So, that said, let's look at some search-driven sites making eco-friendly tourism and sustainable travel a reality. Earthwatch has partnered with meta search giant Travelocity to create Travel for Good, a portal to help inspire travelers to make a...
Although that's not necessarily financially feasible for every travel search marketer, at some point you have to ask if you can afford not to invest in better analytics. The end result is the same: a complex e-commerce transaction, with so many...
The economy is forcing travel search marketers to change the way they approach online marketing. As more traditional travel media outlets update their online content, they're also starting to learn about the importance of SEO, so they're more...
In today's vertical search marketing column, "2009 is a Year of Change for Travel Search Marketing," travel search expert Elisabeth Osmeloski outlines a few ways travel search marketers, and marketers in other verticals, can get back to basics in...
See Elisabeth Osmeloski speak at Search Engine Strategies Chicago December 8-12, where she'll be leading the conversations for Igniting Viral Campaigns, Getting Vertical Search Right, and Brand and Reputation Management.
Even if you're selling a commodity in the travel vertical, as opposed to a high level of service to the end consumer, you must instill a higher level of pride in your internal stakeholders. For travel companies who value customer service as a major...
In today's vertical search marketing column, "Travel Brands Walking a Social Media Tight Rope," vertical search expert Elisabeth Osmeloski notes that we're still seeing effects of internal PR groups attempting to control the conversations, and put...
But as the travel segment gets increasing crowded, and the major online travel agencies (OTAs) continue to build brand identity, the race to leverage new opportunities in search and social media is most definitely on for smaller players.
In today's vertical search marketing column, "The New Era of Travel Affiliate Marketing," travel search expert Elisabeth Osmeloski looks at just how important affiliates are to the online travel industry.
Key Themes in Today's Online Travel World No stranger to the world of search conferences, I still consider myself somewhat of a newbie when it comes to the more established travel industry trade events.
In this column, I tend to focus my thoughts on content generation for the online travel industry, and usually bridge that with social media and community. Above all else, though, my experience as an adventure travel journalist keeps me inspired...
In today's Vertical Search Marketing column, "Travel Search 2.0 -- Know Your Audience," travel search expert Elisabeth Osmeloski explains that because of that, any new entrant has to seriously consider their value proposition and how they fit into...
In all of the examples for keyword research, traffic trends, and metrics, I found it most surprising that no travel marketers mentioned categorical reports focused on online travel or Web search behavior, including those from industry...
I recently asked a few search marketers who either have travel-focused clients or perform search marketing in-house for an online travel business what tools they use on a regular basis. Last year at SES Travel, we had a well-rated session on what...
Of course, if your travel company is already following the trend of creating multimedia content, such as making videos to post on YouTube or encouraging user-generated reviews, then you're already well on your way to getting some additional play...
As travel search marketers become more effective in paid search, social media, and related online marketing, the concept of seasonality is actually in danger of becoming less relevant. The most sophisticated organizations in online travel -- major...
In today's Vertical Challenge column, "How Search Marketing Slays Seasonality in Travel," travel search expert Elisabeth Osmeloski notes that pearls of search marketing wisdom handed down from the top dogs in travel can make an impact on your...
If you've made the cut in a travel trade publication, then you've likely paid for that link in some way. Just turn to any of these powerful pages: USA Today Travel, The NY Times Travel Section, and Travel at LA Times and you'll see top quality...
The core message in social search: Travel planning funnel has become refillable flask. At last month's PhocusWright conference, Cindy Estis Green, author of the new TIA report "Travel Marketers Guides to Social Media & Social Networks," argues that...
In today's Vertical Challenge column, "Online Travel SEM Addictions: Web 2.0, Paid Links, Social Media," travel search expert Elisabeth Osmeloski helps you decide how your company should address this year's hottest topics: Web 2.0, paid links and...
