If you could generate interest about your hotel, promote everything that you have to offer, engage with your existing patrons, and expand your consumer reach, you'd do it, right? Of course you would! Now what if we told you that all of this could be done without spending a dime? Well, you'd be crazy not to try it out. Unless you're taking advantage of social media within your marketing strategy, though, we're sorry to inform you that you are, indeed, crazy.
Social media has completely transformed the way in which travelers search for hotels, plan out their trips, and review their vacation experience. In order to remain relevant, then, you need to understand how to harness the power of these social platforms in such a way that you're able to take your business to the next level with very minimal effort on your part. Ready to begin the journey? Read on for expert tips on how to put your hotel on the social map and see a surge in business.
1. Show Off Your Property's Assets
Before booking a stay, most guests want to know what your facilities actually look like. Social media platforms from Facebook to Instagram and everything in-between are perfect for uploading photos, which will provide future patrons with a "virtual tour" of all that you have to offer. Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words, so the more photos that you display, the more information you are able to convey to those interested in your hotel. In addition to highlighting the lobby and guest rooms, be sure to capture pictures of your property's amenities, including swimming pools, saunas, fitness centers, business centers, conference rooms, banquet halls, restaurants, bars, and more.
2. Offer Reviewer Incentives
Future guests rely heavily upon the reviews of previous guests when making decisions about where to make a hotel reservation. As a result, it's important that you find ways to encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews about your venue. Consider holding virtual "drawings" each week for reviewers with a free one-night stay as the prize, or offer promotional codes to reviewers who use a specific hashtag for a minibar or restaurant credit.
3. Take Advantage of Holidays and Special Events
Travelers look for hotels that are timely, current, and topical. If guests are traveling during the winter season, they want to know what to expect from you and your region. Display pictures of the local weather. Is your hotel known for its wintertime charm? Show off your snow covered roofs and photos of winter scenes throughout town. Do people escape to your area for fun in the sun? Highlight pictures with guests enjoying the swimming pool under a warm, blue sky. In addition to pictures, use your social platforms to discuss the different holiday, seasonal, and special events that may be going on at your hotel or in town. This will get travelers excited to head your way.
4. Showcase Upgrades and Changes
Today's guests love staying at hotels that are on the cutting edge of technology. Instead of making your customers feel at home in your hotel, you want to make them feel like they're in a place that's better than home. This means showing off all of the latest and greatest upgrades that are being made to your facility to improve their overall level of comfort. Have you switched to a sophisticated VoIP phone system? Take photos and let your patrons know how they can use the tech to their advantage. What about mobile check-in capabilities or keyless entry? Post about it to increase discussion and interest.
Social media can help your hotel stay current with technology and draw in more customers. To learn more, contact the professionals at PhoneSuite today.
