1. Digital Marketing and Interactivity
AOHT
Hospitality Marketing
Unit 4, Lesson 13
Digital Marketing and Interactivity
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2. Today, a consumer can have constant connectivity
Connectivity refers to being connected to the Internet.
Smartphones allow people to access the Internet at any time.
How does your smart phone make use of the Internet?

3. Digital marketing happens on smartphones, tablets, and computers
Tablet computers are bigger than smartphones but more mobile than a laptop or desktop computer.
A company’s digital marketing has to work on all these different devices.

4. Apps are becoming an important part of hospitality marketing
Having a good app can encourage people to choose your business over a competitor.
What kind of app might a hotel create?

5. Digital marketing is all about interactivity
A company needs to be connecting with customers and potential customers online. Just having a website isn’t enough— you need to build relationships with customers.
How could a local restaurant build a relationship with you online?

6. Online conversations with customers have become important for businesses
Listen to what customers say about your business.
Ask or answer customer questions.
Invite customers to connect with you online and give them a reason to do so.
Has a business ever tried any of these techniques with you? Did it work?

7. Some businesses try to join the existing conversation
Newsjacking is when a brand capitalizes on a current news or pop culture event to promote itself.
The Super Bowl
The Oscars
Elections
Big weather events
Political unrest in other countries
Can you think of any major events that a company should NOT newsjack?

8. Some businesses give something of value: coupons, gifts, or information
One of the most effective ways to encourage people to pay attention to your company on social media is to give something away. For example:
A coupon pinned on Pinterest
A contest announced on YouTube
A special offer on Facebook
A limited-time sale announced on Twitter

9. Fast Internet connections have made the marketing possibilities more visual
Which is more appealing? Reading about “our delicious homemade pasta” or looking at the photo?
Which is more exciting? Reading about “our romantic island getaway” or watching a video of a sunset on Maui?

10. It’s now common to use online tools to meet potential customers virtually or in person
Host a video conference call for business customers.
Use Google+ hangouts to interact with customers online.
Arrange a Tweetup or in- person meeting of Twitter followers.
What would be one advantage of using a video call or Google+ hangout for marketing? What would be one disadvantage?

11. Some businesses are borrowing ideas from video games
Gamification means using some ideas from video games, like badges or experience points, in real life.
Gamification is gaining more popularity as a marketing technique, especially for targeting millennials.
In the hospitality industry, gamification is connected to loyalty or repeat customer clubs.
Do you play any games online, on your phone, or on a gaming console? What makes you want to keep playing or replaying a game?

12. Every business needs a digital marketing strategy
The better a business can take advantage of web-based marketing strategies, the more likely that business is going to succeed.
This need presents you with a great career opportunity!

13. Latest ways to use digital marketing
Use a combination of these methods to create a successful digital marketing strategy
Latest ways to use digital marketing
Start a conversation
Give something away
Meet customers
Make it visual
Make it a game