Mobile Marketing

Mobile Marketing Strategy: Why You Need It

Evision has been a strong supporter of mobile marketing initiatives for hotel and travel industry clients for the last few years. But it’s no longer the “next big thing.” Mobile is now.

For the past 2 years, and for years to come, the tech industry will be focused on growing mobile – mobile devices, mobile browsing, mobile search, mobile websites and mobile ad networks. Mobile is the largest growth internet segment and will only continue to get stronger as more and more people make the switch to smartphones.

Consider the following:*

  • More than 90% of the U.S. population has a mobile device of some sort.
  • By 2013, there will be 308.7 million subscribers in the U.S., which equates to 96.7% market penetration for mobile.
  • Mobile bookings are projected to hit $160 million in 2010.

There is already more variety and diversity in mobile marketing than in standard online marketing, which is why mobile can no longer be considered an add-on marketing service. It has to be an integral part of your hotel marketing strategy. Hotel properties that have a full mobile strategy in place are going to be a lot more successful than those who only test 1 or 2 aspects of mobile marketing.

The potential is there; we can help you reach it.

Mobile Marketing Strategy: How to Get Started

The first step in a strong mobile marketing strategy is to have a mobile version of your current website. Do not settle for a website that is compatible with mobile browsers…you need a separate site that is specifically designed for mobile browsing.

Take a note from TripAdvisor…notice how the mobile version (on the right) is designed very differently to account for smaller screens and touch screen browsing.

Trip Advisor homepage

TripAdvisor Mobile Site

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Mobile Marketing: Our Services

Hotels need to step up to the challenge of providing hotel guests with mobile-ready websites and online reservation solutions. Here are some of the ways we can help you get started.

Mobile Website Design

The first and most important step in mobile marketing for hotels is to have a mobile version of your current website. People searching on mobile platforms are served mobile-friendly websites first; non-mobile websites often do not show up in the search index at all. Evision can provide a mobile website that is easy for mobile users to navigate, and provides the basis for all subsequent mobile marketing strategies.

Mobile Booking Engine Integration

A mobile booking platform that can help you covert mobile visitors into revenue is the deciding factor for your online success. Your mobile website will end up being no more than a brochure website if you fail to integrate a compatible booking engine. Evision will make sure you find a mobile booking engine solution that allows you to enhance your online revenue.

Mobile SEO and PPC

Evision’s hotel marketing team integrates mobile SEO and PPC strategy into every client’s online marketing campaign. In addition, mobile stats can be segmented and reported, so you can see exactly how many mobile visitors you are receiving, and how they behave.

Mobile Call Tracking

The “click to call” option on mobile phones provides a very compelling reason for you to start tracking calls. Now is the time to start tracking the value of mobile web. Remember, mobile browsers are not just looking – every smartphone can be used to immediately contact your hotel to book a room or ask a question.

Mobile Guest CRM

Mobile phone outreach is a great way for you to complement your traditional email-based CRM strategies. Using a strong permission-based platform, you can now connect with your guests and boost your loyalty programs, using mobile phones as the connector.

SMS Marketing

This is one of the fastest-growing marketing strategies, and one that already has an excellent track record. A whopping 97% of all SMS marketing messages are opened (83% within one hour), making it one of the best push marketing efforts out there. This form of marketing absolutely has to be permission-based; we can help you set up your SMS marketing program the right way.

Mobile Coupons

Sending out solicited mobile coupons is a great way for hotels to offer loyal guests repeat discounts. It also has become a great tool for selling incremental services to hotel guests, such as spa services, tours, food and beverage discounts, and more.

Mobile Apps

Should you be getting a mobile app for your hotel? We not only help you answer that question, but also match you with the right approach. There are many reasons to build a mobile application, but it’s not cost-effective or appropriate for every hotel client. We’ll help you make sure that your app is worth the investment, and that it is meeting the top goal of any good hotel app: retaining and engaging your guests.

Location-Based Marketing

Location-based marketing delivers customized media content directly to mobile device users who are near your hotel’s location. We help our clients get the most out of their mobile marketing efforts by keeping up to date with location-based marketing trends and technology.

Contact us to start working on a mobile marketing strategy for your hotel.

*PhoCusWright.