My Hotel Business

How to market my hotel business

Looking to market your hotel? Discover simple, effective strategies to improve visibility, attract more guests, and grow your business.

Managing a hotel and keeping guests coming in every day isn't easy, and we get that. It takes a lot of work and planning to make everything run smoothly. This guide will show you simple, effective ways to improve your hotel’s online presence, attract more guests, and keep them coming back. 

With the right steps, you'll be able to stand out and build strong relationships with your customers.

TLDR: Strategies to market your hotel 

  • List your hotel on popular travel platforms, keep your information updated, and use relevant keywords.
  • Focus on mobile compatibility, highlight your offerings, and simplify the booking process.
  • Share high-quality content, engage with local hashtags, and run targeted ads.
  • Encourage and respond to guest reviews, and use feedback to improve.
  • Utilize reputation management, booking engines, social media management tools, and listing management software to streamline processes and boost visibility.

Let’s dive right into it!

Get Found Online

If potential guests can't find you online, they can't book with you. People often turn to the internet when deciding where to stay, so your hotel must show up in the right places. 

Here’s an in-depth guide that will help you market your hotel better. 

Start by ensuring your hotel is listed on popular travel platforms such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, and Google. 

Ensure your NAP (name, address, phone number) is accurate and consistent across all platforms. Even small mistakes, like "Avenue" versus "Ave.," can confuse search engines and impact your visibility.

Keep your hotel’s information up-to-date. Ensure your amenities, room types, and pricing are correct, and always include high-quality images of your rooms, lobby, and other facilities. A few captivating photos can persuade potential guests to choose your hotel.

Use keywords that match what potential guests are searching for, like "luxury hotel in [City]" or "budget-friendly hotel near [landmark]." This will help your hotel show up in relevant search results.

Optimizing Your Website

Your hotel website is often the first thing guests see, so make sure it leaves a lasting impression.

Step 1: Research relevant keywords for your target audience, such as "romantic getaway in [City]" or "family-friendly hotels near [attraction]." Using these terms on your website can help bring in more traffic and ensure your hotel stands out.

Step 2: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. With most people browsing on their phones, your website should be easy to navigate, load quickly, and work seamlessly across devices. A poor mobile experience can drive potential guests away.

Step 3: Highlight your rooms, amenities, and services front and center. Include detailed descriptions and stunning images, so potential guests can get a feel for your hotel's offers before booking.

Step 4: Make reservations easy. Add an intuitive booking system or integrate with platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or your reservation system. Ensure the booking process is as simple as possible for guests.

Step 5: Consider adding a blog to your website to engage visitors. Share tips on local attractions, travel guides, or behind-the-scenes stories about your hotel. This not only adds value but also helps build a connection with potential guests.

Social Media

Social media is an excellent way to showcase your hotel and connect with travelers. Focus on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, where visuals are key. Share high-quality images and videos of your rooms, amenities, and the overall experience your hotel offers.

But don’t just post about your hotel share stories. Tell your hotel's history, introduce your staff, and show behind-the-scenes glimpses of daily operations. Personalized content helps build an emotional connection with your audience.

💡 Running targeted Facebook ads can also help you reach travelers who are already looking for accommodations. Tailor these ads to highlight your best features, such as special promotions, unique amenities, or themed events at your hotel.

💡 Engage with local hashtags on Instagram, such as #[City]Hotels or #[HotelName]Stay, to increase your reach among travelers searching for places to stay in your area.

Local Services Ads

Local service ads are an effective way to attract customers who are actively searching for accommodations. When creating these ads, focus on intent-driven keywords, like "best hotel near [Landmark]" or "affordable hotels in [City]." Targeting location is essential limit your ads to those within a specific radius of your hotel to reach people who are most likely to book.

Also, consider adding extensions to your ads. Features such as call buttons, maps, and review snippets can boost engagement and make it easier for travelers to find and contact you.

Content Ideas

  • Share photos or testimonials from happy guests. Encourage guests to tag your hotel in their posts on social media, and repost them as a way to show appreciation and build trust.
  • Give followers a peek into your hotel’s operations. Show your team preparing for a big event, setting up rooms, or maintaining the property. People love to see the effort that goes into creating a great guest experience.
  • Promote special deals, such as seasonal discounts or limited-time packages. Use posts like "Book this weekend for 20% off!" to create a sense of urgency.
  • Highlight local events or attractions nearby that guests can enjoy during their stay. Show how your hotel is the perfect base for exploring the area.
  • Feature loyal guests on your social media channels. Share their favorite memories or photos from their stay, making them feel appreciated while encouraging others to book.

