication to any marketing or outreach effort.

How Do QR Codes Work?

A QR Code works by simply scanning the code with a mobile device that is equipped with a camera and QR Code reader application. These applications can be downloaded for free on popular smartphone platforms such as iPhone and Android.

Once the QR Code is scanned using the device’s camera it is translated into actionable information, such as a text message or mobile web page.

SO LET'S TRY IT ON YOUR PHONE (YOU MAY HAVE TO DOWNLOAD AN APP).

  

SCAN THE BAR CODE SHOWN HERE AND GET DIRECTED TO A LANDING PAGE AT ROCKET PARKING IN HOUSTON, TEXAS.  FAST, SIMPLE AND DIRECT TO SAVING MONEY WITH A COUPON PROMOTION DESIGNATED TO THIS CODE.

How Can QR Codes be used for Marketing?

There are a number of practical ways QR codes can be used for marketing and promotions in a variety of settings. QR Codes can be integrated into just about any type of printed materials, including:

• Conference/Event Displays
• Print Advertisements
• Business Cards
• Brochures, Posters and Flyers
• Postcards and Mailers

What Can a QR Code Do?

Once a QR code is scanned the encoded information can be used to automatically trigger a range of actions on the user's device, including:

• View a Mobile Website or Landing Page
• Dial Telephone Number
• Send a Text Message
• Send an Email
• View a Message or Special Offer
• Download Contact Details (VCARD)
• View a Google Maps Location
• View a Social Media Profile

What Types of Organizations Can Use QR Codes?

Just about any type of organization can use QR Codes in their marketing materials. Whether you’re a retail business, a nonprofit organization, a membership association or educational institution , if a portion of your target audiences use smartphones then a QR Code can be a great way to differentiate yourself and reach people in new ways.

What Are Some Examples of How QR Codes Can Be Used?

There are numerous ways that QR Codes can be used to strategically bridge offline and online media. Here are but a few examples:

• A consultant’s business card contains a QR code that links to a landing page with enthusiastic client testimonials, or a VCard to download contact info.
• A public education poster about substance abuse provides a QR code that links to a mobile website with a self-assessment quiz and community support resources.
• A local business displays a QR code with a link to your Google Places page with customer reviews and coupons.
• A retail store displays a QR Code next to in-store products to view product demonstrations and reviews.
• An advertisement for a nonprofit organization includes a QR code that links to a volunteer and donation page.
• A restaurant includes a QR code on a takeout menu, which links to a mobile restaurant website for online reservations, orders and interactive directions.
• A home-repair product includes a link to a how-to video with installation instructions.
• A campaign sign for a political candidate contains a QR code that links to an audio file with a message from the candidate, or a mobile landing page with the candidate’s bio, campaign platform and opportunities to volunteer or contribute.
• A vendor at a conference places a QR code on their display booth so that attendees can conveniently scan and save the vendor’s information as they pass by.
• A realtor places a QR Code on For Sale sign in front of a residential property, which provides additional home specifications, interior photos and Google Maps location for later reference.
• A promotional poster for a movie contains a QR Code with a link to a video of the trailer and form to opt-in to notifications when the film is released.

What Are Some Other Advantages of Using QR Codes?

• User Convenience – QR Codes provide a convenient one-step process for directing users to a website, phone number, directions, promotions or other information.
• Environmentally-Friendly – QR Codes can make more efficient use of printed materials and reduce waste.
• Cost-Effective – QR Codes cost nothing to produce; their use is only limited by your marketing strategy.
• Versatile – QR Codes can be integrated with a wide range of marketing materials for just about any purpose, including print collateral, outdoor display and direct mail.
• Device Independent – QR codes, as well as the landing pages they link to, can be viewed on all popular smartphone models and do not require special development for different platforms (e.g. iPhone vs. Android), as is the case with apps.
• Measurable - Actions triggered via QR Codes can be traced with web analytics or other tools for marketing campaign measurement.
• Competitive Differentiation – Because QR Codes are still relatively new to the U.S., those who are among the first to employ them in their outreach campaigns will set themselves apart as leaders in strategic marketing.

Key Considerations for Proper Use of QR Codes in Marketing Campaigns

In order to utilize QR codes strategically in communications there are a few key considerations to take into account:

• Context and Content - the QR code should direct the user to targeted content that complements the printed material where the code is located. Simply pointing a QR code at your website's homepage isn't likely to convert into action.
• Instruction/Call to Action - unless you're in Japan, there's a good chance that your target users may need a cue to entice them to scan the QR code. It may also be helpful to provide some information about what users can expect to find after scanning code (e.g. "scan this code for a special offer..."). 
• Mobile Landing Page - it's a safe bet that the person who scans the code will be on a handheld device. Therefore, you'll want to ensure that you direct users to a mobile-friendly landing page for an optmal user experience. Sending users to a website formatted for desktop viewing won't be helpful, and won't make a good impression.
• Tracking & Reporting - if you're going to use QR codes in marketing campaigns it's important to be able to track the number of scans over time, capture geographic data and other information. A QR code tracking and reporting system can help you do this effectivley.

Five Ways to Turn Your Chamber of Commerce Membership into Sales

Many business owners join their local Chamber of Commerce (COC) because they recognize that their customers associate COC affiliation with ethics, professionalism, and commitment to the community.

