Every hotel or guest house owner dreams of keeping their rooms occupied at all times, but that’s not easy. Perhaps what’s missing from your strategy is investment in digital marketing .
According to a 2019 survey by Google Travel, formerly Google Trips, 70% of people who travel often use the internet to plan their adventures . 83% of travelers look for travel tips and inspiration on Facebook and 55% on Instagram. In other words, being present on the internet and social media is no longer an option, it is the main advertising tool for hotels.
The main objective of digital marketing for hotels and guesthouses is to attract the ideal audience. A good strategy will help your hotel identify periods of low demand and compensate for this with offers and promotions that increase guest flow. Other benefits of digital marketing for hotels include:
Independence from hotel search sites : if you have your own channels to attract customers, you are no longer dependent on online travel agencies and hotel search sites;
Cost reduction : as a result of this independence, your student data hotel spends less on online agency fees and can win its own customers;
Relationship with your target audience : assertive digital marketing strategies create a relationship between your hotel and your potential customers , who will remember your company when planning a trip;
Your advertising reaches the right audience : with the campaign customization options, you can segment your ads, making them reach people who are interested in the location of your hotel or the type of accommodation you offer.
5 TIPS TO CONSOLIDATE THE DIGITAL MARKETING OF YOUR HOTEL OR INN
Create a website and a blog Your website will work like an online hotel: on it, the customer should be able to learn about the accommodations, leisure areas, meal options you offer and what sets your establishment apart. Therefore, invest in beautiful photos that represent the reality of the hotel. Describe everything your hotel offers, with phrases that catch the attention of the future guest. Location, telephone number and reservation forms should be visible. The blog has another function: to deliver quality content to your customer, awakening their interest in your website and in a trip. We will talk more about content in the next topic.
Produce quality content Today, customers no longer want to see only offers and sales attempts on the internet : people are looking for quality content , with relevant topics. Having a blog is a great way to deliver valuable content to your target audience. Produce texts that are related to your business, but that are not about selling a reservation. Bet on articles about the city where your hotel is located, travel tips and information about tourist attractions.
Don't forget about social media Here, the secret is to be where your potential guests are. And the news is that they are on social media. So, there is no way to have a good digital marketing strategy without being present on these channels. Use good photos to grab your audience's attention. Don't write captions only with offers and promotions, but alternate them with more informative pieces and links to your blog. Also make sure that all posts have, in the caption, at least the name of your hotel and contact numbers, to make it easier for the reader to find out if they are interested. On the profile page, include all the important information, such as the address and link to your website. And most importantly: interact with your audience ! Answer questions quickly and always pay attention to direct messages.
Use Google Adwords ads With Adwords for hotels, your establishment appears prominently in search results, increasing the flow of visitors to your website. It is a great tool and should be used well, preferably by a professional media analyst, so that your investments are well applied.
Value what your guests say about your hotel When planning trips online, people usually take into account the reviews published on hotel search sites or on Google itself. So, invest in the quality of your services and be transparent with your guests in order to get good reviews. However, if any negative feedback appears, be careful when responding to it, showing concern for understanding the customer's bad experience. Use guest opinions to identify possible improvements for the hotel.