Celebrating Women's Leadership: Insights from the female leaders at GCommerce Solutions

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One of our favorite months every year, Women’s History Month, gives us a chance to pause and consider all the amazing contributions women make throughout the world, especially here, every day at GCommerce. This year, we’ve interviewed the current female leadership team members to get their real-life journeys and advice for other women navigating their own career journeys.

Discover how each of our current female leadership team members arrived in their current roles - from their most pivotal moments to challenges and milestones. We think you’ll walk away feeling inspired and empowered, knowing that everyone’s path is different and that you have the power and capability to forge your own path.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we want you to hear from some GCommerce leaders.

Each leader of the GCommerce team will be answering the following questions:

  • What are some challenges you believe are unique to women in leadership roles within the digital marketing industry?
  • Can you share strategies or personal experiences that have helped you overcome these challenges and thrive in your leadership role?
  • What are some of the most significant achievements and milestones you've reached at GCommerce Solutions?
  • What practical advice would you offer to women who aspire to take on leadership roles in digital marketing?

Meet the female leaders of GCommerce Solutions 

Click on the links below to see what each leader had to say.

Lindley Cotton, President

Lindley Cotton, President

"You don’t have to know everything. Try to approach every situation with curiosity and an open mind. Many women struggle with imposter syndrome (myself included), and you just have to remember that being a leader isn’t about being all-knowing. You should be actively seeking out opportunities to grow and learn every day, which will help you become a more emphatic and well-rounded leader in the future.

Also, seek out mentors. I’ve had several over the years all of which helped me grow different skill sets. A lot of times, you naturally find mentors, but don’t be afraid to speak up and ask someone to help coach you if you know they have expertise in an area that you’re looking to grow."

Lisa McGivney, Vice President of Marketing

Lisa McGivney, Vice President of Marketing

"Take on challenges you don’t think you’re ready for or know how to do. Trust in yourself that you have the ability to figure it out and work hard to achieve it. In the words of Phish, it’s “time to put your wingsuit on.”

Once you realize everyone is out here just “winging it” you’ll realize you’re more qualified and deserving than you think. Then, once you get there - remember to advocate for yourself and others along the way."

Kara Lange, Vice President of Business Development

Kara Lange, Vice President of Business Development

"Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role can be challenging, but my biggest advice is to seek out opportunities beyond your core responsibilities. Volunteer for projects, take initiative in cross-functional collaboration and develop a strategic mindset beyond your day-to-day role.

Finding a mentor is also invaluable—whether it’s your boss or another senior leader, learning from someone who has navigated leadership can provide critical insights."

Erin Fischer, Director of Marketing

Erin Fischer, Director of Marketing

"Dream big and vocalize those dreams to anyone who will listen, and then dive in head first. I say all the time that you don’t know what you’re capable of until you are put into the position to do something big. Take any negative or difficult situation and turn it into an opportunity to prove yourself and grow. Be a team player, but speak up for yourself and others.

Challenge everything, but also understand that it’s okay to sit back and give yourself a break too. Find your community and the people who are going to support you."

Abby Rosenberger, Director of Account Services

Abby Rosenberger, Director of Account Services

"Pursue your passion rather than simply chasing a paycheck. True success comes from doing work that excites and motivates you every day. When you are genuinely passionate about what you do, that enthusiasm becomes evident in your creativity, decision-making, and leadership. It fuels your drive to continuously learn, innovate, and push boundaries.

Passion not only leads to personal fulfillment but also inspires those around you, helping to shape a meaningful and impactful career. When you love what you do, success naturally follows."

Women's History Month serves as a vital reminder to celebrate these achievements while continuing the push for gender equality in the workplace. It is a time to honor the contributions of women who are shaping industries, breaking barriers, and inspiring positive change.

As we reflect on these stories, let’s reaffirm our commitment to supporting and uplifting women in leadership. Their voices, ideas, and expertise are crucial in shaping the future of digital marketing and beyond. Together, we can foster an environment where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and lead.

Leverage First, Second & Third Party Data for Your Property's Success

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Data is a pivotal point in digital marketing. It's the driving force behind tailoring campaigns, honing targeting precision, and ultimately achieving results. For a digital marketing agency like ours specializing in luxury hotels and resorts, data holds the key to success.

