For those of you who haven’t heard of SoMeT14AU – it was a Social Media Tourism Symposium specifically designed so that tourism and destination marketers get a chance to hear case studies and cutting edge digital, social and tourism marketing concepts.
#SoMeT14AU was an action packed and inspiring conference held in the Barossa (16 and 17 August 2014) over two days of learning, sharing, networking and downright good fun.
The speakers were a varied bunch of industry leaders, digital strategists, hotel marketers, small regional DMOs through to entire country destination marketers, all talking about the significant role social media plays in tourism.
Presentations, case studies, videos and stories were extremely thought provoking.
The Hashtag was the #1 trending topic in Australia on Twitter with a volley of tweets and insights being shared by both delegates and followers alike all over the world.
Heavy tweet volume alert: I’m live tweeting for the next 8 hours at #SoMeT14AU in Australia. pic.twitter.com/B2zEdydEv6
— Chad Wiebesick (@Wiebesick) July 15, 2014
To put some of the learnings into context, we’ve collated our personal Top 10 takeaways from #SoMeT14AU. Hopefully, some of these bite size morsels may assist with your own social media marketing activities.
1. Align Your Strategy To Your Business Objectives
Everything you do in social media should be aligned to your business objectives.
Wasting time, money and effort on something that does not meet your business imperatives is simply bad business.
By remaining doggedly fixed on your objectives you will actually get ahead of much of the competition who will falter at every new next big thing. Create a social media plan and measure what matters.
“@Wiebesick: Big theme at #SoMeT14AU: “The best social strategy is what your fans give you” – @canausjo pic.twitter.com/x9AKiYzmsD” agreed! — Tanya Mitchell (@TanyaMitchell22) July 16, 2014
2. You Don’t Have To Do It All
The next big thing is always around the corner in the social space and it’s easy to get digitally overwhelmed.
To ensure digital paralysis doesn’t set in, don’t look over the fence too much.
Smart marketing – don’t be everything to everyone. Pick the channels that work for you an do them really well @petrhyce #SoMeT14AU
— Sarah Whyte (@whytebate) July 16, 2014
If something isn’t working, tweak it or ditch it – don’t keep doing the same thing over and over. Move on.
3. Listen and Ask
Your audience know what they want, whereas you only think you do.
Social media gives you a fabulous opportunity to listen and ask – en-masse. So ask what your audience want. Listen and take onboard those insights to create content that suits their needs and your social media marketing strategy.
I agree; know your audience on each. RT @BizEez: Use native content on each separate social platform @SociallySorted #SoMeT14AU
— tonybogar (@tonybogar) July 17, 2014
4. Fortune Favours the Brave
Refreshingly, this theme or a variation thereof, was repeated consistently throughout #SoMeT14AU.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Be daring as your crazy idea or calculated risk may just happen to catapult your business in social success.
5. Social Media is Word of Mouth on Steroids
Build yourself a modern day bush telegraph by using fan advocacy to get the word out. And that leads us to….
6. Partner with Influences
From bloggers, instagrammers, celebs and business leaders, ask them to get involved. Tap into their already large communities and share the love.
7. Mobile is Here
And we’re not just talking mobile websites. Your audience are using mobile devices to connect, interact and learn – this is happening now!
So get on board or get left behind.
Mobile responsive sites are so important, create good sized shareable buttons, we’re using our thumbs after all! @SociallySorted #SoMeT14AU — Social Media Tourism (@SoMeTourism) July 17, 2014
8. Content is Still King
From photos, infographics, top 10 and other material. Know your audience and create quality shareable content.
Use humour, emotive images or videos wherever relevant.
Thanks @southaustralia currently wiping back nostalgia tears from your #throughlocalyeyes video https://t.co/WAozT5cVk1 #SoMeT14AU — Donna Moritz (@SociallySorted) July 17, 2014
9. Surprise and Delight
Take your business culture into the digital space – craft customer service experiences that people will remember long after they visit your business. Personalize the experience.
Who where when – surprise and delight. @kay_lah_ Listen to social channels for destinations. Great info #SoMeT14AU — BizEez Communication (@BizEez) July 17, 2014
10. The Best Laid Plans
Be Flexible as we all know the best plan can still go awry. Technology can break, misunderstanding can happen, accounts can be hacked.
Your campaigns and social strategy should always have a little room for a bend or two. Social Media isn’t just for marketing your tourism, wine or food business, it’s for human connections. So don’t just do social. Be social.
Celebrity #SoMeT14AU #selfie #breakingrecords thanks to @SwannySA & his long arms pic.twitter.com/Cp7Ofy02FD — Sarah Whyte (@whytebate) July 16, 2014
Until next time…..
