Media Outlook 2011: Digital

According to eMarketer, after a 3.4 percent dip in spending in 2009, online ad revenue in 2010 will jump 10.8 percent to $25.1 billion. The following year looks nearly as strong, as the researcher is predicting growth of 8.4 percent, bringing total spending to $27.2 billion. That won’t hold true for media in general, says Geoff Ramsey, CEO of eMarketer, meaning that digital dollars are likely to grow at the expense of other sectors like TV and print.

Similarly, Pricewaterhouse Coopers is forecasting 9.8 percent growth in spending on the Internet, with revenue netting out at $25.2 billion. “We’re still very keen on our numbers,” says PwC partner Russ Sapienza.

Read the full story: Media Outlook 2011: Digital

2010 Blog Cabin Sweepstakes

DIY Network's crew of home improvement experts built the cabin you helped design. One lucky winner is going to call it home. You may enter once a day through OCTOBER 1, 2010.

For official rules and to enter, click here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina Raffles Off a Log Cabin in the Smoky Mountains, Tickets Just $100 Each

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina Raffles Off a Log Cabin in the Smoky Mountains, Tickets Just $100 Each

ASHEVILLE, N.C., July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina announced today that the organization is raffling off a Log Cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, North Carolina. The holder of the winning raffle ticket will take possession of this beautiful Smoky Mountain Cabin, a fully furnished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Log Cabin with custom hardwood floors, granite countertops, hot tub, pool table and a rocked fireplace. Proceeds from the 1st annual Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina in its continued effort to recruit, screen, train and support caring adults who want to make a difference in the life of a child.
A limited number of raffle tickets will be available for purchase from July 16, 2010 through the October 7, 2010 deadline on our specially created event website at www.LogCabinRaffle.org The Grand Prize Drawing will take place on October 14, 2010 and will be open to the public. The Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle will also include bonus drawings throughout the three-month event. Designed to incentivize early ticket purchases these bonus drawings include a one-week stay at a cabin provided by Hidden Creek Cabins, a Whitewater Rafting trip for 4 down the legendary Nantahala River provided by Paddle Inn Rafting and a $1,000 cash prize drawing.
"The Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle was created as an innovative way to raise significant funds for children and mentors," says Robin Myer, Executive Director. "We are thrilled to present this Smoky Mountain Log Cabin as the Grand Prize of our raffle. It's a beautiful cabin in the mountains overlooking one of the country's most spectacular views. Raffle participants can give back while also having the exciting chance to win a beautiful custom log cabin in the Smoky Mountains."
"Some kids wait more than 9 months to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister stated J. Clarkson, Director of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC. "It takes time to recruit, screen, and train a caring adult to be a "Big" and the funds raised from this raffle will allow us to dedicate more staff to that effort and still give professional support to the mentoring relationships already in place. In the end, this means more children will have the opportunity to experience the difference that a Big Brother or Big Sister can make."
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina please visit their website at www.bbbswnc.org and for more details on the "Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle" please visit www.LogCabinRaffle.org

Press Contacts
Info@LogCabinRaffle.org
Mary Anne Baker (239) 898-1662 info@LeisureLinx.com J. Clarkson (828) 253-1470 jc@bbbswnc.org

Marketing Makeovers for Lodging Establishments

Changing travel trends and tighter consumer spending make your role as a marketer much more focused on results. It could be time for a marketing makeover to align your property’s features with consumer demand. Take a look at these marketing makeover tips to keep your property ahead of your competition:

1. Back away from the basics. Advertising through print and television media are a thing of the past. Hoteliers and vacation rental owners need to be in tune with the channels that travelers are using to make their travel decisions.Look closely at search engine marketing options through the “big three”, namely Google, Yahoo, and Bing. A small budget of $1.00 per day can bring you surprising results.
2. Research complimentary options. Craig’s List and Backpage.com provide a low to no-cost alternative to paid advertising.
3. Get started with social media. Maintaining a personal connection is critical for lodging establishments. It’s easy to get caught in the time management trap and declare that social media is not needed for your property. Their ease of use may surprise you. If time is a concern, consider utilizing a social media management service. There are many low cost options available, so look for one that specializes in the lodging industry such as  www.strategy140.com.
4. Rev up your website. The internet is here to stay and a website has transformed into the new “brochure.” Outdated websites say a lot about your property. From search engine optimization (SEO) to photography, to content, to loading times, take a look at your competitor’s websites. It may be time to spend a few dollars on revamping your website.
5. Look at syndication services. Many of the following options are no to low-cost alternatives. While these sites focus on real estate, they have categories for vacation rentals and long-term rentals:
1. Postlets.com
2. Classifiedflyerads.com
3. Syndafeed.com
6. Cultivate past guests and increase referrals. Utilize a monthly email newsletter service such as constant contact or mad mimi.
7. Reevalute your market – Advertise online with targeted lodging websites such as the Leisure Linx collection of websites. Also look for publications with classified ads that are localized within a 7-mile drive-time radus from your property.
8. Create a “value-add” opportunity. In today’s econdomy travelers respond strongly to discounts and special offers. Set up a separate web page and update your specials frequently. Post them on Twitter and Facebook to build your loyal fan base, and make sure to include them in your monthly newsletters.

Own a Cabin or Inn? Get 50% Off Advertising Rates

Our year-end special offer gives you the power to maximize your internet marketing reach in 2010 with social media exposure, and lead management. Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers of Cabins And Inns receive 50% off our annual advertising rates. Create even more exposure by selecting multiple branded websites by Leisure Linx, all which highlight premier cabins, inns, resorts, and lodges, and integrated with:

• Lead management
• Links to YOUR Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages
• Links to your website and email
• Link to your availability calendar
• Photos
• Lengthy description section allows you to build a content-rich website page.
• Highlight your special offers.Change them as often as you wish.
  
• Enter up to three Client Testimonials to your listing. Testimonials build credibility and trust.
• Inclusion in our company-branded social media plan which continually promotes your ad across several social media channels including:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Blogger
• Ning Social Network
  

• Clean, cutting-edge website design, allowing you to highlight your property or business in a professional, user-friendly layout.

All this with a user-friendly member account that allows you to change your information whenever you'd like! Here's how to get started:
1. Create a member account.
2. Proceed to build your ad and select your websites.
3. When you reach the payment page, STOP.
4. Send us an email with:

• the code: CI50 in the message.
• your preferred form of payment: credit card or check

We will adjust your pricing package with the 50% discount, upload your ads, and send you a link for payment.

* Note: if your advertising package includes FloridaHalfbacks.com, member setup is separate due to its regional nature.  Please follow steps 1 - 4 at the FloridaHalfbacks member login page to advertise on this website as part of your package.
Offer expires 12/31/2009

Best Places To Live The Simple Life

Greenville, South Carolina was named one of the best places to live the simple life by AARP Magazine due to its rich culture, great food, and low stress.

Dubbed as family-friendly fun, from "penny candy" to goat-cheese pizza, Greenville's median housing price is just $151,080. When the most relaxing way to spend an afternoon is hiking the pristine mountain woodlands of Jones Gap State Park, just 25 miles outside Greenville and simple fun for less than $10 means grabbing a cup of coffee or an ice-cream cone at Spill the Beans, how could you go wrong?

Read the full article by Sarah Mahoney

Cool Off in the Mountains This Summer

If the summer heat has you frazzled, consider a trip to the mountains and lake regions of the Southeast U.S. The lake breezes and higher mountain elevations ensure a cool down to soothe your stress.

If quiet ambiance is your dream vacation, consider a cabin rental through a vacation rental agency. Quaint small towns are filled with shops, diners, and local artisans and crafters.

But if adventure is your escape, consider whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or a more rigorous mountain trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN offer a plethora of adventures such as horseback riding, Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, shopping, dining, the Gatlinburg Aquarium and so much more.

Visit http://www.floridahalfbacks.com/ to connect with lodging and adventure options throughout the mountains and lakes of the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and more.