Among the various data types, three stand out: first, second, and third-party data. In this blog post, we'll explore these data categories and their significance in your property's marketing strategy.

What is first-party data?

At the core of your digital marketing strategy lies first-party data. It comprises information collected directly from your customers or website visitors. As a digital marketing agency serving luxury hotels and resorts, your first-party data may encompass guest details, booking history, and website interactions.

Key attributes of first-party data

  1. Ownership: As the owner of this data, you have complete control over how it is collected, stored, and used. This autonomy makes first-party data an invaluable resource for creating highly personalized marketing strategies.
  2. Accuracy: First-party data is collected directly from your customers and website visitors, ensuring its reliability and accuracy. This dependable information helps you make informed decisions and refine your marketing efforts.
  3. Customization: With detailed insights into individual customer behaviors and preferences, you can create tailored marketing campaigns that resonate with your audience. This level of customization enhances customer engagement and drives better results.

Ways to capture first-party data 

  1. Website analytics: Owning and accessing your hotel website is crucial for capturing first-party data. It allows you to gather insights directly from user interactions, such as page views, click-through rates, conversion rates, and more. Understanding visitor behavior and preferences helps in refining marketing strategies and improving user experience.
  2. Metasearch channels: Optimizing metasearch channels not only boost direct bookings but also provides an opportunity to capture valuable first-party data. By encouraging users to book directly through your website or a branded booking engine, you can collect data such as booking preferences, stay durations, and guest demographics. This data is essential for personalized marketing campaigns and enhancing guest satisfaction. Learn more about this and our metasearch management tool, here. 

What is second-party data?

Second-party data, on the other hand, is essentially someone else's first-party data that you access through partnerships or data exchanges. In your line of work, this could mean collaborating with businesses that complement your services and sharing data for mutual gain, such as partnering with airlines to target travelers seeking luxury accommodations.

Key characteristics of second-party data

  1. Relevance: Second-party data helps you reach a broader yet still relevant audience, extending your marketing efforts beyond your existing customer base.
  2. Trust: Second-party data acquired through trusted partnerships ensures a higher level of confidence in its quality and reliability.
  3. Extended reach: This data allows you to connect with potential guests who may not have previously engaged with your brand, expanding your market reach and potential customer base.

Ways to capture second-party data 

  1. Partnerships with complementary brands: Collaborate with brands that offer complementary products or services. For instance, a hotel might partner with a travel agency, tour operator, or local attraction. Through these partnerships, you can exchange data about customers who have shown interest in travel or related activities, providing valuable insights to both parties.
  2. Data-sharing agreements: Establish data-sharing agreements with trusted partners within the hospitality industry. For example, collaborating with other hotels within a chain or group allows for the exchange of guest data. This can include information about guest preferences, booking behaviors, and stay patterns, helping you better understand and target your ideal customer profile.

What is third-party data?

Then there's 3rd-party data, collected and aggregated by data providers unrelated to your business. This data can be acquired to enhance your understanding of your audience. For your luxury hotel and resort clients, it might include broader demographic information, interests, and online behaviors.

Key features of third-party data

  1. Scale: Third-party data offers access to an extensive pool of information, enabling you to target a much larger audience than first- or second-party data alone.
  2. Efficiency: Leveraging third-party data saves significant time and effort in data collection, allowing you to focus on campaign execution. However, it’s crucial to carefully scrutinize this data for accuracy and relevance.
  3. Segmentation: This data allows for the creation of highly targeted campaigns by providing insights into general interests and behaviors of potential guests. With effective segmentation, you can tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with specific audience segments.

Ways to capture third-party data 

  1. Data providers and marketplaces: Partner with reputable data providers or purchase data from online marketplaces that specialize in third-party data. These sources offer comprehensive datasets that include demographic information, online behaviors, and purchasing patterns. Ensure you choose providers with a proven track record of accuracy and compliance with data privacy regulations.
  2. Advertising platforms and analytics tools: Utilize advertising platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or other digital advertising networks that offer third-party data integration. These platforms often provide detailed audience insights and segmentation options based on third-party data, helping you target potential guests more effectively. Additionally, analytics tools can aggregate third-party data to enhance your understanding of market trends and consumer behaviors.

