1. a cyclical approach to attracting your best guest
S.T.U.F.F. Tourists Like
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 1

2. A bit about me... You can find my articles at... Family Rambling®
Ireland with Kids
Uptake Attractions
TravelingMoms.com
The Spa Gals
... and more
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 2

3. 11/21/2018
© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 3

4. My experiment: a trip to Chicago using only social media to plan the adventure
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 4

5. © Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 5
Yelp: a fun and easy way to talk about local businesses
Gowalla: Keep up with friends, share the places you go and discover the extraordinary world around you. Trips feature is great for travelers.
SCVNGR: Go places. Do challenges. Earn points. Get rewarded.
© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 5

6. So... What S.T.U.F.F. Do Tourists Like?
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 6

7. Social Social Media Don't forget to be social! Create a conversation
Create a Google alert
Utilize Twitter searches
Make yourself easy to find on Facebook
But don't spam people's
Facebook accounts to
share your message!
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 7

8. Setting up a Twitter search on Tweetdeck
Setting up a Twitter search on HootSuite 8
© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling®

9. Creating a Google Alert is easy and helps you monitor your business online

10. Facebook is the second most popular search engine
Facebook is the second most popular search engine. Make yourself easy to find!
© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 10

11. Tips Position yourself as the expert! Family friendly Romantic
On a budget
Splurge
Online
Pamphlet
App
Mobile site
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 11

12. User Friendly Remember to KISS Eye pleasing presentation
Don't put too much information on the front page
It can be overwhelming
If everything is on the front page you lose the opportunity create an investment
Direct your guest
What do you want them to do?
Lead gently, don't push
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 12

13. Categorized information makes the site easy to navigate
Travel Iowa Website
Buttons to
Easily share
info
Categorized information makes the site easy to navigate
Not too
busy; nicely
organized
layout
Eye pleasing
Images grab
attention
Gently leading
the guest:
Schedule
Events
Location
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 13

14. Travel Planning Resources
Family Vacation Survey by WeJustGotBack.com, March Sample size 1500 participants. Full survey results can be seen at
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 14

15. Facts & Figures Who is your target customer?
Are you accessible for those with limited mobility?
What is nearby that will interest your target base?
Why are you their best option?
How much will their visit cost?
What is included?
What is not included?
Do you have any partnerships with other businesses that could save your guest money?
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 15

16. Friends People love to talk about their vacations!
Make sure your guests know what tools to use to best share your information.
Trip Advisor
Facebook page
Flickr
You Tube channel
Twitter
Guest blog post
Watch your preferred streams.
Thank your guests for sharing their experiences.
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© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 16

17. Owners tools on Trip Advisor are priceless!
© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 17

18. Now the circle of S.T.U.F.F. begins anew...
What is YOUR
Next step?
Presentation available online at
© Jody Halsted 2011 Family Rambling® 18