Ten Questions for A Solid Web Site Foundation

Apr 24, 12 | 12:07 am

By Larry Mogelonsky

When we reached the 100 mark, we stopped counting the number of websites we had already built. Regardless of the size of your property, its star ranking, location or feature set, the development of any successful site is based upon your ability to provide appropriate input to your web design team.

I imagine that your house was built on a solid foundation. So too should your website! By utilizing this as checklist for deciding which direction to take, you'll be able to help yourself get the website that meets your business needs.

1. What is wrong with your current website? What are you hoping to accomplish with a new website? What do you see as the strengths of your current website, and what are the weaknesses?

2. What other property websites do you like and why? What other (non-hotel) websites do you like and why?

3. What is your property's primary raison d'etre (that is, leisure, business, wedding, weekends, etc.)?

4. Define your competitive set. How do you differentiate your property from your competitors? What do you like and dislike about their websites?

5. Who is your core target market: demographically, geographically and psychograpically?

6. How do your guests view you? What differences do they perceive when comparing your property to your competitors?

7. How do your competitors view you? What would they perceive as your key strengths and points of difference?

8. How would you describe the character of your property? What special values does your property and management consider critical?

9. What are your key success measurements including ADR, REVPAR, Average Rate, Occupancy or TripAdvisor ranking (not necessarily all so select priorities)?

10. Everyone wants site visitors to immediately make an online booking from your site. But, in addition to, what key selling point would you like site visitors to take away from your site?

About Larry Mogelonsky

Larry Mogelonsky (larry@lma.net) is the president and founder of LMA Communications Inc. (www.lma.ca), an award-winning, full service communications agency focused on the hospitality industry (est. 1991). Larry is also the developer of Inn at a Glance hospitality software. As a recognized expert in marketing services, his experience encompasses Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, as well as numerous independent properties throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Larry is a registered professional engineer, and received his MBA from McMaster University.

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