Oh, snap! It’s 2023 already, and if you’re in the hotel business, you’ve got some serious marketing chops to flex.
Whether you’re just starting or you’re an old hand at the game, there’s always room for improvement.
So, let’s dive into 10 innovative hotel marketing strategies that’ll set your hotel apart from the competition and keep those bookings rolling in.
1. Amplify Your Online Presence With A Fabulous Website
First things first, let’s get digital. Your hotel’s website is the digital face of your business, and you know what they say – “first impressions matter.” So make sure your website is on fleek by keeping it user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and easy to navigate.
Pro tip: Add high-quality images and videos that showcase your property, and throw in some virtual tours for good measure. Just like Marriott Hotels did – they’ve got it down to a T!
2. Social Media: Be Everywhere Your Guests Are
If you’re not on social media, then honey, you’re missing out. It’s time to ride the social media wave and connect with your audience where they’re at. From Facebook to Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn – you need to be everywhere.
Remember Hilton’s “Stop Clicking Around” campaign in 2016? It was a game-changer. They leveraged social media to offer direct booking discounts, and it was a hit! So, get creative and engage with your audience through captivating posts, stories, and more.
3. Master the Art of Storytelling
We’re all suckers for a good story, right? So why not use the power of storytelling to create memorable experiences for your guests? Share your hotel’s history, unique features, and stories of guests who’ve had a fantastic time at your hotel.
Take a page out of The Ritz-Carlton’s book – they’ve perfected the art of storytelling by sharing guest experiences on their website. It’s a surefire way to tug at those heartstrings and keep guests coming back for more.
4. User-Generated Content: Let Your Guests Do the Talking
User-generated content (UGC) is like the cherry on top of your marketing sundae. It’s authentic, relatable, and, best of all, it’s free! Encourage guests to share their experiences on social media using a branded hashtag and then repost that content on your channels. It’s social proof at its finest!
Check out Loews Hotels’ #TravelForReal campaign. They used UGC to showcase real guest experiences and put a fresh spin on hotel marketing.
5. Offer Dynamic Pricing to Boost Revenue
Are you ready to take your revenue game to the next level? It’s time to embrace the power of dynamic pricing right away! By using hotel dynamic pricing software, you can optimize room rates in real-time based on demand, seasonality, and other factors.
Hoteliers who’ve adopted this Hotel Marketing Strategy have seen significant revenue growth. For example, The Hotelicopter – a virtual hotel room pricing and booking platform, uses dynamic pricing to help hotels increase revenue by optimizing room rates. It’s a win-win hotel marketing strategy for everyone!
6. Team Up With Local Businesses for Unique Experiences
You know what they say – teamwork makes the dream work! Partner with local businesses to offer unique experiences that guests won’t find anywhere else. From local tours and cooking classes to exclusive deals at nearby restaurants and attractions, your guests will appreciate these one-of-a-kind experiences.
Take a look at Kimpton Hotels – they’re known for partnering with local businesses to curate unforgettable experiences for their guests. This not only adds value to their stay but also supports the local community. Talk about a win-win!
7. Leverage Influencer Marketing to Reach a Wider Audience
Influencer marketing is all the rage these days and for good reason. Influencers can help you reach a wider audience and build trust in your brand by promoting your hotel through their channels.
Remember to choose influencers who align with your brand’s values and have a genuine connection with your audience. Utilizing candidate management software can expedite this process by analyzing vast amounts of data to pinpoint the influencers whose audience aligns with your buyer persona. For instance, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has successfully partnered with influencers to create stunning content and showcase their properties to a wider audience.
8. Keep an Eye on Reviews and Respond Promptly
Online reviews can make or break your hotel’s reputation, so make sure you’re on top of them. Monitor review sites like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, and respond promptly to both positive and negative feedback.
By showing that you care and are willing to address any issues, you’ll earn your guests’ trust and loyalty. Just look at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts – they’re known for their exceptional customer service and prompt responses to guest feedback.
9. Email Marketing: Don’t Forget to Stay in Touch
Email marketing might seem old-school, but it’s still a powerful tool in your hotel marketing arsenal. Keep your guests in the loop with newsletters, special offers, and updates about your hotel. But remember – nobody likes spam, so make sure your emails are relevant and engaging.
One stellar example is The Standard Hotels – their email campaigns are always on point, featuring interesting content and exclusive deals that keep guests coming back for more.
10. Embrace Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Last but not least, let’s talk about saving the planet. With eco-consciousness on the rise, hotels that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness are more likely to win over environmentally-conscious guests.
Showcase your green initiatives on your website and social media channels, and consider partnering with eco-friendly organizations. Just like 1Hotels – their commitment to sustainability is at the core of their brand, and it shows.
11. Optimize Your Hotel’s Google My Business Listing
If you haven’t set up your hotel’s Google My Business (GMB) listing yet, then you’re missing out on a goldmine of potential guests. GMB is a free and easy-to-use tool that helps you manage your online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
Ensure your listing is complete and accurate, including contact information, hours of operation, and photos. Encourage guests to leave reviews and respond promptly to their feedback. For example, Hyatt Hotels has a well-optimized GMB listing, making it easier for potential guests to find and book their properties.
12. Utilize Chatbots for Stellar Customer Service
Chatbots can be a game-changer for your hotel’s customer service. They’re available 24/7, can answer frequently asked questions, and even assist with bookings. By offering instant assistance and support, chatbots can improve your guests’ experience and boost your online reputation.