One study on consumer preferences found that 63% of consumers prefer to shop and do business with COC members. So it is no surprise that business owners gladly pay membership dues and place the chamber logo on their websites and front doors.

But many of those businesses are not taking advantage of opportunities to increase sales and brand awareness. Yes, their chamber membership boosts their credibility in consumers' eyes, but a chamber membership potentially offers a lot more.

Here are five ways business owners can derive value from their chamber membership.

1. Get on the chamber's site

One of the very first challenges new business owners face is quickly spreading the word about their venture. Did you know that many chambers offer their members space on the chamber's website for a nominal fee or even free? Aligning your company with the chamber website is a strategic move that allows you to share in the large number of community visits it generates.

Members frequently use their online profile page on the chamber's website to give their customers a convenient point of reference to learn more about the services they offer. Members can post coupons, share company news, and communicate with our community at large through their profile page."

SMC CLIENTS SHOULD BE EMBEDDING THEIR PARKING RESERVATIONS SYSTEM ON THEIR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.  THERE IS NO COST TO OUR CLIENTS OR TO THE CHAMBER TO EMBED THIS POWERFUL BUSINESS GENERATOR.

2. Let the chamber promote your news

Most "how to" articles regarding free publicity tell you to ingratiate yourself with local reporters so that they will publish news about your company. At the chamber, no such effort is needed. One of its services is publishing news about its members’ companies and promoting their events—on its website, in a weekly email, or in a newsletter. Inform your local chamber of what's new at your company.

3. Demonstrate your industry expertise via writing

As already mentioned, most chambers are eager to publish their members' news and events. However, an even better way of using print to get in front of potential sales leads is to write an article that other business owners will find useful and relevant. Chambers are very willing to post well-written articles submitted by members in their newsletter, on their website, or in their LinkedIn group.

Ask your local chamber for guidance on what is an appropriate format and then take the time to write a professional article that adds value to other members' businesses.

4. Talk about your business

Many local chambers of commerce offer ample opportunities for members to give presentations that introduce themselves and their businesses to fellow members and the community.

Speaking formats vary from one-minute "commercials" you give about yourself to 30-minute presentations that allow you to provide in-depth information about your company. Other opportunities can include serving on expert panels at seminars or serving as an emcee for a chamber conference.

One of the benefits of these speaking opportunities is that they are in front of "safe" audiences. That means the room is full of people just like you, and they will be supportive. As businesspeople, they appreciate the pressure of giving a presentation, and they understand that everyone is there to network and pitch their services.

5. Host an event

You spend a large part of your day marketing the community. Why not entice them to come right to your front door? Hosting a chamber networking event is an excellent way to attract throngs of potential sales corporate leads right to your own office. After-hours functions are typically more social than strictly sales-oriented daytime events, but the acquaintances you make can be invaluable.

Better Take Online Reviews Serious

Your Online Reputation: How Parking Companies Can Manage Negative Reviews and Garner Positive Ones

Like it or not, your potential parking customers are using online reviews to decide whether or not to park with you. Reviews at sites like Yelp, Yahoo Local, Insider Pages and Merchant Circle can steer potential customers toward or away from your company. Google+ Local reviews weigh heavily in determining if your facility will be in the Google 7-Pack listings, which are the “balloon” listings that appear prominently when someone searches for parking in your area. If you have no reviews, few reviews or too many negative reviews, people are likely to skip your garage/lot in favor of a well-reviewed one. Even if you don’t look at these reviews, you can bet the success of your business that your potential customers will.

Monitoring Your Online Reputation

The first step in monitoring your online reputation is to go to Google, Yahoo and Bing and search for your facility name. See what comes up on the first three pages, then click on the resulting links to see what’s being said about you. Make a list of all the websites that reference your company. Set up accounts at all the review sites that refer to you.Next, do the same for “<your facility name> reviews.” This should render more actual review listings. Note the default search settings for Google, Yahoo and Bing use predictive search technology to suggest more specific search queries, such as adding “reviews” after the name of certain businesses. The more people who use “reviews” after a business name, the more likely the search engines are to suggest “reviews” as a search modifier. This means it’s inevitable that the word “reviews” will be a suggestion after your company name at some point.

A handy way to monitor your online reputation is to use Google Alerts. Go to Google.com/alerts and create an alert for your facility name in quotation marks. (You’ll need a free Google account.) Start with “all results,” “once a day.” See if anything is being said about your business. You might also set up alerts in your community as well as key employees and major competitors. These may come in handy as well.

What to Do About Negative Reviews

First, take a deep breath and try not to take it too personally. No business can please all people all the time.   Second, most negative reviews are just an opinion. Hopefully, they don't represent a fundamental flaw in your customer-service policies. But if you see a recurring pattern in negative reviews, take action immediately to correct the cause of the problem.  The consequences of ignoring reviews is simply a loss of customers.

Some review sites offer rebuttal opportunities and others don’t. Yelp is one site that lets business owners comment on reviews. The key is to make a rebuttal empathetic and professional. For example:“We appreciate <name> taking the time to write a review about us. We are sorry that he/she had a negative experience. We have taken steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again and would like to invite <name> back in for a free parking day.” Other sites don’t allow owner responses, so the only action you can take is to get more positive reviews.