In summary, first, second, and third-party data each play a distinct role in your hotel’s digital marketing strategy. 

  • First-party data offers profound insights into your existing customers, paving the way for personalized marketing.
  • Second-party data widens your horizons through strategic partnerships with complementary businesses.
  • Third-party data broadens your audience but may require extra scrutiny for precision and relevance.

To thrive in promoting luxury hotels and resorts, you should harness all three data types. However, always place first-party data at the forefront of your strategy for personalized and highly effective marketing campaigns. Furthermore, consider partnerships and thoughtfully curated third-party data to extend your reach and deepen your understanding of potential guests. Striking the right balance between these data categories will keep you ahead in the digital marketing game within the luxury hospitality sector.


Want to make the most of gathering your first-party data? Let the experts at GCommerce Solutions enhance your data strategy.

Performance Max Best Practices

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Performance Max (PMax) is a unique offering that takes full advantage of multiple marketing channels, promoting your hotel across Google’s ad inventory. We’ve already looked at the basics of this campaign type in “What Is Google’s Performance Max?” and assessed its efficacy and use cases in our Performance Max Performance Analysis, so the only thing left is to get this campaign live!

Performance Max is a more recent addition to the marketing world, only introduced in 2021, but we've got you covered. Check out the list of our best practices and campaign recommendations to get the most out of this campaign type.

PMax budget recommendations

Through our testing, we’ve determined that PMax campaigns require a minimum spend of $45 per day in order to run effectively and generate positive results.

While we have yet to determine a maximum spend, we recommend starting close to this minimum and ramping up over time. While PMax campaigns tend to generate positive results, certain hotels can see negative effects from this campaign type, so it’s important to start slow with a lower-spend testing phase. 

We highly recommend adding additional budget to support the launch of a PMax campaign. However, if budget redistribution is necessary, we recommend pulling from non-branded campaigns such as Market Terms. See our Performance Max Performance Analysis for more details.

When to launch a PMax campaign

Because Performance Max relies heavily on automation, Google requires a fair amount of data before PMax campaigns can run effectively. 

We recommend a minimum of 3 months of Google Ads data before launching a PMax campaign, with a minimum of 30 conversions. This ensures the account has enough history for your PMax campaign to identify your hotel’s converting audiences.

How to prioritize a PMax campaign

Because PMax campaigns utilize account-wide data to run more effectively, we highly recommend running PMax alongside other Google Ads campaigns. 

Based on our Performance Max Performance Analysis, we recommend prioritizing Brand Terms over PMax campaigns, and PMax campaigns over non-branded campaign types. However, the ultimate priorities and focus areas within your hotel’s advertising strategy will depend on your individual marketing goals and performance history.

First-party data & PMax campaigns

Along with historical campaign data, Google Ads uses “audience signals” to serve ads effectively. Audience signals can include affinity and in-market audiences, such as “Luxury Travelers,” as well as search terms, such as “Hotels In Park City.” However, the addition of first-party data makes PMax campaigns far more effective.

Signals such as customer match lists and Run of Site audiences are highly individualized for your specific hotel, making them an incredible resource for Google when trying to identify converting audiences and serve ads effectively.

Asset quality in PMax campaigns

High-quality assets are always important in advertising, but even more so when it comes to PMax campaigns. Due to the mix-and-match nature of this campaign type, it’s vital to have a wide variety of appealing, up-to-date image and text assets. High-quality video assets from YouTube, while not strictly required, are also a major benefit to a PMax campaign.

Google does provide the option to automatically generate certain PMax campaign assets, but we highly recommend against this. Automated assets are often low quality, offer very little control over brand voice, and tend to perform poorly.

Performance Max campaigns have an incredible amount of potential, but they aren’t magic. For your PMax campaigns to run effectively, they require proper input, including high-quality assets, comprehensive data on converting audiences, and a dedicated budget.

If you’re looking for more information on Performance Max, or want to get your hotel set up with this campaign type, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Our Key Insights on Optimizing Black Friday & Cyber Monday Ad Performance

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During the Black Friday and Cyber Monday seasons of 2024, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of advertising performance for properties running cyber sales. Our goal was to identify trends, optimize strategies, and maximize return on ad spend (ROAS).

