What are your digital goals for 2016, if you are in travel business?

I have worked with hoteliers, agents and destination marketing companies. And many them own and manage mind-blowing properties and offer world-class services. But their digital marketing lacks hygiene. They invest money in redesigning the lawn in the back side of their property which hardly anyone visits, but do not spend time to make their website, social media or video looks awesome. Here are some essential things you must do in 2016. Start now.

9 things to do make your digital assets a hot lead generation engine.

Redesign your website with on-page optimization and make it responsive. Create call to action and safe payment system.

Set up well-designed Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linkedin and Instagram in place.

Design a content strategy — to create text, images, audio and video content for your property.

Create a social media calendar — schedule things, do it and review it.

Invest in producing a mind-blowing video. Let it talk for you.

Train your staff to make them digital savvy, to respond customers in social media and use it interestingly.

Reward and loyalty program for your audience. Excite them, retain them. Keep your promises.

Spend time to think, reflect and organise digital marketing activities. Trust but verify to whom you delegate. Offer rewards to staff as well.

Use analytics. Review progress. Celebrate key successes. Reward performance. Aim higher goals.

Remember, design is everything.