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Looking for honest critique
Is it ok to post a blog link here with the purpose of getting constructive criticism from FT readers? Is this the forum for that? Don't want to run afoul of any rules...
FWIW, I don't have affiliate links, and I have maybe 1 ad. Miles and points isn't my bread and butter. It'll be a solid aspect of my site, but it's not (Strictly speaking) a "miles and points blog" Thanks |
Yes, that's fine.* Several others have done so previously.
*I'm not a moderator but am basing the answer on much prior activity on the forums. |
Thanks.
Well, here goes nothing: www.isserbtravels.com I have two main substantive elements to my blog: 1) Virtuoso hotel reviews. Reason: Too many people - in my opinion - write hotel reviews from the angle of status recognition, points/miles redemptions, business/road warrior perspective, etc. There isn't a single person out there - to my mind - that is reviewing properties in the V network because they're in the V network. I'm also considering juxtaposing the same hotel benefits by booking under Virtuoso vs booking under FHR or simple status bookings, etc. I'm starting slow, but it's my goal to review every hotel in the V network [insert laugh here]. That, in itself, should be a spectacle. 2) My 5+1 series Reason: Too many people - in my opinion - write a hotel review with nothing about the surrounding area. I'm trying to throw out a handful (+1) of ideas - boutiques, restaurants, dessert, whatever - that are in walking distance of the hotel I'm reviewing. [FWIW: when I say 'too many people' - that is not meant to be derogatory - I mean...I'm trying to separate myself from the pack] The rest of my blog will be articles, i.e.: new hotel openings and how they relate to Virtuoso, hotels I think should become a part of the network, whether I think the amenities are good/bad/worse than clients deserve, etc. So, I guess in genre speak, a "luxury hotel blog" meets [extremely short] destination advice. When dishing constructive criticism, please know, this site is in EXTREME beta mode...like, I only have 3-4 reviews up and two 5+1's. Spending a lot of time on formatting, uploading weekly deals, etc. Thanks! |
"5+1 series" - great, combination is definitely less common
there are other virtuoso agent bloggers, including on FT |
Originally Posted by Kagehitokiri
(Post 23612485)
"5+1 series" = good idea, combination is definitely less common
there are other virtuoso agent bloggers That said, the ones I've found (DavidO, for instance) - the things I'm focusing on are almost a footnote to the main goal of their blog. Is anyone attempting to visit every hotel in the network, stay there, and write about it? What about juxtaposing those benefits with FHR, and/or talking about benefit stacking?[Haven't gotten there yet, but plan on it] I also believe, in the land of travel blogs, its getting harder and harder to be unique. TO really get rolling with this "attempt" at reviewing every property in our network, critiquing them, etc...i'm going to need a lot more content than I'm at right now. It also means I may ruffle some feathers with some very close allies. (Example: gave the RC Amelia a pretty bad review, in my opinion...how would my contact there feel about that? I'm sure it helps I continue to send business that way, but still....) Any advice on how to make the blog more unique, I'm all ears. I gotta add: miles/points are a footnote to my overall goal: luxury hotels & Virtuoso benefits. I will discuss them only when warranted. |
I think you're off to a great start.
Your photos are well done, it looks like some thought was put into their setup. I like to see a lot of pics and the reviews so far seem to have about the right amount for me, showing enough variety without being overwhelming. You explain your preferences and perspectives within the reviews which is nice, and you've described positives and negatives about the property. Generally seem like fairly balanced write-ups. I like "5+1" series concept, I think you can do a lot with it, and it's a catchy and consistent way to capture those parts of the trip. Having some context to the hotel stay is something I like to see, personally. Look forward to seeing more. |
Originally Posted by 84fiero
(Post 23612584)
I think you're off to a great start.
