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The Rise of Sustainable Marketing

sustainable marketing

 

Sustainable marketing

 


The year is 2024(and a ½!) and Gen Z has been steadily becoming the target audience for many companies as their buying power grows. To the younger generation, sustainability is more than just a buzzword, it’s a movement. As global awareness about environmental issues grows, young consumers are increasingly demanding that businesses prioritize sustainability in their operations and marketing efforts. This shift has led to the rise of environmentally friendly and sustainable marketing, a trend that is reshaping how brands connect with their younger demographics. Let’s explore the key elements driving this movement and why focusing on quality over quantity is becoming the new standard in marketing.


The Shift Toward Sustainability

Sustainability in marketing involves promoting products and services in ways that minimize environmental impact and encourage responsible consumption. This approach aligns with the growing consumer preference for brands that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Today’s consumers are more informed about the environmental impact of their purchases. With access to a wealth of information online, they are making more conscious decisions and favoring brands that align with their values. This shift is leading more businesses to recognize the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). By centering sustainability in their core strategies, companies can enhance their brand reputation and foster long-term loyalty with young consumers.

Moving Away from Overconsumption

One of the significant shifts in consumer behavior is the move away from overconsumption. Instead of buying more, consumers are now focused on buying better. This change is driven by a desire to reduce waste and make more meaningful, lasting purchases. This minimalist approach encourages consumers to own fewer but higher-quality items. It aims to reduce waste and promote thoughtful consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.

Additionally, consumers are increasingly looking for products that stand the test of time rather than following fleeting trends. Brands that emphasize durability and timeless design are gaining favor as they promise more value and less environmental impact.


Authentic and Transparent Marketing

Authenticity and transparency are crucial in sustainable marketing. Consumers are skeptical of greenwashing—where companies falsely claim to be environmentally friendly—and are seeking genuine, honest communication from brands. Brands must clearly communicate their sustainability efforts and the tangible impacts of their practices. Being honest about the progress in their sustainability journey (including the challenges and setbacks) will go a long way with consumers.

One way brands can prove their efforts are actually making a difference is by obtaining recognized certifications. These may include Fair Trade, Organic, or B Corp certifications and can lend credibility to a brand’s sustainability claims. These certifications assure consumers that the brand meets high environmental and social standards.

 

The rise of sustainable and environmentally friendly marketing signifies a shift towards more responsible and conscious consumerism. As people move away from overconsumption and seek authenticity and quality, businesses must adapt their strategies to meet these evolving demands. By embracing sustainability, focusing on transparency, and prioritizing quality over quantity, brands can not only thrive in the marketplace but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

If you feel like you’re ready to revamp your marketing tactics, reach out to us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com and follow us on socials to see extra tips throughout the month!

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Digital Marketing Tips You Need to Know

Desk with laptops open and people working

 

 


With social media consumption and habits changing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for any business looking to thrive. Enhancing your brand’s online presence, engaging audiences, and driving significant growth will help you stay on top of your game. These digital marketing tips are a great place to start. Explore some key insights we keep in mind to help our clients stay relevant and competitive in their industries.


Social Media Mastery

Mastering your social accounts is essential for building brand awareness and engaging your following. Social media platforms offer huge opportunities to connect with your target audience, promote products or services, and create a community around your brand.

    • Consistency – Maintaining a consistent posting schedule will keep your followers engaged and informed.
    • Visual Content – Use high-quality images, videos, and graphics to catch your followers’ eye. Keeping the same general design or theme for your content is a great way to gain recognition in people’s feeds.
    • SEO – Ensure your content is optimized for social platforms’ search engines to increase visibility and drive organic traffic.
    • The Influencer – Partner with influencers that align with your brand to reach a broader yet more engaged audience.

 

Telling Your Whole Story

Content marketing remains a cornerstone of effective digital marketing. By creating and sharing valuable content, you can tell your audience what your brand aligns with and what is important to you.

    • Monthly Calendar – Plan your content so you have a steady flow of relevant and timely posts.
    • Quality Over Quantity– Prioritize high-quality content that shows your audience who you are, what you stand for, and how you treat customers. Make it personal!
    • Diversified Content – Post a mix of blogs, videos, infographics, and images to reach different segments of your audience.
    • Engagement – Respond to comments, mentions, and messages to build a sense of community and trust. Don’t be afraid to show some personality with your followers.


Local SEO

You don’t have to rely on attracting local customers with just foot traffic. Optimizing your website’s online presence for local search can increase your visibility and boost sales.

