TOP 10 IDEAS FOR WEB ENHANCEMENTS

So many opportunities, it was too hard to pick just ten. Here are twelve recommendations from RTP Interactive for site enhancements in 2010.

1. Social Media
Where to start? Make sure you have clear goals and a Social Media strategy in place. While getting started may be as simple as integrating social media icons into your home page, a Twitter feed insertion, or a custom Twitter skin…social media is more than just an icon. Utilize social media as part of your company’s SEO/SEM efforts, and reap the benefits of reputation management.

2. Blog
What are the benefits and challenges of maintaining a blog? Aside from creating valuable search traffic, it is powerful marketing tool and viral pipeline. We can set up a new blog, custom skin an existing one, and in some cases, we can even integrate right into your existing site.

3. Microsite
Do you have a unique target audience or selling point? Develop and utilize a microsite to promote a children’s program, a special event, or to reach Park and Pipe riders.

Beaver Creek Extreme : Microsite

4. Content Enhancements
Creating and leveraging user-generated content is not a passing trend; whether it is done via Flickr, You Tube, or ratings and reviews, there are many opportunities to engage your guest while promoting fresh, relevant content for all of your visitors.

5. Add This/Share This
Don’t forget to let your content work harder for you by quickly and easily allowing a user to email it, share it, tweet it – you name it! Easy win.

6. Media Gallery
From Media Gallery modules, to a full-scale solution with all of the bells and whistles, you can showcase your photos, videos and cams all in one place. Want to push approved, user-generated content here as well? Your guests can now upload and share their pictures and videos right from your site. Let us walk through a few options with you.

7. Video
A picture is still worth a thousand words, but a well-placed video insertion tells even more of the story. Create home page and content video insertions, media player integration and customized You Tube Channels.

Kicking Horse : Full Screen Video Insertion

8. Search Engine Marketing
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) needs to be supported by well-targeted, well-implemented, ongoing Search Engine Marketing (SEM) efforts. Targeted banner ads, paid search and landing pages promoting season pass sales, a special event or promotion can help boost online bookings and your bottom line.

9. HTML email (branding integration)
An HTML email design should be an extension of your brand, not an afterthought – it must provide intriguing, well-designed content, and a clear call to action to increase conversions. We can also track rates for email opens, forwards, and click-throughs, and measure reader interest in products and offerings.

10. Module Integration
Make it key information for your customers easily accessible and easy to maintain with promotions and specials, upcoming events, an automatic weather feed, snow reporting or e-newsletter sign up.

11. Custom Countdowns and Takeovers
Whether you’re counting down to an important event, opening day on the mountain, or reminding guests about the deadline for season pass renewals, creating a custom countdown on your home or landing page can be valuable. In some cases a Flash insertion or a full-screen takeover may be effective for timely promotions, snow alerts, or urgent messaging.

Crested Butte : Module Integration

12. Automated Reporting via Twitter/Facebook
Why update multiple places? Save yourself time and effort by setting up automated reporting, like weather and snow reports, via Twitter and Facebook.

While these are tactical examples, we consider these opportunities to be just a portion of an overall strategic vision.

Margaret Cyphers is Creative Director at RTP Interactive. Follow her on Twitter @margaretcyphers


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