Are you looking to enter the rapidly evolving and fiercely competitive hotel industry? Then, mastering the art of marketing is essential for the success of your new hotel. This comprehensive guide will explore 12 powerful strategies on how to market your new hotel effectively. From creating a captivating digital front door to leveraging the influence of social media and local partnerships, these proven tactics will help you attract guests and position your hotel for success. Let's embark on this journey together as we unlock the secrets to marketing a new hotel and watch your establishment thrive in the bustling hospitality landscape.
Top 12 hotel sales and marketing strategies
1. Website Optimization & SEO
A well-optimized website is a critical aspect of hotel digital marketing strategy. Your hotel's website is your digital front door. Ensure it's visually appealing, user-friendly, and mobile-optimized. Use high-quality images, incorporate virtual tours, and detailed descriptions of your rooms, amenities, and services. Incorporate a smart hotel booking engine to convert lookers into bookers and drive incremental direct bookings via your website.
Investing in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for making your hotel discoverable online. Optimize your website with relevant keywords, titles, descriptions, and high-quality content. Regularly update your blog with travel guides, local events, and hotel news to attract organic traffic. Utilize local SEO strategies to appear in local searches and enhance your hotel’s online marketing strategy.
2. Leverage social media
One of the best hotel marketing strategies is crafting a robust social media marketing plan as social media platforms are a powerful way of reaching out to potential guests. Building a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn is essential. Share engaging content, including photos, videos, guest testimonials, and special offers, as part of your social media marketing strategy for hotels. Run social media ads to target specific demographics and drive traffic to your website.
3. Utilize email marketing
Email marketing is a cost-effective way to keep potential guests informed and engaged. Build a database of emails and send out regular newsletters with updates, promotions, and personalized offers. Leverage automated email sequences to greet new sign-ups and reconnect with previous patrons.
Here’s a Free Ebook on: Hotel Marketing Strategy- Guest Centric Guide
4. Work with OTAs
Selling rooms via OTAs is one of the best marketing strategies for hotels. For this, connect with multiple leading OTAs via Channel Manager. It will help you sell more rooms via OTAs while increasing your new hotel's online visibility. Plus, this arrangement will also help you eliminate overbookings.
To market your new hotel through OTAs:
- Starting to sell rooms via OTAs is one of the best marketing strategies for hotels. For this, connect with multiple leading OTAs such as Booking.com or Expedia via Channel Manager targeting a wide range of travelers.
- Ensure your listing has high-quality photos, engaging descriptions, and highlighted amenities.
- Use OTA promotions and discounts to boost visibility, and consider paid advertising to rank higher in search results.
Encourage and respond to guest reviews, as positive feedback improves your ranking and trustworthiness. Keep your pricing competitive and consistent across OTAs, using dynamic pricing to adjust rates based on demand. Highlight unique experiences and services your hotel offers to stand out.
Monitor your performance through OTA analytics and make data-driven adjustments when needed. Finally, offer incentives for guests to book directly in the future, building a loyal customer base while maximizing your exposure through OTAs.
5. Collaborate with influencers
When discussing hotel digital marketing strategies, we must recognize the importance of influencer marketing, which can significantly boost your hotel's visibility. Partner with travel bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers who align with your brand. Offer them complimentary stays in exchange for honest reviews and social media posts. Their followers can become your potential guests.
6. Offer special packages and promotions
Attract guests by offering exclusive packages and promotions. Create seasonal deals, weekend getaways, and loyalty programs. Highlight and promote these offers on your website, social media, and email campaigns. Urgency-inducing promotions for a limited period prompts quick decision-making and drives more reservations.
7. Engage in local partnerships
Partner with local businesses and attractions to enhance your guests' experience. Collaborate with restaurants, tour operators, and event venues to create bundled packages. Promote these partnerships on your website and social media to attract guests looking for a comprehensive travel experience.
8. Harness the power of reviews
Positive reviews build credibility and trust. Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and other hotel booking platforms. Professionally responding to positive and negative reviews shows that you value guests' feedback. Highlight glowing reviews on your website and social media.
Read Also: Hotel Marketing Ideas to increase occupancy
9. Participate in industry events and trade shows
Make sure to participate in industry gatherings to connect with potential partners and clients. Use the opportunity to present your hotel, share promotional materials, and hold meaningful discussions. These events offer valuable insights into industry developments and the chance to establish important relationships.
10. Implement a loyalty program
A loyalty program incentivizes repeat bookings and fosters guest loyalty. Offer points for each stay that guests can redeem for discounts, free nights, or upgrades. Promote your loyalty program through your website, email campaigns, and social media to encourage sign-ups and repeat visits.
11. Host events
Hosting events can be a powerful hotel marketing strategy. Hotels can showcase their amenities and services to potential customers by organizing conferences, weddings, or local gatherings. Events also create networking opportunities and generate positive word-of-mouth, increasing bookings and brand visibility.
12. Chatbots
To market a new hotel effectively, leveraging chatbots can significantly enhance guest engagement. A chatbot can offer assistance to potential guests, offering information about the hotel, its amenities, and room availability. It can also handle frequently asked questions, offer personalized recommendations, and guide guests through the booking process smoothly. By integrating chatbots into the hotel’s website, hoteliers can offer an experience that can lead to increased direct bookings and stronger guest relationships from the start.
The 13 new hotel marketing strategies mentioned above can boost your brand's online visibility, attracting new guests and increasing sales. If you know any other tried and tested ways how to market a new hotel, do let us know.
Read Also:
13 Must-Have Hotel Marketing Trends to Rule the Hotel Industry
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