Your photos are well done, it looks like some thought was put into their setup. I like to see a lot of pics and the reviews so far seem to have about the right amount for me, showing enough variety without being overwhelming. You explain your preferences and perspectives within the reviews which is nice, and you've described positives and negatives about the property. Generally seem like fairly balanced write-ups. I like "5+1" series concept, I think you can do a lot with it, and it's a catchy and consistent way to capture those parts of the trip. Having some context to the hotel stay is something I like to see, personally. Look forward to seeing more. |
I'm impressed. It looks very high end (like a good restaurant or law firm's webpage). It's easy to navigate and I like your home page. I want to see more trip reports but I know you just started.
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Originally Posted by CMK10
(Post 23614718)
I'm impressed. It looks very high end (like a good restaurant or law firm's webpage). It's easy to navigate and I like your home page. I want to see more trip reports but I know you just started.
Yes, I'm very short on content right now. It's not even that I don't have things to write about...I have three hotel reviews I just started & a lot of upcoming travels. Frankly, I never expected it would be this hard (and this time consuming) to write about hotels. Even my 5+1 articles may take 4 hours a piece. Probably 4 years of Poli Sci papers + 3 years of law school briefs zapped my brain when it comes to writing anything even slightly creative. |
Originally Posted by 84fiero
(Post 23612584)
I think you're off to a great start.
Your photos are well done, it looks like some thought was put into their setup. I like to see a lot of pics and the reviews so far seem to have about the right amount for me, showing enough variety without being overwhelming. You explain your preferences and perspectives within the reviews which is nice, and you've described positives and negatives about the property. Generally seem like fairly balanced write-ups. I like "5+1" series concept, I think you can do a lot with it, and it's a catchy and consistent way to capture those parts of the trip. Having some context to the hotel stay is something I like to see, personally. Look forward to seeing more. Cheers. |
Originally Posted by pricesquire
(Post 23615009)
Frankly, I never expected it would be this hard (and this time consuming) to write about hotels. Even my 5+1 articles may take 4 hours a piece.
And producing good content takes even longer. ;) |
Originally Posted by sbm12
(Post 23616402)
Most people underestimate the amount of time it takes to produce content.
And producing good content takes even longer. ;) |
and youre trying, because you care
dont underestimate lack of caring / expediency by many others :D |
Presentation is good, nice work. Only thing that stood out as a bit unusual was the mailing list directing to Virtuoso rather than yourself, that sounds like a weird set up.
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Originally Posted by brooklynmatt
(Post 23617125)
Presentation is good, nice work. Only thing that stood out as a bit unusual was the mailing list directing to Virtuoso rather than yourself, that sounds like a weird set up.
I also want to get a lot more substance on my site, and get into the industry a bit more, before I start sending emails with my own content. (At this point, I'm still doing predominantly legal work, so at the end of the day, I"m more worried about getting a hotel review done verses getting the latest newsletter out) Most people I talk to (in the non-FT) world don't get Virtuoso mail and are wondering how they can get it. That said, you're right in that my 'disclaimer' is a little odd. Maybe I'll take that wording out. EDIT: thank you all for the help. I genuinely appreciate it. |
I think this looks great overall. Very appealing to the eyes. Pictures look great. I think strategically though, I would showcase the reviews of Virt. hotels that you have been to on the front page to draw people in (i.e. put some of the great looking pictures up and have it transition). When people click on the review, they can read it and also see your take on it and contact you to get it booked.
Just my personal opinion though...
Originally Posted by pricesquire
(Post 23609628)
Is it ok to post a blog link here with the purpose of getting constructive criticism from FT readers? Is this the forum for that? Don't want to run afoul of any rules...
FWIW, I don't have affiliate links, and I have maybe 1 ad. Miles and points isn't my bread and butter. It'll be a solid aspect of my site, but it's not (Strictly speaking) a "miles and points blog" Thanks |
Originally Posted by bl540611
(Post 23617450)
I think this looks great overall. Very appealing to the eyes. Pictures look great. I think strategically though, I would showcase the reviews of Virt. hotels that you have been to on the front page to draw people in (i.e. put some of the great looking pictures up and have it transition). When people click on the review, they can read it and also see your take on it and contact you to get it booked.
