by Stephanie Smith | Jul 1, 2020 | Hilton, IHG, Marriott, Paid Marketing, Social, Strategy
There are plenty of articles telling you how to spend your money right now. While shortage of funds is obviously an issue, you have more limitations if you are a branded hotel like Marriott, Hilton, IHG or Hyatt. As each market rebounds differently,... 
by Stephanie Smith | Apr 1, 2020 | Hilton, IHG, Marriott, OTAs, Strategy
If you are in a circumstance where you need to temporarily close or suspend operations at the hotel, here is a checklist for hotels that lists the sites you can/should update with proper messaging. Download Printable ChecklistDigital Checklist for Temporary Hotel... 
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...