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Morticia

Morticia

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Joined
May 22, 2008
Messages
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This is our 3rd month using TC. The results are 'ok.' I can see where a few people have looked at TC and then gone to our website or called us to make a reservation. Not thousands of dollars, but not inconsequential, either.
Without it we would need to rely on an OTA to show up on TA, which a lot of guests have mentioned using.
Tonight we are the 'best deal' according to TA and we actually got a reservation via phone from a last minute caller. Who, because they could see the prices the hotels were charging, and could also see us at the same time, decided to call to book. We'll see how it works out, but just being visible is an improvement.
 
Morticia said:
Tonight we are the 'best deal' according to TA and we actually got a reservation via phone from a last minute caller. Who, because they could see the prices the hotels were charging, and could also see us at the same time, decided to call to book. We'll see how it works out, but just being visible is an improvement.
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I think the price/cost being visible means more than the actual clicks from the program.
When I look on the net it is generally to find out how much an item costs (everything not specifically lodging). I don't mean I'm looking for the lowest price, I want quality, but I need to know if I have the budget to purchase the item and I probably need to ask/speak with mom to see if it is okay, my looking is a fact finding mission, not a purchase at that point
 
I just rented out tomorrow and Monday via TripConnect... now we are full both days. I start running Room Rate Discount Adjustments on Res Key about 7-2 days before depending upon inventory, which makes us #1 Best Value out of 52 Places in Town. Better to collect discounted dollars vs no dollars on our perishable accommodation commodities.
 
Momma Smurf said:
I just rented out tomorrow and Monday via TripConnect... now we are full both days. I start running Room Rate Discount Adjustments on Res Key about 7-2 days before depending upon inventory, which makes us #1 Best Value out of 52 Places in Town. Better to collect discounted dollars vs no dollars on our perishable accommodation commodities..
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I have adjusted rates for this coming week. No takers. I think I could get them in at $125 or $400. But they're not buying 'reasonable' this week.
 
Travelers this month are very, very price focused. Value, packages and extras are of little interest.
We dropped our room rates last week because advance bookings for July were slow and have already seen a pickup. Sadly, many are through OTAs, but what can you do....
 
Morticia said:
Momma Smurf said:
I just rented out tomorrow and Monday via TripConnect... now we are full both days. I start running Room Rate Discount Adjustments on Res Key about 7-2 days before depending upon inventory, which makes us #1 Best Value out of 52 Places in Town. Better to collect discounted dollars vs no dollars on our perishable accommodation commodities..
Click to expand...
I have adjusted rates for this coming week. No takers. I think I could get them in at $125 or $400. But they're not buying 'reasonable' this week.
.
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Just got two more two night reservations via TC. Things may be perking up.
 
When my business was slow, I would often focus on social media as a way to help drive direct bookings. Sometimes these initiatives would be in partnership with local tourism efforts to attract people to the destination, though often just posting special promo rate along with a positive guest review. Do you do this sort of thing too, and if so, how successful is it for you?
 
cloudbedsna said:
When my business was slow, I would often focus on social media as a way to help drive direct bookings. Sometimes these initiatives would be in partnership with local tourism efforts to attract people to the destination, though often just posting special promo rate along with a positive guest review. Do you do this sort of thing too, and if so, how successful is it for you?.
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I am currently running a FB ad that's gotten over 900 likes and 78 shares... !
 
cloudbedsna said:
When my business was slow, I would often focus on social media as a way to help drive direct bookings. Sometimes these initiatives would be in partnership with local tourism efforts to attract people to the destination, though often just posting special promo rate along with a positive guest review. Do you do this sort of thing too, and if so, how successful is it for you?.
Click to expand...
We don't have a big social media following. We've got a nice repeat business but our guests are not on Facebook, nor do they write reviews. They're a tough crowd to sell to but loyal once they've selected a place.
We've recently started an Instagram account and are building up followers there. However, most of them are my nieces so not getting business there. Maybe the parents of their friends will see some of the postings.
Right now times are tough in my town. Generally the Hilton is pushing $400/night. This coming week my prices are higher than theirs at $169.
We do work with our local marketing group. They send out a weekly newsletter and they include a package were running. Can't say I see any results from it.
 
Morticia said:
cloudbedsna said:
When my business was slow, I would often focus on social media as a way to help drive direct bookings. Sometimes these initiatives would be in partnership with local tourism efforts to attract people to the destination, though often just posting special promo rate along with a positive guest review. Do you do this sort of thing too, and if so, how successful is it for you?.
Click to expand...
We don't have a big social media following. We've got a nice repeat business but our guests are not on Facebook, nor do they write reviews. They're a tough crowd to sell to but loyal once they've selected a place.
We've recently started an Instagram account and are building up followers there. However, most of them are my nieces so not getting business there. Maybe the parents of their friends will see some of the postings.
Right now times are tough in my town. Generally the Hilton is pushing $400/night. This coming week my prices are higher than theirs at $169.
We do work with our local marketing group. They send out a weekly newsletter and they include a package were running. Can't say I see any results from it.
.
Click to expand...
Morticia said:
We don't have a big social media following.
Click to expand...
I am running a FB ad at between $5-$7.50 a day targeting the proper audience. Right now it's 45-65+ in New England, Quebec, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, with interests in certain towns up and down the coast. Again, over 900 likes, 80 shares and lots of traffic to the website. Look at our FB page and you will see it.
 

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