RezStream | Blog http://www.rezstream.com/blog/ en john.copeland@rezstream.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-11T17:49:27+00:00 RezStream Software Support Tip: How to Best Bill a Travel Agent http://www.rezstream.com/blog/rezstream-software-support-tip-how-to-best-bill-a-travel-agent/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/rezstream-software-support-tip-how-to-best-bill-a-travel-agent/#When:17:49:27Z The best way to bill a travel agent is to take advantage of the new Split Billing and Direct Billing features under the Contact Invoice History area on the Contact Data screen.

You will first want to create a new contact in your database for the travel agent (i.e. Expedia):

  1. Go to the Contact Data screen.
  2. Click on Add New Contact in the top-right corner on the toolbar.
  3. Enter Expedia for the Last Name of this contact.
  4. Go to the Notes tab under the contact information for the new Expedia contact.
  5. Set Expedia as a Business contact for the Contact Category.

Also, create a blank POS invoice for the new Expedia contact:

  1. Click Add New POS invoice on the toolbar above the Contact Invoice History.
  2. Click Save Next.
  3. Click Close.

You should have a $0.00 invoice in your Contact Invoice History for your Expedia contact.

Now go to the reservation… Continue Reading

]]> Support 2010-03-11T17:49:27+00:00 Twitter – Helping you Get Closer to Consumers to Sell More http://www.rezstream.com/blog/twitter-helping-you-get-closer-to-consumers-to-sell-more/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/twitter-helping-you-get-closer-to-consumers-to-sell-more/#When:17:41:18Z There are many facets to internet marketing: pay per click, search engine optimization, link building, website design, coding, tracking, content analysis, content building, article marketing and the ever-popular social media marketing. If you have the basics in order, you should dive into some social media marketing and there are a TON of social media websites. We recommend you start with the ever popular Twitter, FaceBook and LinkedIn. Find out more about Twitter today and stay tuned for more social networking best practices.

Here are but a few social networking channels!

If you are ready to set up a new Twitter account or have an existing account – below are some great tools and tips to take your Tweeting to the next level.

… Continue Reading

]]> Hospitality Industry, Internet Marketing, Social Networking 2010-03-11T17:41:18+00:00 All Things NOT Google http://www.rezstream.com/blog/all-things-not-google/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/all-things-not-google/#When:23:28:55Z Google is the most dominant player when it comes to the Internet, but it is definitely not the only game in town. This is especially true when discussing search engine optimization and conversion rates.


There are many factors to optimizing and converting successfully that are not related to Google.  To learn more about this concept, John Knox, RezStream’s new Director of Internet Services, will be presenting a highly informational workshop about this topic at the 2010 PAII Convention & Trade Show, featured this year in Austin, Texas.


Be sure to attend his presentation on Wednesday, March 10th between 4:00 PM – 5:15PM. John’s presentation will be held in the San Antonio room on the Plaza level of the PAII conference facilities.


Key workshop topics include:

  • Biggest Bing for the Buck
  • The Do’s and Dont’s of Bing
  • Yahoo Local
  • Universal Search (blogging, video and more)
    • … Continue Reading

    ]]> Internet Marketing 2010-02-26T23:28:55+00:00 RezStream Discusses Key Benefits of CSS Driven Websites http://www.rezstream.com/blog/rezstream/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/rezstream/#When:21:14:06Z RezStream’s design department is eager to share helpful tips about how to get the most out of your website.  Our main topic this week is CSS (cascading style sheets) website designs.  While the benefits of CSS driven websites are undeniable, those advantages are not always clearly understood.  Let’s explore the key benefits of updating your website to a CSS driven one, which loads faster, is visually more appealing, and is more efficient for the search engines.


    What is CSS?

    CSS or “cascading style sheets” is the preferred web design method for a variety of reasons.  CSS is used to specify the layout and presentation of the basic browser language, HTML or XHTML.  CSS then allows web developers to separate the content that is written in (X)HTML, from the presentation, written in CSS.  CSS is placed outside of the (X)HTML document, which keeps the document shorter and clean, better… Continue Reading

    ]]> Web Design 2010-02-18T21:14:06+00:00 Increase Return on Investment with a Professionally Managed Pay Per Click Program http://www.rezstream.com/blog/get-a-better-return-on-investments-with-a-professionally-managed-pay-per-cl/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/get-a-better-return-on-investments-with-a-professionally-managed-pay-per-cl/#When:22:43:53Z Do you wonder if your pay per click (PPC) advertising is worth the money spent? Do you struggle to understand what the results of your PPC campaigns mean?  Having a professionally managed pay per click program will save advertising budget dollars and make you more online bookings.  With the many options available through Google, Yahoo, Bing and other PPC platforms, RezStream’s Internet marketing professionals can take your PPC campaigns to the next, higher-income producing level.

