Most people don’t really like the idea of a pop-up box on a website, but they do actually work! So yes, do use them! 
They are very useful when you have something to offer your customers: encourage them to sign  up for something worthwhile and they will!

Pop-up boxes have come a long way. There are tools out there now that offer a much better user experience. I personally find it a hassle when a box pops up when you’re in the middle of reading something.

So instead of interrupting the website user experience, you can get a box to pop up right at the start when people open a page, or upon exit, or after say 20 seconds. 

And once people have clicked out of the box, it won’t appear again unless they clear their browsing history, which makes it less annoying.

Mailchimp for example offers a cool pop-up box tool, so have a go if you use Mailchimp!

Here are a few tips to create a great pop-up box:

• Ensure the timing of the pop up works well with the way visitors use your website.
• What would be of benefit to your customers that they would sign up for? A free e-book, special rates, newsletters etc. (Would YOU sign up for it?)
• Use simple language and a specific call to action button: Click here to download xyz, Register now for the xyz event, Sign up for special deals etc.
• Make the box stand out but keep it simple with a minimum amount of text. Oh, and make sure it looks good on mobile too!

Till next week, Marijke

User-generated content is hugely powerful. It's when customers share photos and their experience about your business on social media. It's 'word-of-mouth marketing' and it's free! It works because it's much more credible when your customers say nice things about you than when you do it yourself.

So how can you make it easy for customers to share positive photos about your business or experience?

It's simple. Create a photo opportunity at your business location that people can't resist. It can be a funny board with a hole for their face (cheesy, I know, but people love them!). If you do this, ensure it has your business name, website address and hashtag so it's easy to share.

Another idea for a photo opportunity is a large 'prop' of some sort, something unique, cute, funny beautiful etc. I was at Houston, Texas yesterday and just had to take a pic of these huge cowboy boots (about 2m tall). What could you come up with for your business that people would want to take photos of?

Generate a simple, short hashtag that relates to your business. To encourage people to use your hashtag, you could start a competition and offer a prize for the best photo with that hashtag.

PS, have you checked out the new Tourism Business Success Programme yet? Click here for information about this exciting 9-month programme that will help you take your business from where you are now to where you want it to be! Only 10 spaces per location - registrations are now open!

Till next week, Marijke

Video, whether recorded or live, is becoming more and more important in social media. Did you know that:

• 43% of social media users want to see more video content from their favourite brands?
• On average, people watch 1/3 of a video
• 2/3 or people are more likely to book or buy after watching a video
• Videos are watched by all demographics, making it a great way to reach a wider audience

Videos are used by businesses to showcase their products, explain how something works, testimonials, faq’s, interviews etc.

Most tourism businesses are using Facebook, Youtube and Instagram, and those targeting the younger demographic also use Snapchat. All these platforms have a live streaming option: Facebook live, Youtube live, Instagram live and Snapchat.
If you do decide to use live streaming, make sure you let your audience know beforehand!

So, have a go - it may take a little practice, but once you get into the habit of making (short - no more than 2 mins) videos, you'll reap the rewards! I’m making a video myself at the moment and will share it with you in the coming week. Watch this space!

I've found a little video that explains how to make a simple video using your i-phone. The filming quality of newer model smartphones is so good these days, that you can easily make a video yourself. And it looks authentic rather than too polished! 
I was amazed to hear that a friend ofmine was recently interviewed (and filmed) by a journalist for TV using a smartphone!
Here's the tutorial. Till next week, Marijke