Using online versions of the traditional press release can increase your search engine optimization (SEO), and drive traffic to your websites. SEO press releases are published internally by the business itself are delivered to every major search engine as well as media outlets. According to PRWeb, the releases are "optimized for search and hugely shareable via social media, online news releases help you boost rankings, increase traffic and bring in better leads." Use online news releases for these reasons:

Pinterest is the new social media kid on the block, but with its 10 million active monthly users, it isn't something suppliers should wait to use to grow sales. Many destinations and suppliers are already using Pinterest to drive traffic to their websites or raise awareness of company offerings. The image-sharing site is worth a thousand words, or a thousand plus page views when used correctly.

Jump on the bandwagon of the latest and greatest social media breakthrough using these marketing strategies.

Getting picked up on social media channels can have a snowball effect of web chatter. First you're company is mentioned in an article which leads to a Tweet which leads to a reTweet which is then posted to Facebook and shared by a follower, before long your Facebook Insights are showing exponential growth. Social networking is the way of the marketing future, but just how can you keep your company on the bandwagon?

Ten short years ago, direct mail was the primary way we marketed to tour operators. However, technology has created opportunities for lower cost marketing initiatives through e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Is the pendulum swinging back toward old-fashioned direct mail? You be the judge.

The social media market is ever changing, which is a good thing because it offers new ways to engage your fans and increase your "likes." As a group travel supplier, you can increase your tourism sales by increasing your number of Facebook fans.

A landing page is a welcome page, the first thing people see when they click on your link or go to your site. People are 67 percent more likely to "like" your page if you have a customized landing page. You can design and build the page yourself, or employ a web designer.

Make your landing page affective by setting goals, then follow these steps to meet them:

• If you have a new package, photos or destinations, the landing page is a good place to promote them. Update the page often to keep it current.
• Include links to your other social channels like YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs and your company website.
• Take your time with images, and avoid pixilated photos or graphics. You want your landing page to look as crisp and inviting as possible.
• Include a call to action. Make your intentions known, and let people know how they can follow up with you.

Use these tips to increase your Facebook "likes" and consequently increase your business. (To let us know how these tips worked for you, "like" our Group Travel Supplier Facebook page)

Source: Catherine Heeg  

Social networking has a light and a dark side. If ever your fan page crosses over to the dark side, be prepared in how to best handle your crisis situation. One way to do so is to choose your battles when responding to social networking posts during a crisis. Examples that constitute a crisis situation may include negative comments, a local emergency, or highly opinionated posts. Although it may not be possible to respond in every crisis situation, there are ways to determine which will receive a reply. Follow this formula: