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 | Jul 7, 2019 | Hilton, Paid Marketing, Strategy
Hilton launched a new digital marketing program, called Advance, on July 1st, 2019. This fast-moving initiative changed the current structure between Edge, Top-Up and Destination Marketing. It focuses on incremental revenue and share shift from OTAs. Also, decision...
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...
