The Keyword - Google's All Everything Blog

Google's new blog The Keyword is an uber-organization of all Google's diverse news, products + topics.  The Keyword is well designed to help users migrate to a single Google source - in the spirit of a Swiss Army Knife.

The Keyword Blog by Google

A quote from Android Guys describes it well:

So why should you care? Ultimately, this benefits all of us. For readers, you now only have one resource to visit when you want to read all of Google’s news and releases. Don’t worry, you won’t have to replace all of your bookmarks either. Old bookmarks and feeds automatically redirect to The Keyword.

In addition to go-and-search, The Keyboard has multiple delivery options to the platform of your choice.  Well done Google The Keyword Team!

Merci Millennials - Mobile Powered #Hotels for Everyone

As Hotels and accommodation providers design + create to win the coveted millennial market, those of us who want the same features win too!

As a maxi-millennial (read - boomer), I seek the same services + ambiance that millennials look for in hotels and alternative accommodations.

A brief list:

• Totally digitally connected - fast free WiFi everywhere
• Mobile self empowered services and personalized options
• Design style touches BUT affordable rates
• Interesting experiences - localized, authentic
• Social spaces - especially if shared - guests, locals and visitors
• Environmentally aware - Fair Trade or organic offerings
• Healthful food offerings - available on demand
• Friendly, helpful staff - informal (not scripted) approach

Some hotels have been out in front delivering 'millennial' experiences.  My favorites are:

• @CitizenM
• @mamashelter_P
• @legeneralhotel
• @okkohotels

So, the reality is millennials is a mindset - lifestyle - not an age group - as shared at the Annual Hotel Conference UK - reported by Big Hospitality

Thank you millennials - hotels have broken free from 'standardization' of experiences - it is much more fun.

Mobile Audience Growth - Web is Discovery Opportunity

 Mobiforge details #mobile report - apps for engagement - web for discovery

Mobile marketers and developers will value Mobiforge's analysis of Comscore's recent report.  For all of us trying to decide - Mobile site or mobile app, the information is most helpful.  

Decision depends on your business goals:

• are you building your mobile audience = mobile website -USER centric
• do you want to increase engagement with mobile users = app

The chart below from the Comscore report clearly shows the growth opportunity.

Another key point is that mobile web is a gateway:

We’ve seen a lot of movement in the mobile web arena over the last year in the shape ofProgressive Web Apps, and the AMP initiative that bears out the importance of  the web as the gateway to further engagement without the same limitations as an app store presents. Outside of the app oligarchs,  the discovery battle may ultimately be won on the web.

An excellent, concise analysis - read Martin Clancy's article "Mobile Audience Growth Web Not Apps" 

Original Post - Mobile Mindset Web not Apps

Kind Traveler - Charitable Donations Unlock Hotel Deals - Exclusives

KindTraveler - A Winning Combination - Hotel Deals for Guests' donating to their favorite charities.

This is definitely innovative - 'Do More Than Travel' slogan - says it all!!

A win-win-win combination for guest, hotels and non-profit orgfanizations

• Hotels win because they are able to offer exclusive deals to a 'private club' of guests, who contribute to THEIR select charity
• Guests win as rates and offers are private - better than published on OTAs
• Charities-worthy causes win via donations that are basically micro-fundraising.

Further, Hotel get to show their eco-efforts.  The Kind Stories blog-mag is a worthy read too!!

Kind Traveler - Hotel Deals from Donations

The concept is the brainchild of founders Jessica Blotter and Sean Krejci - and their inspiration story is told in this terrific Conde Nast article.

A beautiful site - fabulous idea for a better world...Kind Traveler

Kind Traveler - Charitable Donations Unlock Hotel Deals - Exclusives

KindTraveler - A Winning Combination - Hotel Deals for Guests' donating to their favorite charities.

This is definitely innovative - 'Do More Than Travel' slogan - says it all!!

A win-win-win combination for guest, hotels and non-profit orgfanizations

• Hotels win because they are able to offer exclusive deals to a 'private club' of guests, who contribute to THEIR select charity
• Guests win as rates and offers are private - better than published on OTAs
• Charities-worthy causes win via donations that are basically micro-fundraising.

Further, Hotel get to show their eco-efforts.  The Kinder Stories blog-mag is a worthy read too!!

Kind Traveler - Hotel Deals from Donations

The concept is the brainchild of founders Jessica Blotter and Sean Krejci - and their inspiration story is told in this terrific Conde Nast article.

A beautiful site - fabulous idea for a better world...Kind Traveler