    RezStream Internet marketing specialists:

    • Lower your cost per click
    • Maximize your online bookings
    • Conduct competitor research (bidding, keywords and more)
    • Use keyword research tools (we know exactly what people are searching for)
    • Understand the different PPC platforms
    • Research to determine geographic targeting (local, state, national, & international)
    • Write competing ads that convert to sales
    • Continuously monitor campaigns to seek new opportunities
    • Track click-throughs with propriety software to monitor if conversion takes place
    • Design… Continue Reading

      ]]> Internet Marketing 2010-02-11T22:43:53+00:00 10 Practical Ways To Boost Online Reservations http://www.rezstream.com/blog/10-practical-ways-to-get-more-online-reservations/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/10-practical-ways-to-get-more-online-reservations/#When:19:38:49Z There are many simple strategies you can use to increase your online revenue.  RezStream helps by sharing ten easy and effective ways to make this happen.  We will publish the first five tips this week and follow up next week with five more sure-fire ways to increase your online reservations.

      1.  Improve Your Website Design:  Never underestimate the importance of “on page” design elements.  It is a known fact that people look at several websites before they purchase.  How does your website compare to your competitors? The answer to this question could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars! Your website is the most important path for capturing new business.

      HOT TIPS:
      • Make sure your website clearly explains points that set you apart on the home page.  You only have 15 to 30 SECONDS to capture the interest of your visitor.
      • Be confident… Continue Reading

      ]]> Hospitality Industry, Internet Marketing, Google, Web Design 2010-02-10T19:38:49+00:00 Join RezStream at the Annual PAII Trade Show in Austin! http://www.rezstream.com/blog/join-rezstream-at-the-annual-paii-trade-show-in-austin/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/join-rezstream-at-the-annual-paii-trade-show-in-austin/#When:20:21:57Z RezStream has just returned from a successful session at the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers (CABBI) conference and trade show in Napa, California.  Currently, RezStream is preparing to head back out on the road to attend the Professional Association of Innkeepers International 2010 Annual Conference and Trade Show. This year’s four-day event will be held at the Renaissance in Austin, Texas from March 8th through March 11th.

      The PAII gathering attracts professional and aspiring innkeepers from around the country, who are interested in the innkeeping business or eager to learn ways to increase business for their properties. RezStream will be exhibiting its suite of hospitality solutions and products during this highly anticipated annual event.

      In addition, RezStream will be presenting a workshop on “10 Practical Ways to Get More Online Reservations” during an exhibitor tutorial scheduled Wednesday, March 10th… Continue Reading

      ]]> Trade Shows 2010-02-05T20:21:57+00:00 RezStream Client Receives TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award http://www.rezstream.com/blog/tripadvisor-travelers-choice-award/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/tripadvisor-travelers-choice-award/#When:15:28:19Z TripAdvisor issues their annual Travelers’ Choice Awards based on reviews that they receive by millions of people. TripAdvisor has become the world’s largest travel community and for that reason, many people turn to TripAdvisor for advice before booking travel online. Today, travelers are trusting reviews more than property websites when deciding where to stay. As such, TripAdvisor has become tremendously influential. To receive a Travelers’ Choice Award is a huge honor. There is also a “Dirtiest Hotel” list, which is a crushing blow to a company’s reputation!

      One of RezStream’s clients, Dunton Hot Springs, located in an idyllic setting outside of Telluride, Colorado, made the Travelers’ Choice list for 2010. They are honored as the #7 world’s best All-Inclusive Property. Dunton Hot Springs is a Colorado comprehensive luxury resort with on-site hot springs, luxurious private cabins, gourmet dining,… Continue Reading

      ]]> Hospitality Industry, Internet Marketing 2010-02-03T15:28:19+00:00 A TripAdvisor Business Listing: The Next Step To Increase Your Online Presence! http://www.rezstream.com/blog/tripadvisor-business-listing-next-steps-to-increase-your-online-presence/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/tripadvisor-business-listing-next-steps-to-increase-your-online-presence/#When:17:31:17Z Anticipated by many, TripAdvisor has now made it possible for businesses to enhance their business listings on the TripAdvisor site. This added functionality offers properties the opportunity to add important information about their business including phone number, email address and a direct link to the property website from their TripAdvisor page. To entice businesses to sign up for this new service, TripAdvisor has discounted the annual rate by 50% for customers who sign up by February 2010. 


