Online marketing workshop number 2 on 21st January 2010

We had our second online marketing workshop in Chippenham last Thursday. All but one of the attendees were Farm Stay members and we had a great workshop as you can see from the photo.

Everyone was really enthusiastic with lots of shared learning and experiences! I just read that Google is going to take into account site speed as part of its site ranking algorithm and that they've made available a link in Google Webmaster tools to help with that. I'll check it out and keep you posted. In the meantime I'm very keen to hear people's views on online booking and online channels of distribution following our discussion with Teresa from Visit Wiltshire.

www.blountscourtfarm.co.uk (Colin)
www.churchfarmcottages.com (Trish)
www.churchfarmholidaycottages.com (Sharon)
www.hattfarm.co.uk (Carol)
www.manorfarmbandb.co.uk (Ross)
www.marshwoodfarm.co.uk (Fiona)
www.parkfarmbarn.co.uk (Kate)
www.pickwickfarm.co.uk(Gill)
www.poultongrange.com (Deb)

Google Analytics and Google Adwords

Unfortunately we didn't have time in yesterday's workshop to cover these two important areas although if you're interested there's the possibility that we might set up a workshop dedicated to Analytics and Adwords. In the meantime you can get started with Google Analytics at http://www.google.com/analytics/ - if you haven't got a Google account you'll need to set one up and then follow the simple steps. Similarly with Adwords (www.google.com/adwords), it's best if you establish a Google account - if you've already done that for Analytics you won't have to do it again! Google Analytics is a great tool and what's more it's free - let us know how you get on.

Online Marketing workshop in Chippenham, Wiltshire January 2010

Eight tourism businesses started the new year with a determination to improve their online marketing skills and attended the "How to make your website work for you" workshop which I facilitated in conjunction with Visit Wiltshire (big Thanks! to Anna Boyle, Tourism Skills Coordinator with Visit Wiltshire for organising the workshop). You can see that everyone is hard at work!  Thanks to all of the participants who made the day very enjoyable:
Jane (www.hookfarmcottages.co.uk)
Ginny (www.glebehouse-chittoe.co.uk)
Chris (www.cumberwellpark.com)
Mary (www.saltboxfarm.co.uk)
Anna (www.wiltscottages.co.uk)
Ruth (www.oldparkfarmholidaycottages.co.uk)
Marusia (www.holidaybarn.co.uk)
Derek (www.barncottagesatlacock.co.uk and www.historyonyourhandlebars.co.uk).