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As our customers are exploring the benefits of mobile search for their businesses, some of the same questions keep coming up.   We’ve written many articles on the subject and you can expect many more.  But I wanted to address the top 5 questions I receive.

Q: Should I buy .mobi?
A: We believe it is good to own your .mobi domain. Claim it as yours and keep others from buying your brand.  However, you don’t need to build a site on it because it is not very highly searched at this time.  Blizzard’s Mobile service solves the need for a site on the .mobi domain.

Q: How does Blizzard Mobile service work with the different phone & mobile devices?
A: Today’s traveler has technology at their fingertips.  They may not always know how to use their tools to the fullest extent so it’s our job to make it easier for them. This is the genius behind the solution developed by our R&D Team.  It is all handled at the server level.  The request from a mobile device comes in, the server identifies the technology then serves up the proper format.

Q: Why do I need this if I’m in the hospitality industry?
A: There are many reasons your competitors are using this marketing tool.  Someone searching for a hotel after a conference that lasted longer than expected will search for a local or airport hotel.  A family taking a long road trip may realize they need a break and a pool. They will use their phone to search for available lodging along their route.  This is great for filling up your last rooms.  Yes, even my vacation rental customers get last minute walk-ins! Business travelers waiting in airports have time on their hands to plan the family trip and search for the perfect vacation rental.  Sometimes it’s easier to use a phone for quick research than to fire up the laptop.  These scenarios happen more than you may realize.

Q: If I already have their reservation, why would a guest utilize mobile search?
A: This is the hook!  While your visitors are driving to your location, they may realize the directions are at home on the kitchen table.  Mobile search allows them to view directions, find your phone number to confirm their reservation, or get your address so they can map the quickest route to the nearby theme park, unique beach, favorite ski resort, or other area attractions.  Provide an additional touch point to your guest, prior to and during their stay.

Q: How will this help my business in the current economic situation?
A: Service!  You want to provide the best experience for your customers.   Show them that you are there to help with every stage of their vacation. Businesses who take this a step further place audio tours on their mobile-friendly pages that can be played while driving explaining the various points of interest in the region.  Provide a Concierge Tour that highlights your property to get them excited about your resort.  Record a kid-friendly game about the geographical area, the wildlife, and things they can be looking for. 

Give your customers obvious benefits to stay with you again and again by offering new services.  Grow & strengthen your loyal customer base before your competitors do.  The small investments you make now can keep you ahead long into the future.

If you are still skeptical, please watch our newsletter for more information from Mary Bowling.  This ties directly into post-click marketing techniques that Carrie Hill recommends.  As always, contact your Account Manager or Project Manager if you have more questions about this or other effective online marketing opportunities.

Image credits: Blackberry courtesy  Marvin Kuo Slider phone courtesy  swskeptic

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Categories: SEM.
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