Check out our main discoveries regarding ad performance across Facebook, Display, and email, as well as their impact on sales duration, frequency of ads, audience targeting, types of ads, and platform advertising expenditures below.

Key findings & insights

  • Facebook sale length & CPM trends
    • Longer sales generally resulted in lower cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM). We’ve found that the optimal sale length for achieving the lowest cost per 1,000 impressions is clustered at around 15 days.
    • We found that revenue also peaked around the 15-day sale length mark. Extending sales up to five days after Cyber Monday (until around December 7) proved effective. 
  • Ad types & creative performance
    • Through our research, we found that static ads generated the highest revenue. Reflecting on offer types, offers that included a specific percent off attracted the most purchases.
    • Ads that utilized urgent messaging saw improved engagement and conversions. 
  • Display ad performance
    • The most successful campaigns featured offers of 30-35% and ran around 17 days on average.
    • Our data showed that Black Friday and Cyber Monday Display campaigns that ran a short time (3-4 days) did not generate results as high as those who ran for at least 10 days. The lowest cost per 1,000 impressions clustered around sales lasting around 10 days. 
  • Email marketing performance
    • Early access emails had the highest average click rate and generated the most purchases and revenue. Last-chance emails had the highest average open rate. Offers with 25%-35% off had the highest click rates.
    • Subject lines that mixed lowercase and all caps wording performed the best. Emails sent to past guest segments generated the most revenue this season.

Conclusions & recommendations

Based on our analysis, we recommend the following strategies for future Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. 

  • Optimal sale length: Aim for a 15-day sale window, starting the Friday or Saturday before Thanksgiving and extending up to five days past Cyber Monday.
  • Ad frequency management: Ad frequency is the average amount of times a unique user is seeing our ads. We’re aiming to maintain an ad frequency range of 2.5-9, with a focus on retargeting for Cyber Monday. 
  • Ad type & offer optimization: Prioritize static ads with percentage-off discounts and urgency-based messaging. Flexible ads may be a good option as they are better suited for longer-running seasonal promotions rather than shorter flash sales. 
  • Audience targeting adjustments: While Adara audiences provide value, consider balancing them with lower-cost prospecting campaigns.
  • Thanksgiving day strategy: Keep ads running on Thanksgiving despite lower revenue to maintain performance continuity.
  • Email strategy: Emphasize early access emails for maximum purchases and revenue while ensuring last-chance emails drive strong engagement. Include a past guest segment in Black Friday and Cyber Monday email sends to drive revenue. 

By implementing these insights, we can continue to refine our strategies and maximize results for our clients during future cyber sales seasons.


Want to take your cyber sale ads to the next level? Contact us today.

Mastering Google's Performance Max: Campaign Performance, Impact, Key Use Cases, and More

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Google’s Performance Max is a unique type of campaign that takes advantage of multiple marketing channels, utilizing all of Google’s inventory for your hotel’s advertising efforts. 

For more details on the utilization, pros, and cons of Performance Max campaigns, see our previous blog post on “What Is Google’s Performance Max?

On the surface, Performance Max seems like an incredible option. Taking advantage of multiple marketing channels with one campaign increases the potential for traffic growth, increased conversions, and better cost efficiency.

But is Google’s Performance Max really all it’s cracked up to be? We put this campaign type to the test, and the results surprised us.

Get all the insights in our EBook.

Spring Break 2025: 6 Expert Tips for Hotel Marketers to Stay Ahead of the Trends

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Spring break 2025 is almost upon us and the pressure is on for all hotel marketers. We know you're already juggling 27 different spreadsheets, 14 marketing campaigns, and 3 “urgent” emails about the in-room Wi-Fi.

Don't worry, we've rounded up the hottest travel trends this year to incorporate into your spring break marketing plan. Let's dive into what's on the horizon for spring break 2025 and how you can position your property to stand out from the crowd.

1. All-Inclusive is the new “do-it-yourself” vacation

Gone are the days when all-inclusive meant overpriced buffets and watered-down cocktails. In 2025, the all-inclusive experience has been given a much-needed makeover. Now, it’s about curated experiences, think gourmet dining, tailored activities, and stress-free relaxation. Travelers are booking these stays because, let’s face it, who has time to plan everything when they’re just trying to chill?

