Eguide Licence

An eguide licence provides full rights for using the name eguide, logo and concept for a specified period of time. The licensor is responsible for the content and receives all the income. A quality control system in relation to editorial content and listings must be adhered to as part of the licence, to ensure brand quality.

The licence is not a franchise and allows the licensor freedom to operate within the parameters of the licence agreement. A system that maximises profit for the licensor, without the constraints of a franchise and run as an independent business. The licensor is able to maximise revenue from digital travel publishing opportunities by being part of a global partnership.

A licensor benefits from the concept, marketing and proven business model. Eguide provides support and technical support services. Being part of the global eguide network drives traffic to the site, through the links created, international brand recognition and being part of an international marketing operation.

The licence cost is negotiated for a specific destination and depends on the potential income for a site which is affected by the number of visitors, the competition and other variables such as how established the site is. Eguide will help in that process and can provide a spreadsheet for revenue figures to be tested. Our aim is to make it highly profitable for the licensor.

Support from eguide

Eguide works very closely with each licensor to ensure that each eguide is a success. We provide within the licence fee:

......use of the logos, domain name, designs and business model;
......use of the registered trademark;
......use of art work for business cards and marketing as we develop it;
......use of international affiliate programmes;
......on line support;
......international marketing;
......technical updates, ideas and shared experiences;
..... sales and marketing methodologies and tool kit;
..... links from other sites;
......credibility by being part of an international programme;
......methodologies on how to be found on search engines;
......international quality control systems;
......income generating ideas from other eguide sites;
......advantages of being part of a network.

Starting out

To make it easy eguide provides a full start up system and sets up the site, provides basic editorial and affiliate programmes. Full training is provided to allow you to be in business with the minimum of effort. eguide then grants a licence for an agreed period of time with a right for renewal.

Some commonly asked questions?

Why do I need eguide, can't I do it myself?
Yes, you can do it yourself and many people have done so. Some succeed and others fail. The main issue is that the internet is not about “small is beautiful” but about being large and powerful to succeed. Being part of the global eguide brand is about operating locally but managing globally and the benefits that brings. Setting up your own design, database and model is expensive and the licence enables you to move quickly into operations. Being found is real issue on the search engines. Links help as does recognition. This is where eguide can make a big difference.

Do I need to be a technical expert?
No! Our template, design and initial training make it very easy for anyone to use. Our support team is very friendly, helpful and patient.

Do I need to be a writer?
It helps if you have an interest in writing. However those are skills that can be found and once the site is set up, updating is not such a problem. Eguide can provide the basic editorial for your site and can take responsibility for the updates if needed.

How do I make revenue
Income is derived from the sale of listings (adverts) but with the added advantage that they can be updated by the advertiser at any time so long as they are connected to the web site. This creates what is in effect a small dynamic web site which is attractive to businesses not having their own web site. Those that do, use the listing to direct traffic to their web site. Basic non dynamic listings can also be sold.

Revenue is also obtained from affiliate programmes where a percentage of the booking is paid to the site operator. These depend on location and include hotels, insurance, car hire and are easy to set up.

Direct bookings are also possible and this may be done where a local travel agent is selected as a partner.

Options exist to sell added value products such as PDF files, on line brochures using our Desk Top Author software and off line products such as postcards and vouchers.

If the three revenue streams are managed correctly a revenue stream is generated on a recurring annual basis.

Do I need to be able to sell?
Yes. You do need to be able to sell and organise sales and marketing. The concept and idea works but it is a competitive market and requires a strong sales process. A good customer relationship management system is needed to ensure clients stay with you and renew. Sales training is available and we do provide guidance as part of the licence fee.

Who are eguide?
Eguide is a company registered in Queensland, Australia and owned by Impact Management International and Incisive Management Services, both registered in Queensland, Australia. The company has a commitment to providing the highest quality client services and working with licensors to ensure that each is successful. Eguide operates out of Noosa, just north of Brisbane and manages www.noosaeguide.com as a show case site.

Do I need a big office and lots of staff?
No, the operating costs are very low and all you need is a computer that links to the web using broadband. Sales staff can be paid on a commission basis.

Who hosts the site?
eguide can host the site or you are free to host yourself. Hosting is not expensive.

Who owns the domain name?
eguide owns the domain names and will keep the name registered.

Is eguide a trademark?
eguide is a registered trademark in Australia and is in the process of also being registered in the USA.

What happens if we do not maintain site quality?
eguide will monitor sites and issue corrective action notices if quality standards are being breached. Where the actions are not being taken eguide reserves the right to stop the licence.

What happens if I want to give up the licence?
If you decide not to renew the licence there are two options. One is we just delete all the content and listings from the site and eguide will seek to find another licensor to operate the site. Alternatively eguide will negotiate to take over the content and listings you have on the site for an agreed fee and then seek another licensor to run the site.

What do I do next?

If you are interested the next stage is to contactus at: info@traveleguides.com. Please let us know which destination is of interest to you. We will be very pleased to discuss the concept further.