It’s All About .METhe Life and Times of Carrie Hill

I’m posting this from my iPod touch. How dumb is that? Honestly not nearly as dumb as trying to clean up 2000+ spam comments on this thing.

I’ll try to tackle that one tomorrow!

The kids have hunter Ed tomorow night. I might try to clean up and install Thesis while I wait.

I’ve been thinking of ways to market vacation rentals in a recession.  I’ve got some ideas i’m running through but the one that’s sticking in my mind is: “What makes the name of a vacation rental..well..sexy?”  Many vacation rental managers use a code or numbering system to name their rentals – but why?  Does a rental home named “Calypso Breeze” appeal to shoppers more than “007CP3″?  Does the NAME of a rental sell the idea of an experience?

Selling vacation lodging online is a mixture of science and art.  Just like selling clothing, electronics or even FOOD – what you “name” something is as important as what it looks like or how it functions.  Think about a trip to a restaurant…are you more likely to pay $17.95 for a “hamburger” or a “Double Decker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger”?

I’m a newbie to the “Math” of SEM – but every since SES NY in 08 I’ve been fascinated in the numbers & behaviors that make up turning clicks into money.  I’m working on getting a Post Click Marketing program going at work and I’ve spoken a few times on the topic at various conferences.  The highlight being SES San Jose when I was on the stage with Scott Brinker of Ion Interactive (the founders of the phrase “post click marketing”) and Tom Leung – the fella that invented Website Optimizer at Google.  Wow that was a rush.

This time I’ll be on the stage at the inaugural SMX Search Analytics conference and sharing space again with Scott.  We will be joined by Andrew Goodman, our moderator and John Quarto-von Tivadar (who has the coolest job title in the world – Chief Scientist and Thinking Officer!)  I’ve never met John and Andrew but I’m betting we’re going to have a blast talking about Traffic Segmentation and why it matters.  I have a feeling I’m going to be talking about segmenting traffic through SEO means and Scott and John will be addressing PPC avenues – (I’m speculating here, but that’s ok it is MY blog, right?)  I’m also really excited to be traveling to Toronto – I’ve never been and even had to go apply for MY FIRST PASSPORT in order to attend.

Last time I was in Canada folks – I was like 10 yrs old and my mom was in charge that time   We’ll see how I do, but right now I have credit card and currency anxiety.  If I can get through the 3 days by swiping my credit card or signing things to my room – I’m good.  If I have to exchange money I’m fucked – hopefully Blackberry has a currency converter application.

If you’re headed to Toronto for the conference March 31-April 1 – let me know, I’m leaving the evening of the 1st but will be in the afternoon of the 30th – I’m always up for dinner & drinks with new friends.

Happy “Heart” Day everyone.  I had a good but very mellow day – Hubby, Kids & I went to breakfast then I was gifted with a spa certificate good for an hour long “full-body” massage and a full body wrap.  I’m going tomorrow around lunch and then for a haircut – it’s a mom day – YEAY.

I’ve never had a “full body” massage – why do they call it that – do I need to shave my legs all the way up to my armpits or what?  I’m modest even around my hubby – how much “full body’ing” is this stranger I’ve never met before going to do?  Okay, Hill – suck it up – you can do it and you WILL relax!

I have a few more posts brewing here – hopefully I’ll keep going as I seem to go gangbusters and then fall off the face of the blogging earth.  I just have so much going on.

Was a great day – good to see all the peeps I see on Twitter and out and about on the conference circuit!

Highlights – Landing Page Opti session RAWKED!  Organic Site Reviews session was great too! Dinner at Benihana – which is a Las Vegas tradition – and I’m up about $100 on the slots – so all in all a great day!

Oh & I saw the Bellagio fountain show today for the first time – was AWESOME.

Bellagio pic courtesy lemoncat1

Cuz I’m a big geek and excited about going to vegas for Pubcon – i’m counting down the minutes til we leave for the airport Monday night