published in Illinois Meeting and Events Magazine
If you're developing a new web site or updating an existing format, here are 10 tips from the pros on how to make your site more user friendly.
- An obvious link to the meetings content page on your main gateway or entry page in the form of a larger type size, icon, micro button or tile.
- A direct or sub URL to market and publicize your site, such as www.myhotel.com/meetings, www.conventions.mydestination.com or www.meetinmydestination.com.
- Plenty of meeting-specific content and tips on meeting planning. Also include FAQ's about your destination/property, links to area activities and a local event calendar.
- Meeting-facility and room photos, featuring active people instead of empty spaces.
- A virtual tour of each meeting room along with layouts and space-requirement grids.
- A dynamic search engine where a planner can search: total peak guestrooms, largest general-session size, number of break-out rooms. In other words, can your site quickly answer the question: Does my group fit?
- A list of groups who have met at your property or destination along with testimonials from planners and attendees.
- Links to a "Hot Dates/Hot Rates" listings for a period that spans the upcoming 30-90 days.
- Photos of your sales staff to make the search more face-to-face and personal.
- The option to sign up for an online newsletter about the property or destination.