Saturday, May 26, 2007

Add Free Games to your Kid Friendly Tourism Web site

There is a significant number of free online games available that can be embedded into your Web site. I really was impressed with http://www.pictogame.com

The site lets you upload a picture and then choose from six game templates to customize a game for your Web site or blog.

Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

posted by Toddles @ 9:18 AM   0 comments

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

.... why you MUST read this email.

A recent report from the Email Sender and Provider Coalition, 2007 reveals 73% of email recipients make the decision to click on the "report spam" or "junk" button using information in the from line.
How does this impact your tourism business?
When responding to inquiries, be sure to use part of the incoming subject line in the response. Do take the time to enhance the subject line by promoting how your business adds value or answers the call.
In your e-newsletter campaign, take the time to dream up a catchy subject line and stick to it. I often remind workshop attendees that one of my favourite email newsletters comes from Tim Dyer and the gang at White Squall. The subject line: White Squall Hoot and Blatter gives a clear indication of the origin and spirit of the content.... can't wait to see what's new on Georgian Bay.

Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

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posted by Toddles @ 7:50 AM  

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Create Multimedia or be Lost in Search Results

Today Google introduces a new Universal Search that will aggregate information from across all of the search giant's content sources--videos, images, news, maps, books and Web sites--into a single set of relevant results.

A user that inputs "Italian restaurant in Toronto" for example, might find local search listings complete with a Google Map, above a link to breaking news on Toronto restaurants, in addition to sponsored and organic links. Users will also be able to play embedded videos from Google Videos or YouTube directly on the page, while a thumbnail will link them to videos hosted by other sites like MetaCafe.

The new universal search model poses challenges for both tourism resource seekers and businesses. The new search model's inclusion of media such as video puts the onus on businesses to increase the breadth of their readily accessible digital content.

Advice from this corner is the same as we've been giving for the past year. Create multimedia content and tag it with keywords right away. Be sure to post the content to hosting sites like Youtube and apply the fundamentals of SEO in everything you do.

To the unknowing, this seems to be a continuation of Google's recent change to search results for travel related sites that seems to continually place Google Maps in the number one - termed "OneBox" search results for many travel related searches announced here a few months back.

Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

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posted by Toddles @ 12:06 PM   0 comments

Wednesday, May 09, 2007


is the one stop shop for outstanding Web stats reporting.
The analytics tool from Google has been refined a number of times over the past year and now offers: simplified language, enhanced maps, and Web page viewable click traffic.

I am particularly impressed with this free analytics tool's view of my web page showing what calls to action are generating clicks.... with a few edits I can edit my page content to get improved results. Really, impressive. See it to believe it. I paid over $800 for a comparable (not as good) tool two years ago.

It is easy to add a snippet of code to your Web pages to enable the reporting. If you do not edit your own Web pages, ask your techie to set this up. It should take your techie less than an hour to totally set this up, and you'll be able to see the results in a Web browser whenever you want.

If you use Paid Advertising, such as Google Adwords, this is also well tracked with this analytics tool.

Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

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posted by Toddles @   1 comments

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Americans unclear about Passport Requirements for returning from Canada

A report landed in my inbox today identifying the fact that over 50% of a sample of almost 2000 US travelers were not aware of passport requirements when returning to the US from Canada and other countries.

If you haven't yet done so, please post a link on your Web site to: GetaPassportNow.com to help your guests plan.
The current waiting time for processing passports in the US has grown to 10 weeks, which puts last minute travelers at risk.

With the Web helping travelers plan such last minute trips, and many tourism businesses relying on the growth in last minute bookings, it is paramount to alert your ideal US guests to the passport requirements.

Air travelers to Canada require passports currently. Land border crossings to Canada will require passports of US citizens by June of next year!


Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

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posted by Toddles @ 3:58 PM   0 comments

Monday, May 07, 2007

Ask the Concierge - online

Asking the Conceirge has always been an effective way to find out interesting things to do and get useful advice on where to dine. Of course I'm always asking people how they plan travel online. Last night over dinner, friends were sharing how the Internet has changed their travel planning. They for years have sought out advice online before leaving, now even when on the road, the wireless laptop they travel with helps guide them to the best of the best, surfing the Web from the hotel lobby.
Here are two sites (in addition to tripadvisor.com) they have found particularly helpful for finding the travel advice when on the road.

How do these advice sites impact your business? Are there others similar? How does your destination marketing organization act as a virtual concierge?

Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

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posted by Toddles @ 6:55 AM   0 comments

Friday, May 04, 2007

Online Video Editiing Reviews and a quick review of the basics

Believe it or not, it is possible to edit your video, adding titles, scene transitions, adding still photos and more with free online Web services. This link provides a helpful review of the pros and cons of a handful of leaders in ontline video editing.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2124590,00.asp

Don't have any video to edit yet? Hmmmm, do you have a plan in place to capture video of your ideal guest this summer?

Wondering what kind of video camera to use? Almost any digital camera will capture video that is good enough for the Web. If you are shopping for a new digital camera, look for one that records video with sound and you are all set. Of course, you could also work with a dedicated digital video recorder camera.

Wondering what kind of video to shoot? Plan ahead.
Consider the same four elements for capturing great photos when you plan your video shoots:
  • location
  • activity (or visual cues assocated with the activity)
  • model (who is in the movie)
  • emotion or story
Be sure to use a signed waiver so that your video subject (model) grants permission for you to capture their image.

Now, go get ready to capture some video for the Web....

Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

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posted by Toddles @ 2:50 PM   0 comments

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Easy online Web forms

In a recent quest to create a simpler solution for Web forms on our Web sites, I stumbled across http://www.jotform.com

I have to say, I like the simple way the web forms are created. Form results are easily accessible through my Web browser once filled out. I can also receive form results by email.

If you are looking for a new Web form for your tourism web site, I encourage you to check it out.
Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

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posted by Toddles @ 10:31 AM   0 comments

Engagement Rules E-News

Promotional emails get about 15 seconds. - MarketingSherpa (2006)

Readers spend an average of 51 seconds with email newsletters, typically skimming the contents. - Nielsen Norman (2006)

When businesses focus on creating content that engages and interests the reader, interaction and relationship-enhancement results, and your phone will subsequently ring with enquiries. This doesn't mean your newsletter should not promote upcoming events and special offers, just that it needs to include other valuable information.

How is your email newsletter campaign engaging your recipients? What is your bold promise to newsletter subscribers?

Todd Lucier - TourismClicks.com

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posted by Toddles @ 10:25 AM   0 comments