Parsippany, N.J. — January 12, 2012 — Looking for the latest digital marketing predictions and mobile trends data? Then click on HotelCast 2.0, a free podcast produced by Lodging Interactive that is delivering hot information on search engine optimization, including new Google incentives and options for advertisers, and Facebook's plan to add social likeability and sentiment measurements to improve ad relevance. In addition, hear how Lodging Interactive's Guest Review System is helping hotels take control of their guest reviews by stopping potential guests from using third-party review websites where they may never return or worse, book a competitor’s property.

"HotelCast 2.0 is the best 10 minutes a hotelier can spend getting up to speed on social media marketing and search engine optimization," said D.J. Vallauri, Lodging Interactive President and CEO. "This podcast has quickly become a hospitality hot spot that enables busy hoteliers to get the information they need quickly to stay in the know and 'in the now' about the ever-growing, ever-changing world field of online and social marketing.

"One of the biggest things we are truly excited about in 2012 is our Guest Review System," Vallauri said. "Market research shows that more than 75 percent of online travel buyers will consider consumer reviews prior to making their online travel purchase. Lodging Interactive's GSR is a web-based review-management system that empowers hotels to collect their own guest reviews and post management responses on their websites. Hear how hotels are benefitting by letting consumers post their comments and score their hotel experiences based on service attributes, and learn why sharing guest reviews on Facebook and other social media channels can keep hotel management and owners better protect their online reputations in real time."
 
Podcast Promotes Predictions
Also on HotelCast 2.0, Matt Lawson, vice president of marketing for Marin Software, serves up five digital marketing trends to watch out for this year. Topping his list is Google's new offerings to advertisers created to counteract Facebook's rising popularity. Hear how Google continues to innovate its advertising products to maximize online advertising dollars.
 
Finally, Greg Sterling, a contributing editor at Search Engine Land, makes 12 Mobile predictions for 2012, including: Smartphones penetration will rise to 65% by year end in the U.S.; Google and Microsoft will beef up their voice offerings to better compete with Siri; Apple will launch its own mapping service for iOS; Tablet computer sales will top out at 100 million units this year, with the iPad taking 65 percent of the market; and Amazon will purchase a mobile ad network.

"Greg's predictions in 2011 came true, so it will be very exciting to see if his '12 for 12' will be equally as insightful," Vallauri said. "To hear how your hotel can leverage the power of social media, including how CoMMingle by Lodging Interactive is helping hoteliers avoid pitfalls and risks associated with online marketing, tap into HotelCast 2.0."

The next edition of HotelCast 2.0 will broadcast in April 2012.

About Lodging Interactive
Lodging Interactive, headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, is an award winning leading provider of Internet Marketing Services to the hospitality, spa and restaurant industries. The company provides a portfolio of effective hotel Internet marketing services to hundreds of hotels, resorts, ownership properties, spas and restaurants. Clients include branded hotels from nearly every major brand as well as prestigious, landmark independent hotels.

Through its CoMMingle Social Media Marketing Agency operating division, the Company offers hospitality focused and fully managed outsourced hotel social media marketing customized solutions.

Lodging Interactive is an award winning interactive marketing agency and has been recognized as a leader by the International Academy of Visual Arts, Interactive Media Awards, Web Marketing Association and Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards.

Lodging Interactive is a proud supporter of the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and a proud member of the Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. (AAHOA). For more information contact Richard Walsh, Vice President of Business Development at [email protected] or at 877-291-4411. The company’s website is located at www.LodgingInteractive.com