      For businesses that choose to make this wise marketing investment, it is then prudent to maintain high standards at your property so that postings on TripAdvisor remain positive.  Complimentary comments from guests will only ensure and encourage TripAdvisor users to click through to your property’s own website.


      In the list below, RezStream provides tips for business owners to use to help enhance their expanded listing on TripAdvisor and receive… Continue Reading

      ]]> Internet Marketing 2010-02-01T17:31:17+00:00 Link Building Strategies http://www.rezstream.com/blog/link-building-strategies/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/link-building-strategies/#When:18:00:30Z With Thousands of Directories Available - Which Ones Do You Choose?

      There are virtually thousands of places to purchase links online. Without careful consideration, a hotel, bed and breakfast, inn, resort, or property management company could spend their entire marketing budget on these resources alone. However, you must remember that there are other more important channels to consider like pay per click, search engine optimization (SEO), blogs, and website design.  A balanced marketing budget, which includes using paid links, is the best way to ensure the most bang for your buck.  It’s always a smart practice to track your results to make certain you are allocating your marketing dollars to the correct resources.

      Purchasing links online can be beneficial for a number of reasons: establishing trust, increasing traffic and revenue, and creating quality… Continue Reading

      ]]> Internet Marketing 2010-01-27T18:00:30+00:00 Select Registry and SynXis Criticism Unfounded? http://www.rezstream.com/blog/select-registry-and-synxis-criticism-unfounded/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/select-registry-and-synxis-criticism-unfounded/#When:23:09:09Z There has been recent criticism of the Select Registry/SynXis partnership, an alliance that will enable Select Registry to offer online reservations on their website and SynXis to provide optional Global Distribution System (GDS) reservation services to Select Registry members. 

      RezStream believes that some of this criticism is misleading and biased.

      The agreement between Select Registry and SynXis does not require any Select Registry member to exclusively use SynXis as their online booking engine; nor does the agreement mandate that Select Registry members sign up for the optional SynXis GDS services or use the SynXis booking engine on their individual property websites.  SynXis is simply providing options, which innkeepers can utilize if they desire.  Nothing is mandatory and inkeepers can keep their existing booking engine on their own website.

      What is factual is that SynXis agreed to give Select Registry members a very competitive, low per reservation… Continue Reading

      ]]> GDS, Hospitality Industry, Internet Marketing 2010-01-20T23:09:09+00:00 Benefits of a Professionally Managed Website http://www.rezstream.com/blog/benefits-of-a-professionally-managed-website/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/benefits-of-a-professionally-managed-website/#When:21:34:17Z Your website is an important component in the success of your business and choosing a professional website management company is equally as important to ensure your website’s income-earning success. Websites not correctly managed by an amateur company could end up causing a negative impact on your target customers, which makes your website a less effective business tool. With many do-it-yourself website development software options available these days, it may appear a simple task to run your own website. While these options are tempting, you run the risk of making your website appearance and functionality far less successful than if you employed a professional website development team.

      When the Internet first emerged and business websites became popular, self-made websites generated success for most businesses. But with an increased presence of professionally designed and managed websites, the Internet has now become a competitive marketplace controlled by sophisticated search engines. Without proper… Continue Reading

      ]]> Internet Marketing, Web Design 2010-01-20T21:34:17+00:00 RezStream Support Tip: Setting Your Screen Resolution http://www.rezstream.com/blog/support-tip-setting-your-screen-resolution/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/support-tip-setting-your-screen-resolution/#When:16:20:15Z RezStream consistently provides updates to RezStream Professional, our reservation software.  Over the past year, RezStream has added various new and enhanced features to its property management software.  Current information about RezStream Professional’s newest features and updates can always be found at the RezStream website’s release notes.  Following every software update, it’s typical that RezStream support receives questions from RezStream Pro users about changes to the software and how to best adapt to the updates.  Our support staff is using the RezStream website blog to provide you with information on how to best utilize the changes that occur after updating your software.  This will ensure you are getting the most out of RezStream Professional. 

      Here is a helpful tip from RezStream support in regards to screen resolution. Please use these information below to take advantage of this enhanced feature of RezStream Professional!

      RezStream… Continue Reading

      ]]> Support 2010-01-12T16:20:15+00:00 Happy New Year from RezStream! http://www.rezstream.com/blog/happy-new-year-from-rezstream/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/happy-new-year-from-rezstream/#When:22:29:01Z As 2009 draws to a close, the staff at RezStream would like to thank all of its customers for their support and business this year.  We not only appreciate the continuing relationships with our long-standing clients, but also are excited about the new properties that have chosen RezStream to fill their hospitality needs. 

