A blog is a type of website where an individual regularly posts commentary, descriptions of events, or other content. Readers can leave comments in an interactive format. Blogs are designed to facilitate two-way conversations. They allow building trust and thought leadership with customers. Studies show blogs influence consumer choices and many want to visit places they discover through blogs. Setting up an effective blog requires identifying the audience, posting regularly with appealing content, and cultivating an engaged community through participation. Blogs should be incorporated into all marketing efforts.

1. e-tourisme2nd, February 2010

2. e-tourismeA BlogAdvertising on internet

3. Whatis a blog ? A blog (a contraction of the term "web log")is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order so that the internet user get the newest information.The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Microblogging is another type of blogging, featuring very short posts (web entries)

4. A blog is basically a streamlined website that has easier technology and is designed to facilitate a two-way conversation.Word of mouth marketing

5. More on BlogBloggers are those who write (called posting) original articles for the blog and/or oversee the editorial process of a blog.Commenters refer to the online public who read and interact with the blogger(s) by leaving a ‘comment’ on a blog post.Content is a common term for the information written on the blog.Blogosphere is a term for all blogs as a family and their interconnectivity - a ‘social network’ of all blogs. It is common practice that blogs link to each other and share or comment on each others’ posts. Syndication/RSS Feeds (really simple syndication)- Syndication means the ability to make blog content available for other bloggers to use and publish, typically at no cost.

6. RSS

7. nannThe weight of a Blog

8. A blog is more than a voicePeople recognize marketing spin whentheyseeit, whattheywantisauthenticity.Communicatingyourdreams, goals, strategies, triumphs and failurestransparently to customers and prospects.

9. Blog is a thought leadership !People rarelyspend money or invest in a product or service if theydon’t trust the people behinditBuilding a reputation in the industrythatisrecognized and respected, such as the travelindustry.

10. Bloggers are considerablyinfluencingconsumer choice

11. What Makes Blogs Special?Everyone is Welcome - No matter your internet or technical abilities; everyone can blog. The free platforms make it easy and available to all.

12. Conversational Content - Blog content is designed to be an opinionated, two way conversation. It is based on personal interests, expertise, etc. This applies to a corporate or organizational blogs.

13. Reader Interaction - Blogs by nature invite reader commentary. It is recommended to allow comments, with or without an approval feature.

14. Freshness - Frequent posting is necessary to attract readers, create stickiness, gain credibility, and rank in search engines. No less than once weekly.

15. Interconnectivity - Blogs create communities by reciprocal linking, blog rolls, blog networks, etc.

16. You have control of the content thatgetscreated.

17. No rules! You do whateveryouwantwithyour blog.

18. RSSTechnology - Real Simple Syndication allows for content to be instantaneously updated to other blogs, blog readers, etc. Who are the bloggers ?According to Forrester Research, the demographic breakdown of ‘Spectators,’ defined as online users who read blogs, watch videos or listen to podcasts. 49% of 12-17

19. 59% of 18-21

20. 54% of 22-26

21. 41% of 27-40

22. 31% of 41-50

23. 26% of 51-61

24. 19% of 62+What the average blogger looks like ?Resource: Technorati’s State of the Blogosphere 2008

25. What the average blogger looks like ?Educated, financially stable, 25-49 y.o.Resource: Technorati’s State of the Blogosphere 2008

26. Who reads blogs? (in the US)42% of internet users have read a blog(s)

27. 33% read blogs regularly

28. 11% read blogs daily

29. 8% of Americans have a blog

30. 46% of blog readers saying that they visit the same blogs regularly

31. 54% surf for new and different ones

32. 43% of blog visitors notice ads on blog websites

33. 28% of US blog readers have taken an action based on a blog post59 % of the internet userswanted to visit a country or a regionaftersurfing on a blog talking about it(Source : Benchmark Group).

34. Blogs: Why is it successful ? There are more than 133 million blogs with 1.5 million created weekly. 94 million US blog readers and 23 million American bloggers. Nearly 1 million blog posts every 24 hours. 95% of the top 100 US newspapers have reporter blogs. Blogs in 81 languages and 66 countries.Resource: Technorati’s State of the Blogosphere 2008

35. Blogs: Why is it successful ? 20% of bloggers think newspapers will be obsolete by 2018

36. 50% think blogs will be primary news source by 2013

37. 37% have had a blog post quoted in the traditional pressResource: Technorati’s State of the Blogosphere 2008

38. Blogs: Why is it successful ? 61% learn about products & services from other blogs

39. Only 1/3 turn to TV/Print as a source of info Resource: Technorati’s State of the Blogosphere 2008

40. Why a blog in the travelindustry? Communicate openly with potential travelers.

41. Provides an alternative form of communication.

42. Engage the influencer audience.

43. Increase SEO

44. Change perception of your destination.

45. Public relations’ effect.

46. Easy solution for online participation.

47. Employee ownership / pride / moral.Rethinksuccess …Would you rather have…500 people who have actively subscribed to receive near-daily updates from a blog.Or5,000 people who have subscribed to receive monthly emails (that they don’t open) ?

48. But where to start? What do you need? Do I blog as a person or as a company

49. How muchcan I write about a topic ?

50. Can I writeappealing content?

51. Whatelsecan I do to findtopics ?

52. Whowillmaintainmy blog ?

53. Will you and your team dedicate the time required?

54. How do you motivate the blogging team?

55. Will you openly show blogger(s) identity?

56. What happens when a blogger leaves?

57. How will you address negative comments?

58. Is this the right tool for your demo / audience?

59. When do I startseeingresults ?