Video Content

Video is a powerful tool for showcasing your hotel. Share videos that highlight your facilities, rooms, or even customer testimonials. Here are some ideas:

  • Show off your rooms in a 360° virtual tour.
  • Share video clips of guests talking about their experiences.
  • Show behind-the-scenes footage from events held at your hotel, like weddings or conferences.

Directories 

Getting listed on the right directories is crucial for putting your hotel before potential guests. Start with big names like TripAdvisor, Google My Business, and Booking.com. These platforms are go-to destinations for travelers, offering reviews, photos, and booking options all in one place. A strong presence here makes it easier for guests to find you and establishes credibility.

Now, let’s talk about hotel-specific directories. Platforms like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Trivago are tailored for travelers searching for accommodations. These directories often include filters for location, amenities, and pricing, making it simple for guests to discover your property.

If your hotel fits a specific niche, don’t miss out on more focused platforms. For instance, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is perfect for boutique or high-end properties, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travelers. If your hotel is eco-friendly, directories like Green Pearls or EcoHotels help you connect with sustainability-minded guests.

By making the most of both mainstream and niche directories, you can cast a wide net while still targeting the right audience for your hotel. It's about being present where your ideal guests are looking and making it seamless for them to find and book with you.

Reviews

Reviews are the backbone of a hotel’s online reputation and can directly influence bookings. Potential guests often rely on reviews to gauge the quality of your service, amenities, and overall guest experience. Here's how hotels can effectively manage and leverage reviews:

Encourage Guest Feedback

Make it easy for guests to leave reviews by sending follow-up emails after their stay with a direct link to review platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, or Booking.com. You can also place reminders in your hotel, such as on check-out receipts or in-room materials, inviting them to share their experience.

Respond to Reviews (Positive and Negative)

Acknowledging reviews shows that you value guest feedback. Thank guests for their positive reviews and highlight specific compliments they’ve shared, such as excellent service or a memorable experience. For negative reviews, respond promptly and professionally. Address their concerns, apologize if necessary, and explain how you plan to resolve the issue. This demonstrates accountability and a willingness to improve.

Make The Most Of Positive Reviews

Highlight glowing reviews on your website, social media, and marketing materials. Create posts or testimonials that showcase what makes your hotel unique according to your guests. Guests trust other travelers' opinions, so these reviews can be an excellent tool to increase trust and encourage direct bookings.

Use Reviews to Improve

Guest feedback often points out areas for improvement that might otherwise go unnoticed. Monitor recurring themes in your reviews to identify what your hotel is doing well and where adjustments are needed. This proactive approach not only enhances guest satisfaction but also minimizes similar complaints in the future.

Engage with Review Platforms

Actively manage your presence on platforms like TripAdvisor, Expedia, Google, and niche directories for boutique or luxury hotels. Ensure your profiles are updated with accurate information, high-quality images, and responses to reviews. A well-maintained profile gives a strong impression and encourages more bookings.

Offer Incentives for Feedback

Without directly asking for positive reviews, you can encourage feedback by offering small incentives, like discounts on future stays or a free drink during their next visit. Make sure to comply with platform guidelines, as some review sites discourage direct incentivization.

For managing reviews, hotels should focus on a mix of general, niche, local, and specialized directories to improve visibility and attract the right guests. Let’s understand a bit more about them:

  • Google My Business, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia are essential for broad visibility, with reviews directly impacting search results and bookings.
  • For luxury or boutique hotels, consider platforms like Leading Hotels of the World, Mr & Mrs Smith, and Trivago to attract a more targeted audience.
  • Local tourism websites and Yelp help attract guests from nearby areas, while Foursquare is useful for local searches.
  • Review sites such as WeddingWire, BringFido, and Green Key are valuable if your hotel offers niche services like weddings or pet-friendly accommodations.

Hotels that are doing it right 

1. Melia Hotels International

Meliá Hotels International focused on influencer marketing to grow their brand. They worked with influencers across six hotel brands and 380 properties, making sure the content matched their style and values. By using data to guide their decisions, they found the right influencers to work with and created content that connected with people. This approach helped them work with 14% more influencers and get 204% more video views. Their success came from carefully planning and making sure every partnership added value to their brand.