    • Google My Business – Double-checking your business’s information on Google My Business ensures that customers can find your website, hours of operation, and even reviews.
    • Local Keywords – Incorporate keywords that locals are searching into your content, meta descriptions, and tags. You can also write blogs about common topics in your industry to help you rank on the search page.
    • Encourage Reviews – Getting your customers to review you can help improve local ranking and get more customers through your doors or on your website. Word of mouth is the best way to attract people, so make sure you’re getting positive reviews and addressing any negative ones.
    • Local Content – Develop content based on your area. Any local events, news, or activities to engage your community can help you to become part of the community in their eyes.


Extra Tips

If you’re not sure where to start with anything or just want to have a more comprehensive checklist, here are a few low-cost extra pointers we recommend.

    • Website – Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-optimized, and reflects your brand’s identity. There are a ton of site builders you can use to get all 3 of these checked off in less than a day.
    • Socials – Get a social account for the platforms that will reach your target audience. A lot of companies are migrating to short-form video, so TikTok trends may be in your future.
    • Email Marketing – Like the site builders, there are platforms that offer email marketing for free or super cheap. Get current customers to sign up for your newsletter and you now have a new way of communicating (with a great ROI).
    • Online Reputation – Regularly check reviews, tags, and comments to keep an eye on what people are saying about your business. Contrary to the saying, not all publicity is good publicity, so you want to monitor what you can.

 

By incorporating these tips into your digital marketing strategy, you can enhance your online presence from all corners. Remember that trends on the internet move fast, so the best advice we can give is to stay informed and adaptable with your marketing efforts. If you feel like you’re ready to step up your digital marketing game, reach out to us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com and follow us on socials to see extra tips throughout the month!

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Hotel Email Marketing: Best Practices

Hand holding smartphone with using social media on internet on sofa in living room.

 


Hotel email marketing is often overlooked, yet it is a powerful tool to nurture relationships with your guests and encourage repeat visits. On average, email marketing drives $42 for every $1 spent, delivering an ROI four times higher than social media or search campaigns. Let’s look into some simple steps to ensure you’re getting the most out of your hotel email marketing.


Visual and User-Friendly Appeal

Successful hotel email marketing campaigns require logical and user-friendly design. Effective design can boost engagement, bookings, and traffic to your hotel’s website.

Ensure that your email design reflects your hotel’s branding with consistent colors, fonts, and logos. Create structure in your emails. For example, if promoting an exclusive offer, place that information and call to action at the top. This helps maintain their interest and directs them to the main focus of your campaign.

Additionally, consider your email’s responsiveness. Design templates that adapt to various device types. A mobile-first approach is crucial, as 60% of emails are accessed on mobile devices and tablets. Emails that are easy to navigate on mobile significantly increase engagement and traffic.


Market Segmentation

Segmentation is a foundational process for all email marketing, especially hotel email marketing. If your hotel hasn’t segmented its customers yet, now is the time to start.

This involves dividing email subscribers into groups based on specific criteria. For hotels, this might include age, location, purpose of travel (business or leisure), and preferences (rooms, activities, dining, etc.). By analyzing this data, you can identify trends and create segments of subscribers with shared qualities.

Audience segmentation allows you to create more personalized email marketing strategies. For instance, you can promote exclusive family trips to your family segment or special facilities and amenities for business travelers. This leads to conversions and a higher ROI while preventing user dissatisfaction by not sending every campaign to every customer, thus clogging up their inbox.


Personalize Your Content

Personalization is key to successful hotel email marketing. Beyond segmentation, personalized content can make a significant difference in engagement and conversion rates. Emails that make your guests feel valued and understood can enhance their overall experience with your hotel. This may include addressing recipients by name in the subject or greeting, or sending birthday and anniversary emails.


Look at the Numbers

Numbers don’t lie. Tracking the performance of your email campaigns is essential. Most email marketing platforms offer reporting tools to monitor key performance metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and open rates.
Regularly reviewing these metrics helps you identify what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to continually refine your strategy. By understanding the elements of successful campaigns, you can make data-driven decisions to enhance future email marketing efforts.

Email marketing is a powerful avenue to enhance guest relations and boost your hotel’s profitability. By incorporating the above practices you can significantly improve the effectiveness of your hotel email marketing campaigns. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to optimize existing efforts, reach out to us if you’re ready to fill up your rooms. Send us an email at info@mcconnellmarketing.com or give us a call at 330.286.0487

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Unlocking the Power of Personalization in Hospitality

Businessman in suit looking at phone, checking into hotel

 

Businessman in suit looking at phone, checking into hotel


With more consumers looking for personalized experiences in hospitality, the industry is leaning heavily on tailored travel to attract guests. From big players like Booking.com and Choice Hotels to smaller boutique establishments, focusing on creating bespoke vacations is becoming the industry standard.