      The New Year marks a busy time for RezStream as we focus on introducing new products and improving current product lines that will benefit our clients by maximizing revenue potential.  Be on the lookout for big savings with our special offers, changes to the functionality of the RezStream website, and as always, regular support updates to RezStream Professional property management software.  We’ve set our sights high for 2010 to make it even more successful than last year!
      What’s your New Year’s resolution? 

      Why not increase bookings and online revenue this year?  RezStream’s… Continue Reading

      ]]> Hospitality Industry 2009-12-30T22:29:01+00:00 Hospitality Marketing: Blogging for Profit and Search Engine Optimization http://www.rezstream.com/blog/hospitality-marketing-blogging-for-profit-and-search-engine-optimization/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/hospitality-marketing-blogging-for-profit-and-search-engine-optimization/#When:19:13:26Z BLOGS.  You certainly hear about them and have probably even read a few.  Perhaps you are wondering if you should create one for your property, but really are not sure how a BLOG would be beneficial for your business.  In the list below, RezStream helps explain the many benefits of adding a blog to your website. We will explain how they can increase your exposure online, which in turn make you more money!

      Benefits:

      • It is easy! With some guidance about best practices, you can be blogging properly in no time. The result is more traffic and revenue.
      • Blogs ping search engine spiders, which means it alerts the spiders that there is new content on the website. As such, they index the site incredibly quickly. The benefit is faster indexing of pages. The more often the spiders are on the website the quicker we see results in the search engines. … Continue Reading

        ]]> Internet Marketing 2009-12-30T19:13:26+00:00 ExpressionEngine 2.0: What’s New for Content Management System Websites in 2010 http://www.rezstream.com/blog/expressionengine-2.0-whats-new-for-content-management-systems-in-2010/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/expressionengine-2.0-whats-new-for-content-management-systems-in-2010/#When:23:24:01Z All About ExpressionEngine

        Rick Ellis first developed ExpressionEngine as a blogging tool under the name “pMachine” in 2001.  An early prototype of pMachine was installed on Nancy Sinatra’s (Frank’s daughter) website.  After some real world testing and success, pMachine was released to the public in 2002.

        By the end of 2002, pMachine had been featured in a few books and magazines and was having some success, but at that point, the Web was young and still developing.  Ellis noticed website owners and developers wanted more control and management over their content.  That’s when Rick Ellis developed a more robust tool called ExpressionEngine and the web development community took notice.

        The first version of ExpressionEngine was first released to the public in 2004 as a general-purpose content management system written in object-oriented PHP and using MySQL for storing data.

        ExpressionEngine’s publishing features are robust, comprehensive, and highly flexible.  Where other content… Continue Reading

        ]]> Web Design 2009-12-17T23:24:01+00:00 TripAdvisor Business Listings http://www.rezstream.com/blog/tripadvisor-business-listings/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/tripadvisor-business-listings/#When:22:14:03Z Beginning January 4th, 2010, hotels will be able to enhance their TripAdvisor listing to include their website address, telephone number and email address. This is an excellent opportunity to provide a convenient link with additional information about your property to the 25 million monthly searchers who use TripAdvisor for their travel needs.

        To help entice properties to utilize this new feature, TripAdvisor is offering a 50% discount on their introductory rate for a one-year subscription.  This special runs until January 31, 2010. The discounted rates start at $300 for a ten-room property and increase in price based on property size.  TripAdvisor has seen great success throughout its existence with over 75,000 hoteliers registering on the TripAdvisor Owner Center since it was launched in March 2009. This center allows hotels to monitor their online reputation and communicate with reviewers.

        For those of you concerned about the cost… Continue Reading

        ]]>         Hospitality Industry, Internet Marketing 2009-12-15T22:14:03+00:00         RezStream Prepares for Annual CABBI Innspire Conference and Tradeshow http://www.rezstream.com/blog/rezstream-plans-for-cabbi-inspire-conference-and-tradeshow/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/rezstream-plans-for-cabbi-inspire-conference-and-tradeshow/#When:22:19:55Z At the end of next month, RezStream will travel to California as part of its national tradeshow tour.  RezStream is excited to return to the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inn’s annual InnSpire Conference.  This year’s CABBI event is scheduled to take place at the beautiful Meritage Resort in Napa, California from Sunday, January 31st through Monday, February 1st, 2010. 

        RezStream enjoys participating at the CABBI conference as it is a perfect place to reconnect with existing clients and forge relationships with new customers.  RezStream’s suite of hospitality products and services including affordable reservation software, online reservations capabilities, custom website designs and hotel Internet marketing plans are ideal for any California bed & breakfast or inn. 