Just my personal opinion though... Check out this screen shot. On the one hand, I like that you can see my recent posts on the right. On the other hand, is 6 pictures, in that asymmetrical fashion, too much? https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/...17c4468e_c.jpg |
I have a few comments on your site, based on experience of building sites for other people, and seeing reviews done by people more successful than me at this game.
1. The front page should either: (a) Sell your services, or (b) showcase your great content. For this type of sale - high end, high touch - I think the best way is to provide readers with lot of great value so they already like you before you try to make a sale. 2. When you do talk about what you do, don't talk about what you do, but talk about how your customers get great experiences. This is mainly just a switch in focus - notice the best sales pages tell you (the buyer) how much better their lives will be because These Knives are Handcrafted in Japan (as an example). Not: These Knives are Handcrafted in Japan for better quality. 3. You links under Trip Reports don't look like links. Also this page is very, very sparse. More photos would help, and maybe a summary paragraph? 4. Of those people who have had success with a newsletter, all of them have said they should have started sooner! Start now! This will be the very best way to convert your readers into paying customers over time. Always, always, always offer something as a gift to readers who sign up. Maybe you could write an overall ebook about how Virtuoso works, how it compares to FHR and FSPP etc. Maybe 10 pages. Give it away to subscribers. Your newsletter content can easily be summaries of this weeks/months review you have posted, upcoming stuff, and asking people if they have any specific places they want you to visit etc. Once you have someone's email - and you are providing them constant, high quality, valuable content - you can remind them that you are there the next time they need a trip booked. Vacation trips tend not to happen often, so people can forget you exist when they come to book - don't let that happen to your readers. But don't oversell either! Also add in the Virtuoso offers - don't give your readers to someone else! Maybe pay a Virtual Assistant to do this mechanical work for you to read the Virtuoso emails and re-package them as your own (don't know if they allow this). 5. Offers of the week should link readers directly to you - not their "Virtuoso travel advisor" 6. On your About page, add a photo to your bio - people connect to people. 7. The coming soon part of the About page could be on it's own somewhere else. This is a great place to sell the Newsletter signup - Do you want to be informed when these reviews become available? Button Text: Tell Me About New Reviews (Don't ever use the word 'signup' - it's too techy) Good luck! PS: If you had a newsletter signup, you'd have my email already.... |
Originally Posted by CRAZ8
(Post 23617647)
I have a few comments on your site, based on experience of building sites for other people, and seeing reviews done by people more successful than me at this game.
1. The front page should either: (a) Sell your services, or (b) showcase your great content. For this type of sale - high end, high touch - I think the best way is to provide readers with lot of great value so they already like you before you try to make a sale. 2. When you do talk about what you do, don't talk about what you do, but talk about how your customers get great experiences. This is mainly just a switch in focus - notice the best sales pages tell you (the buyer) how much better their lives will be because These Knives are Handcrafted in Japan (as an example). Not: These Knives are Handcrafted in Japan for better quality. 3. You links under Trip Reports don't look like links. Also this page is very, very sparse. More photos would help, and maybe a summary paragraph? 4. Of those people who have had success with a newsletter, all of them have said they should have started sooner! Start now! This will be the very best way to convert your readers into paying customers over time. Always, always, always offer something as a gift to readers who sign up. Maybe you could write an overall ebook about how Virtuoso works, how it compares to FHR and FSPP etc. Maybe 10 pages. Give it away to subscribers. Your newsletter content can easily be summaries of this weeks/months review you have posted, upcoming stuff, and asking people if they have any specific places they want you to visit etc. Once you have someone's email - and you are providing them constant, high quality, valuable content - you can remind them that you are there the next time they need a trip booked. Vacation trips tend not to happen often, so people can forget you exist when they come to book - don't let that happen to your readers. But don't oversell either! Also add in the Virtuoso offers - don't give your readers to someone else! Maybe pay a Virtual Assistant to do this mechanical work for you to read the Virtuoso emails and re-package them as your own (don't know if they allow this). 5. Offers of the week should link readers directly to you - not their "Virtuoso travel advisor" 6. On your About page, add a photo to your bio - people connect to people. 7. The coming soon part of the About page could be on it's own somewhere else. This is a great place to sell the Newsletter signup - Do you want to be informed when these reviews become available? Button Text: Tell Me About New Reviews (Don't ever use the word 'signup' - it's too techy) Good luck! PS: If you had a newsletter signup, you'd have my email already.... |
Originally Posted by pricesquire
(Post 23616477)
Gotcha. So, it's somewhat normal to have a single review take 3-5 days.... :)
Originally Posted by pricesquire
(Post 23617534)
Check out this screen shot.
