by Stephanie Smith | Oct 26, 2019 | Content, Hilton, IHG, Marriott, OTAs, Reputation Management, SEO, Social, Strategy, Vendors
You have to know your competition to beat your competition. There has been a debate for years, if not decades, about which is “better” – branded vs independent hotels. While we are not going down that road today, it is important for independent...
by Stephanie Smith | Sep 14, 2019 | Hilton, IHG, Marriott, SEO, Social, Strategy
Stephanie Sparks Smith of Cogwheel Marketing was delighted to join the crew of Hospitality Digital Marketing on September 7, 2019. My savvy (and funny) co-hosts included: -Loren Gray of Hospitality Digital Marketing -Robert Cole of RockCheetah and PhocusWire -Ed St....
by Stephanie Smith | Jun 24, 2019 | IHG, SEO
IHG Brand websites received an upgrade with functionality that allows you to do custom call to action buttons on the home page. Located at the bottom of the home page, these buttons stand out with custom images and content. Even better, you can send them to a...
by Stephanie Smith | May 30, 2019 | Hilton, IHG, Marriott, OTAs, SEO, Strategy
Stephanie Sparks Smith of Cogwheel Marketing was interviewed by Russell L Edmond of Russell of Hotels on LA Talk Radio on May 28, 2019. Also available via Podcast from Russell of Hotels. Topics of discussion: Hotel digital marketing for branded versus independent...
by Stephanie Smith | Dec 11, 2018 | Content, Hilton, IHG, Marriott, OTAs, Paid Marketing, SEO, Social, Strategy
Where does the Brand Level Marketing Stop and Hotel Level Marketing Begin? You own or manage a franchised hotel under a specific flag. The brand may or may not have given you some marketing guidelines, or was wrapped up in onboarding training. Maybe your hotel just...
by Stephanie Smith | Oct 31, 2018 | Content, Hilton, IHG, Images, Marriott, OTAs, Paid Marketing, SEO, Social, Strategy
A new hotel opening or changing of flags has so many moving parts. As an owner or manager overseeing this transition, you are likely wearing multiple hats. Here is a hotel pre-opening marketing plan and checklist from a digital standpoint to ensure you are building...