        If you haven’t registered yet for the CABBI event,… Continue Reading

        ]]> Hospitality Industry, Trade Shows 2009-12-11T22:19:55+00:00 How to Avoid Cancelled GDS Booking Fees http://www.rezstream.com/blog/how-to-avoid-canceled-gds-booking-fees/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/how-to-avoid-canceled-gds-booking-fees/#When:16:03:59Z One of the most frequent inquiries at the RezStream billing department is disputes over GDS cancellations.  What properties need to understand is if a guest wishes to cancel, they must do so by way of the original site of the booking or your property will still incur the GDS $15.50 per booking fee.  If the guest calls your property directly to process a cancellation instead of cancelling through the original portal of the booking, and the cancellation is entered into your desktop software, the original booking agent (InnLink & RezStream) will have no knowledge the cancellation occurred and will still process the GDS $15.50 booking fee as if the cancellation never happened. 

        It’s important that your front desk staff members know that GDS reservations must be cancelled through the original booking site.  RezStream also recommends that your property maintain a set cancellation policy to offset these charges… Continue Reading

        ]]> GDS 2009-12-09T16:03:59+00:00 Sell Gift Certificates Online for the Holidays! http://www.rezstream.com/blog/sell-gift-certificates-online-for-the-holidays/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/sell-gift-certificates-online-for-the-holidays/#When:18:47:49Z Did you know that 80 to 90% of gift certificates are sold during the holiday season?  What better time then now to offer customers the convenience to purchase gift certificates directly from your website.  Gift certificates have become a gift giving must for anyone on your holiday shopping list. 

        RezStream offers the capability to sell gift certificates directly from your website.  We’re currently running a special for existing booking engine clients to activate the gift certificate feature with no setup fee and only $5 fee per gift certificate sold.  Learn more or contact us at 866.360.8210. 

        Make more money this holiday season and start selling gift certificates now!

        Continue Reading

        ]]>         Hospitality Industry 2009-12-02T18:47:49+00:00         Off-season: A Time to Focus on Your Property http://www.rezstream.com/blog/offseason-a-time-to-focus-on-your-property/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/offseason-a-time-to-focus-on-your-property/#When:19:39:39Z It’s that time of year when our hallways have become quiet and arriving guests are fewer and farther between. You’ve said your goodbyes to late summer and fall customers and are anxiously anticipating the holiday rush that always comes faster than expected. 

        Anyone who has worked in the hospitality industry is probably all too familiar with the characteristic off-season lull. Resort communities across the country and reaching to the far corners of the world expect bookings to drop this time each year. This industry-specific period gives us a moment to reflect on the summer season’s highlights and take a deep breath before diving head first into the bustling holidays and extended winter season. 

        Off-season can be a love-hate relationship that any innkeeper, general manager, or property management company looks forward to as a break and time to unwind, but also eagerly anticipates bookings to increase once again. This… Continue Reading

        ]]> Hospitality Industry 2009-10-28T19:39:39+00:00 Google Video in Paid Search http://www.rezstream.com/blog/google-video-in-paid-search/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/google-video-in-paid-search/#When:21:27:47Z According to Reuters, Google will eventually enable companies to add video to their paid search results. Nick Fox of Google stated, “Our search ads have largely looked the same over the course of the past seven or eight years.” As the current style of Google will more than likely adopt the popular trend of using online videos, it would be a smart practice for travel websites to prepare in advance by having well-developed videos ready before Google launches its new ad program.

        Custom Video Benefits

        • Get an Increase in Exposure
        • Generate More Booking
        • Stay Ahead of Your Competitors

        Having a custom video on your website is beneficial for companies that use pay per click (PPC) as part of their marketing strategy. It is commonly known that videos are popular with website visitors and this favorable response leads to more conversions.  Videos also perform well with Google Universal Search,… Continue Reading

        ]]> Internet Marketing, Google 2009-09-17T21:27:47+00:00 Social Networking Craze http://www.rezstream.com/blog/social-networking-craze/ http://www.rezstream.com/blog/social-networking-craze/#When:15:56:28Z Just about everyone these days has heard about social networking sites or has accidentally stumbled upon one. What many people do not understand or grasp is just how social networking sites can help and/or actually hurt their business.

        Examples of Social Networking Websites

        This list names only a few examples of the hundreds of social networking sites that are available. From bookmarking sites, to writing blog posts, to keeping in touch with constant updates of events, it is easy to see how businesses can get into trouble by wasting too much time managing their social networking sites. While it is a great way to stay in touch with past guests and encourage people to book again, hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts and property managers who have not effectively executed the basics behind Continue Reading

        ]]> Internet Marketing, Social Networking 2009-08-21T15:56:28+00:00