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Originally Posted by sbm12
(Post 23618263)
Well, I suppose it depends. And you'll hopefully get quicker at them. But at 3-5 days per review that's going to take a very, very long time to generate content and keeping it up to date will be challenging, over and beyond actually going to all the places on a regular basis to see what's changed.
Photo unavailable. If it is in your account make sure you've set the permissions on it correctly. To be honest, the whole process may not take so long if: (1) I didn't have another job, and (2) I'm not busy dealing with formatting/tech issues (never built a website; don't know anything about code; etc) To see the screenshot, just go to the site, as I switched it around a bit: isserbtravels.com (if you remember, before there was no 'summary' on the side; now there is) Flickr has been acting up. I had permission, posted the pic, it was fine....come back after dinner and it's gone |
Originally Posted by pricesquire
(Post 23618290)
I didn't have another job, and (2) I'm not busy dealing with formatting/tech issues (never built a website; don't know anything about code; etc)
regardless, something that is more time consuming initially becomes more routine, actually same for writing, especially reports some spend more time on things like reports/blogging than their other hobbies/interests, as well ("excluding" the thing they are reporting/blogging about) |
4. Of those people who have had success with a newsletter, all of them have said they should have started sooner! Start now! This will be the very best way to convert your readers into paying customers over time. Always, always, always offer something as a gift to readers who sign up. Maybe you could write an overall ebook about how Virtuoso works, how it compares to FHR and FSPP etc. Maybe 10 pages. Give it away to subscribers. Your newsletter content can easily be summaries of this weeks/months review you have posted, upcoming stuff, and asking people if they have any specific places they want you to visit etc. Once you have someone's email - and you are providing them constant, high quality, valuable content - you can remind them that you are there the next time they need a trip booked. Vacation trips tend not to happen often, so people can forget you exist when they come to book - don't let that happen to your readers. But don't oversell either! You can build a list and never really use it, maybe send out a monthly newsletter or whatnot, let it grow over time. |
Originally Posted by brooklynmatt
(Post 23618603)
Yep, that was where I was going with that. It seems like a weird play to offload it. I was wondering if there was some sort of compensation happening here - because giving away leads is kinda strange.
You can build a list and never really use it, maybe send out a monthly newsletter or whatnot, let it grow over time. They have my name at the top in bold with my info. That's why I'm ok holding off on even more personalized emails right now All this being said, I'm going to move to a newsletter. Just gotta find the time :cool: |
Started my own newsletter
Thank god for MailChimp ;) |
1) How many Virtuoso hotels are there now? How long would it realistically take for you to cover them all? Several years I"m thinking...
2) Why would I want to entrust my vacation dollars on someone that is a part time travel agent? Especially someone who is selling luxury. That being said, good luck! |
3. You links under Trip Reports don't look like links. Also this page is very, very sparse. More photos would help, and maybe a summary paragraph?
Saw this blog site recently pertaining to Charleston and South Carolina. http://www.citystyleandliving.blogspot.ca/ |
Originally Posted by farbster
(Post 23644404)
1) How many Virtuoso hotels are there now? How long would it realistically take for you to cover them all? Several years I"m thinking...