Marketing tip: If your hotel offers all-inclusive packages, make sure you're marketing it as the ultimate vacation hack. Forget worrying about reservations or what time dinner starts. Emphasize convenience, luxury, and indulgence because who doesn’t want to enjoy their vacation without the planning drama?

2. Wellness: Because "relaxation" is now a lifestyle

Wellness has officially graduated from fad to lifestyle. In 2025, travelers aren’t just looking for a massage; they want holistic, feel-good experiences. Yoga at sunrise? Check. Farm-to-table meals that make you feel healthier just by looking at them? Double-check. Travelers want to feel balanced, and your hotel should be the sanctuary they’ve been dreaming of.

Marketing tip: If your property offers yoga sessions, a tranquil spa, or even a mindful breakfast option, make sure to highlight it in your hotel’s marketing. You could even create a “Recharge and Reboot” spring break package for stressed-out students or burnt-out professionals looking to escape the grind. After all, what’s better than taking a deep breath and feeling like you’ve really recharged?

3. Detour destinations: The secret getaway no one’s talking about

Spring break isn’t all about big cities and overcrowded beaches anymore. In fact, more and more travelers are looking to skip the crowds and discover detour destinations. You know those little-known gems that are just a short drive or train ride from the main action. We’re talking cozy towns, quiet lakesides, and charming villages that offer more authentic experiences and less Instagram chaos.

Marketing tip: If your hotel is located near a popular tourist hub, sell the escape. Offer spring break packages that highlight these hidden gems; maybe even suggest a “Detour Day Trip” itinerary for guests to explore quaint neighborhoods, local shops, and undiscovered views. Let them enjoy the best of both worlds: proximity to the popular spots without the stress of the crowds.

4. Multigenerational travel: More generations, more fun

What happens when you combine spring break with family reunions? Multigenerational travel. From grandparents to grandkids, families are increasingly choosing spring break as the time to bond and make memories that don’t involve Zoom calls or awkward holiday dinners. This isn’t just for the fun family anymore—this is about a family getaway that includes everyone, no matter the age or stage.

Marketing tip: If you have family suites, connecting rooms, or on-site amenities for all ages, make sure to highlight them in your spring break marketing. Consider offering spring break packages designed for multigenerational groups; things like family-friendly excursions, kid-focused activities, and special meal deals that cater to everyone from toddlers to grandma. Bonus points if you can throw in a “family game night” or an intergenerational scavenger hunt.

5. Slow travel is the new fast travel

In 2025, travelers are over the rush-rush pace of seeing everything on their list in one trip. Instead, slow travel is in. Think long weekends, extended stays, and truly immersing in the destination. Guests want to take their time and savor each moment, not run around with their noses stuck in their phones while trying to snap a perfect shot of every tourist spot.

Marketing tip: Cater to this new slower pace by offering packages that allow for longer stays or multi-night discounts. You could even create an itinerary that encourages guests to explore your destination at a relaxed pace. Maybe a guided walking tour, a cooking class, or a local wine tasting that gives them a deeper connection to the area. Don’t forget to position your hotel as the ideal spot to settle into for an extended, relaxed stay.

6. Experiential travel: Because why just “stay” when you can “do”

This year, travelers aren’t just looking for a room to sleep in. They’re seeking experiences. Whether it’s an exclusive concert, a cooking class, or a local adventure, travelers want their stay to be a part of something bigger. For them, it’s about connecting with the place in a meaningful way, not just checking into a room.

Marketing tip: If your hotel offers any unique experiences, activities, or partnerships, don’t be shy about promoting them. From wine tastings with local sommeliers to partnerships with local artists for painting workshops, highlight experiences that guests can’t get anywhere else. You might even consider creating a “Spring Break Bucket List” for your hotel’s region and offer discounts or promotions for guests who check off all the items.

You’ve got this (and so does your property)
Spring break 2025 is shaping up to be a season of change and opportunity. By staying ahead of these emerging trends and tailoring your offerings to meet the demands of travelers, you’ll be able to capture attention and maximize bookings this year. So, take a deep breath, have a little fun with your spring break marketing, and remember: your property has a lot to offer. It’s time to make this spring Break one to remember, for your guests and your bottom line.


For expert guidance and tailored spring break messaging strategies, contact GCommerce Solutions today.

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