Build a Good Hotel Website
December 18, 2008
Are you considering building a hotel website to enhance your business and establish a web presence?
Are you confused by the complicated technology, worried about the cost and not sure if you can really deal with all the hassle?
If the answer to either of the above question is ‘Yes’, then read ahead...
There has been a shift in the booking patterns in the past few years and it has become extremely common for guests to book their hotel directly online rather than resorting to travel agents. This change has made it vital for hoteliers to launch their hotel room inventory online where guests can access it easily. Hotels that have already build websites of their own and created online presences, have managed to capture a good chunk of the market share. For hotels looking to go online, here are a few steps you need to follow in order to build an excellent website for your hotel:
Business Analysis
The first step you need to take is to conduct a thorough business analysis. This includes reviewing your business requirements, focusing on your objectives, realizing what you need to accomplish, and sketching an overall plan for your business.
Research
Your research would include a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase your knowledge of the relevant business. Lack of research is synonymous to taking an exam for which you are not prepared; both would end up in failure. Hence, gain as much knowledge and facts about the business, study your competitor’s websites, focus on their strengths and weaknesses and plan your website accordingly.
Developing Design & Content
Nothing is worse than having a gaudy website that repels your visitors. So, conceptualize and plan your website with care. When designing your website’s structure, here are some factors that you need to keep in mind – aesthetic design, appealing colors, interesting content and easy navigation. You should also ensure that your website is SEO (search engine optimization) friendly, as it will make it easier for guests to find you online.
Web Hosting
After creating a website, you must decide as to how to host it on the Internet. You have three options - host the site on your computer, on a dedicated server or on a third party server. The first two options are difficult as it keeps the web server running and it needs constant monitoring along with a fast connection. By opting for a web hosting company, will make your job much easier and less costly as they will put your website on their server using their connection. So, you have nothing to worry about!
Promotion
You should start your website promotion by listing your site at the most popular Internet directories and major search engines such as Google and Yahoo. You can also generate traffic through press coverage like press releases in both electronic and traditional media. These promotional activities will bring substantial amounts of traffic and affect your ranking in various search engines.
Maintenance
Last but not least is maintaining your website. After launching your website, you need to constantly update it to keep people interested. For example: Updating content, contact information, company news, articles, adding new product announcements and announcing new corporate information, etc.
Keep in mind, your hotel website defines who you are. So, build your hotel website at the earliest and showcase yourself well!
December 18, 2008
Are you considering building a hotel website to enhance your business and establish a web presence?
Are you confused by the complicated technology, worried about the cost and not sure if you can really deal with all the hassle?
If the answer to either of the above question is ‘Yes’, then read ahead...
There has been a shift in the booking patterns in the past few years and it has become extremely common for guests to book their hotel directly online rather than resorting to travel agents. This change has made it vital for hoteliers to launch their hotel room inventory online where guests can access it easily. Hotels that have already build websites of their own and created online presences, have managed to capture a good chunk of the market share. For hotels looking to go online, here are a few steps you need to follow in order to build an excellent website for your hotel:
Business Analysis
The first step you need to take is to conduct a thorough business analysis. This includes reviewing your business requirements, focusing on your objectives, realizing what you need to accomplish, and sketching an overall plan for your business.
Research
Your research would include a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase your knowledge of the relevant business. Lack of research is synonymous to taking an exam for which you are not prepared; both would end up in failure. Hence, gain as much knowledge and facts about the business, study your competitor’s websites, focus on their strengths and weaknesses and plan your website accordingly.
Developing Design & Content
Nothing is worse than having a gaudy website that repels your visitors. So, conceptualize and plan your website with care. When designing your website’s structure, here are some factors that you need to keep in mind – aesthetic design, appealing colors, interesting content and easy navigation. You should also ensure that your website is SEO (search engine optimization) friendly, as it will make it easier for guests to find you online.
Web Hosting
After creating a website, you must decide as to how to host it on the Internet. You have three options - host the site on your computer, on a dedicated server or on a third party server. The first two options are difficult as it keeps the web server running and it needs constant monitoring along with a fast connection. By opting for a web hosting company, will make your job much easier and less costly as they will put your website on their server using their connection. So, you have nothing to worry about!
Promotion
You should start your website promotion by listing your site at the most popular Internet directories and major search engines such as Google and Yahoo. You can also generate traffic through press coverage like press releases in both electronic and traditional media. These promotional activities will bring substantial amounts of traffic and affect your ranking in various search engines.
Maintenance
Last but not least is maintaining your website. After launching your website, you need to constantly update it to keep people interested. For example: Updating content, contact information, company news, articles, adding new product announcements and announcing new corporate information, etc.
Keep in mind, your hotel website defines who you are. So, build your hotel website at the earliest and showcase yourself well!
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