Take Booking.com’s last two major ads: the Tina Fey Super Bowl ad which showcased the agency’s ability to book trips for any person’s vacation alter ego, and the Melissa McCarthy ad from last year that depicted her enjoying various types of vacations, highlighting the agency’s ability to fulfill all travelers’ needs. Additionally, Choice Hotels’ ad featuring Keegan-Michael Key highlighted the variety of hotel experiences you can choose from when you book with one of the company’s 22 brands.

But how can smaller hotels and travel agencies compete with the big players? Here are some ways to convey the same message to your audience without splurging on celebrity endorsements:


Local Experiences

Partnering with your city to offer guest experiences specific to your location. Whether it’s guided tours of historical sites, discounted museum tickets in art-rich cities, or culinary classes in food meccas, offer guests a taste of what it’s like to live like a local.


Collaborate with Ride Share Companies

Creating partnerships with transportation companies allows you to provide guests with perks as soon as they land. Try offering discounted or complimentary pick-up and drop-off services. This enhances their travel experience and puts you at the forefront of their mind before they even arrive at your hotel.


Rewards Beyond Stays

Instead of offering loyalty points to go towards next time’s stay, offer guests points to put towards local activities. Encouraging your guests to explore the area fosters a relationship between the guest and your city, encouraging them to make a repeat visit and book another stay with you.


Utilize Data and Surveys

Data analytics and guest surveys allow you to determine guests’ wants and needs during their time with you. Pre-arrival surveys are useful to plan personalized welcomes, while post-stay surveys provide useful information for future stays.

By embracing personalized experiences in hospitality, hotels and travel agencies can leverage their offerings to gain a multitude of benefits. Enhanced guest satisfaction fosters a sense of loyalty with guests as they feel understood and valued by you. Additionally, this can be an avenue for increased revenue opportunities to upsell amenities and experiences based on individual preferences. Gathering this information also allows for more targeted marketing campaigns based on your customer’s needs, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Personalized travel is not a fleeting trend, it is a strategy for success in the hospitality industry. Offering tailored experiences allows hotels and travel agencies to differentiate themselves, focus on guest satisfaction, and in the end, get more bookings. Whether you are a boutique hotel or a local travel agency, don’t convince yourself that guest personalization is outside of your budget. It’s time to unlock the power of personalized travel and treat your guests to an unforgettable experience.

When it comes to marketing your hotel’s newest loyalty program, McConnell Marketing is here to help! Contact us today or call us at 330-286-0487 to get started. Also, don’t forget to follow us on all of our social platforms. Stay up to date on our monthly newsletters, full of more helpful tips and tricks!

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Brand New: 5 Signs You Need to Rebrand

Team brainstorming at table under lightbulb

Team brainstorming at table under lightbulb


Maintaining a strong brand presence is essential for success with how quickly the world moves now. Your brand is more than the logo; it’s your mission, values, and image. But with times changing so quickly, it’s easy to get swept up in the crowd. If you’re not seeing the results you want, it may be time to assess if your branding is still communicating who you are to your audience. Here are 5 signs that it may be time for a rebrand.


Your look feels outdated

Trends come and go. What once made you stand out, may be the same things that are making you blend in with everyone else. If your branding doesn’t resonate with your target audience, then it may be time for a different look. A logo refresh or modified color palette can go a long way in making your brand feel more relevant.


There are inconsistencies across platforms

For your company to have brand recognition, you need to have a consistent image in all spaces you are in. If your Instagram and your website look like they were made by two completely different people, you may be confusing your customers. A cohesive brand will help customers recognize and build trust with your brand.


You’re trying to connect to a new audience

Spending power is constantly changing hands, which means you need to be constantly changing who you appeal to. What Gen Z likes is far from what their parents like. A rebrand is a great way to show potential audiences that you align with their needs and preferences. Additionally, where you connect will be different, are you on the right platform for your target audience?


You’ve outgrown your branding

One of the better reasons to change up your look is that you’re simply bigger than you once were! The good news is that you don’t need to leave behind all of your new practices. Some things worked to get you where you are. This is a great time to lean into your strengths and leave the rest behind to continue towards growth.


You aren’t getting the recognition you expected

Sometimes things aren’t done right the first time. While it might be frustrating to start from scratch, it’s better to nip it in the bud. Finding an agency that knows which questions to ask is the best way to get a brand that speaks to audiences in your voice.


Your brand is the foundation of your business. And like everything else in life, it will change with time. If anything on this list sounds like your brand, now is the perfect time to reach out to us. Call us at 330-286-0487 to get started. For more tips like this, follow us on all of our social platforms and subscribe to our our monthly newsletters.