Check out, Megagon Labs developed ConciergeBot, an AI chatbot designed for the hospitality industry. It assists hotel staff by answering a variety of guest inquiries, reducing employee workload. ConciergeBot adapts to each hotel’s unique amenities and services, improving guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
13. Reward Loyal Guests with a Loyalty Program
Everyone loves a good loyalty program, and your hotel is no exception. Reward your loyal guests with special offers, upgrades, or exclusive perks to keep them coming back for more. A well-executed loyalty program can improve customer retention and foster long-term relationships with your guests.
The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program is a prime example, offering a tiered rewards system and personalized offers that cater to their guests’ preferences.
14. Optimize Your Booking Engine for Maximum Conversions
Your booking engine is the heart of your hotel’s online reservation system. To maximize conversions, make sure it’s user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and easy to navigate. Offer multiple payment options and integrate them seamlessly with your website and other marketing channels.
Check out Booking.com for inspiration – they’ve mastered the art of creating a seamless and efficient booking experience for their users.
15. Create Strategic Partnerships to Expand Your Reach
Forming strategic partnerships with complementary businesses can help you expand your reach and tap into new markets. Consider partnering with airlines, travel agencies, or event planners to offer exclusive packages and promotions that will drive more bookings.
For instance, InterContinental Hotels Group has partnered with various airlines and travel agencies to offer bonus points and special deals to their guests, giving them a competitive edge in the market.
16. Stay on Top of Market Trends and Adapt Accordingly
In the ever-changing world of hotel marketing, it’s crucial to stay on top of industry trends and adapt your strategies accordingly. Attend industry conferences, read trade publications, and follow thought leaders to stay informed and inspired.
For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many hotels pivoted their strategies to focus on health and safety measures, like Accor’s “All Safe” program, which assured guests of their commitment to cleanliness and safety.
17. Develop a Strong Content Marketing Strategy
A well-executed content marketing strategy can help you build trust, establish your hotel as an industry authority, and drive organic traffic to your website. Create engaging blog posts, videos, infographics, and other forms of content that provide value to your audience. Focus on topics that resonate with your target guests, such as travel tips, local attractions, and insider information about your destination.
For instance, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts regularly share high-quality content on their blog, which not only showcases their properties but also offers valuable insights into local culture and attractions.
18. Host Memorable Events and Offer Exclusive Packages
By hosting events or offering exclusive packages, you can attract new guests and give existing ones a reason to return. Consider organizing seasonal events, themed parties, or wellness retreats that cater to your target audience’s interests.
For example, Mandarin Oriental Hotels often hosts exclusive events and offers unique packages, such as culinary experiences, spa retreats, and romantic getaways, to create memorable moments for their guests.
19. Leverage Local SEO to Reach Your Target Audience
Local SEO is a vital component of any hotel marketing strategy. By optimizing your website and online presence for local search, you can drive more organic traffic and reach potential guests searching for accommodations in your area.
Make sure to include relevant keywords and location-based information on your website, create local citations, and optimize your GMB listing. For example, The Plaza Hotel in New York City effectively leverages restaurant local SEO to ensure they rank high in search results for travelers looking for a luxurious stay in the Big Apple.
20. Offer Personalized Experiences for Your Guests
In today’s competitive market, personalized experiences can set your hotel apart from the rest. By using guest data and preferences, you can tailor your offerings to create unique, memorable stays for each guest.
From customized welcome amenities to tailored activity recommendations, personalized experiences can foster guest loyalty and encourage positive word-of-mouth. Take Rosewood Hotels & Resorts as an example – they’re known for their bespoke approach, crafting one-of-a-kind experiences for their guests that are tailored to their individual preferences.
21. Embrace Video Marketing to Engage and Inspire
Video marketing is an incredibly powerful tool for engaging and inspiring your potential guests. By showcasing your hotel’s facilities, services, and unique experiences through high-quality videos, you can create an emotional connection with your audience and entice them to book a stay at your property.
Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are perfect for sharing your video content. Check out The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on YouTube – their channel features captivating videos that showcase their luxurious property and world-class amenities, giving potential guests a taste of what they can expect during their stay.
22. Enhance Your Guests’ Experience with Mobile Apps
Mobile apps can significantly improve your guests’ experience by offering a convenient, personalized way for them to access information and services during their stay. From mobile check-ins and room service to local recommendations and personalized offers, a well-designed mobile app can streamline the guest experience and foster loyalty.
For inspiration, take a look at Hilton’s Honors App, which allows guests to manage their reservations, check in, access their rooms, and even choose their preferred room type, all from the convenience of their smartphone.
23. Implementing a Referral Program to Encourage Word-of-Mouth
Referral programs can be a highly effective way to drive new bookings by leveraging the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Offer incentives to your current guests for referring friends and family, such as discounted rates, free upgrades, or exclusive perks.
By encouraging your satisfied guests to spread the word about your hotel, you can tap into their personal networks and gain access to a wider audience of potential guests. One successful example is Airbnb’s referral program, which rewards both the referrer and the referred with travel credits, encouraging users to share their positive experiences with their friends and family.
Conclusion:
And there you have it – 23 innovative Hotel Marketing Strategies that will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your bookings and revenue in 2023 and beyond. The key to success is staying agile, keeping an eye on market trends, and continuously adapting your strategies to meet the evolving needs of your guests.
Remember, the world of hotel marketing is constantly changing, and it’s crucial to stay informed and ready to pivot your strategies when needed. With these 20 strategies in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the hotel marketing world and creating unforgettable experiences for your guests.