2) Why would I want to entrust my vacation dollars on someone that is a part time travel agent? Especially someone who is selling luxury. That being said, good luck! With regard to being PT. 6 hours of my day, 5-6 days a week, is spent doing travel related things. Meetings (met with Sofitel yesterday), research (researching a trip for 2 clients to Mukul in Nicaragua - they just booked today :D ), etc. Not to mention I go international 5-8 times per year and do hotel visits on weekends (hence the blog). I don't see any problem with being a PT'er. I understand that's an issue, though. All I can say is, the day my travel business pays for itself - let's throw out the number 70-100k/year - I'll be a full timer in the travel biz (for perspective, my 'boss' makes about 200k a year in the travel biz, selling about 2.5mm/year in cruises and luxury safari. It's possible. @ lacosloca, I agree my links don't look like links. That's a tech issue I'm working on as we speak. Thanks for the heads up ^ And thanks for the Charleston link. I'll definitely look at that tonight. Page is sparse - I agree - I'm going to add pictures and do summary paragraphs of each review. It'll help when I start traveling a bit more - which, luckily, is Nov. 6 for me. Thanks again for the constructive critiques. ^ |
Originally Posted by pricesquire
(Post 23612460)
Thanks.
Well, here goes nothing: www.isserbtravels.com I have two main substantive elements to my blog: 1) Virtuoso hotel reviews. Reason: Too many people - in my opinion - write hotel reviews from the angle of status recognition, points/miles redemptions, business/road warrior perspective, etc. There isn't a single person out there - to my mind - that is reviewing properties in the V network because they're in the V network. I'm also considering juxtaposing the same hotel benefits by booking under Virtuoso vs booking under FHR or simple status bookings, etc. I'm starting slow, but it's my goal to review every hotel in the V network [insert laugh here]. That, in itself, should be a spectacle. 2) My 5+1 series Reason: Too many people - in my opinion - write a hotel review with nothing about the surrounding area. I'm trying to throw out a handful (+1) of ideas - boutiques, restaurants, dessert, whatever - that are in walking distance of the hotel I'm reviewing. [FWIW: when I say 'too many people' - that is not meant to be derogatory - I mean...I'm trying to separate myself from the pack] The rest of my blog will be articles, i.e.: new hotel openings and how they relate to Virtuoso, hotels I think should become a part of the network, whether I think the amenities are good/bad/worse than clients deserve, etc. So, I guess in genre speak, a "luxury hotel blog" meets [extremely short] destination advice. When dishing constructive criticism, please know, this site is in EXTREME beta mode...like, I only have 3-4 reviews up and two 5+1's. Spending a lot of time on formatting, uploading weekly deals, etc. Thanks! |
sea island report has a fair amount of data and photos
is virtuoso website planning to eventually have all room categories and upgrades listed? |
Originally Posted by Kagehitokiri
(Post 23657923)
sea island report has a fair amount of data and photos
is virtuoso website planning to eventually have all room categories and upgrades listed? I think knowing your upgrade cat. is enormously important Especially at a place like Sea Island where I'd rather not be upgraded |
On a mechanical note, on my laptop over half of the screen is taken up by the sky/Isser B Travels link. You should shrink the size of that such that the real content shows up without the user having to scroll.
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Originally Posted by xooz
(Post 23659193)
On a mechanical note, on my laptop over half of the screen is taken up by the sky/Isser B Travels link. You should shrink the size of that such that the real content shows up without the user having to scroll.
Oddly, I don't have this issue on my MacBook Air (small screen), but I see what you mean and that's definitely an issue! ^ Just reformatted my 'Current Offers' tab, so hoping that's more user friendly (previously, it was just one long list of offers). Also put e-versions of both Virtuoso Life and Virtuoso Traveler on there under 'Publications' |
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