2. Marriott International

Marriott International has mastered the art of marketing by focusing on three key areas: variety, loyalty, and digital innovation. They’ve built a wide range of hotel brands, each designed to cater to different types of travelers, so there’s something for everyone. On top of that, their loyalty program keeps guests coming back by offering rewards and personalized perks. What really makes them stand out is their use of digital marketing. They rely on data and technology to connect with people, delivering tailored experiences that feel personal and memorable. This well-rounded approach has made them a global leader in the hotel industry.

Tools that can help

  1. Synup 

Synup helps hotel owners manage their online presence by streamlining and optimizing their local listings across multiple platforms. It enables seamless updates, ensuring accurate business information, improving search visibility, and driving more bookings. With tools for reputation management, customer reviews, and local SEO, Synup enhances a hotel's online visibility, allowing owners to focus on operations while boosting customer engagement and brand credibility. 

Features

  • Synup allows hotel owners to manage and update their business information across over 70 directories in real-time, ensuring consistent and accurate details across platforms.
  • With tools to monitor, aggregate, and respond to online reviews, Synup helps hotels maintain a positive reputation and engage with guests effectively.
  • Synup helps improve search rankings with localized SEO tools, making hotels more discoverable on search engines and maps.
  • Hotel owners can track their online performance, from visitor engagement to review sentiment, providing valuable insights for data-driven decisions.
  • Synup also helps manage social profiles, providing an integrated solution for online presence.

  1. Google Hotel Ads 

Google Hotel Ads is a powerful marketing tool for hotels that helps increase visibility and drive direct bookings. It allows hotels to display their rates and availability directly on Google search results, Google Maps, and Google Travel. By appearing in more places, hotels can attract more potential guests, reducing reliance on third-party booking sites.

Features:

  • Hotels can display their rates, availability, and booking options directly in Google search results, making it easier for users to book without leaving Google.
  • Google Hotel Ads updates pricing and availability in real time, ensuring guests always see the most current options.
  • Your hotel can appear on Google Maps and Google Travel, reaching travelers at the point they’re searching for nearby options or planning their trips.
  • Hotels can create custom campaigns based on their target audience and use a cost-per-click (CPC) model to only pay when users click on their listing.
  • Google provides detailed reporting tools that help hotels track the performance of their ads, such as the number of clicks, impressions, and conversions, allowing for better campaign optimization.
  • Google Hotel Ads is fully optimized for mobile users, providing a seamless booking experience on smartphones and tablets.
  1. Revinate

Revinate is a marketing platform tailored for hotels, designed to help boost guest engagement and direct bookings. It leverages guest data to create personalized marketing campaigns, improve customer retention, and make email marketing more effective. By targeting the right guests with the right message at the right time, Revinate helps hotels drive more repeat visits and enhance the guest experience.

Features:

  • Send tailored messages based on guest preferences and booking history to increase engagement.
  • Segment your audience to send targeted campaigns that resonate with different guest groups.
  • Set up automated campaigns that trigger based on guest behaviors, like past stays or bookings.
  • Track campaign performance with detailed insights to help refine your marketing strategy.
  • Sync with your property management system to easily access and use guest data.
  1. Kipsu 

Kipsu is a real-time customer service platform designed to help businesses, including hotels, engage with customers instantly on their website or mobile app. It allows hotels to communicate with guests in real time, addressing inquiries, providing support, and promoting offers as they browse. Kipsu helps improve customer satisfaction and conversion rates by offering immediate assistance at key moments, which can lead to more bookings and better guest experiences.

Features:

  • Engage with guests in real time through live chat on your website or mobile app, providing instant answers and support.
  • Reach out to customers proactively, offering help, promotions, or reminders at the right moments.
  • Gather valuable feedback from guests during their stay or after checkout to improve services.
  • Seamlessly integrate with your customer relationship management (CRM) and property management system (PMS) to deliver personalized service.
  • Kipsu works across multiple platforms, including web, mobile apps, and social media, ensuring consistent communication across touchpoints.
  • Track interactions and gather data to optimize customer service and marketing strategies.
  1. Skift 

Skift is a valuable platform that offers detailed reports, news, and insights focused on the travel and hospitality industry. It helps hotel owners stay up-to-date with the latest global travel trends, innovations, and changes in the market. By following Skift, hotel owners can gain a deeper understanding of industry shifts, new technologies, and emerging opportunities, enabling them to make informed decisions and stay competitive in the evolving travel landscape.

  1. Hospitality Net 

Hospitality Net is a platform focused on the global hospitality industry, offering news, opinions, and insights for professionals in the hotel and tourism sectors. It provides content on trends, innovations, and challenges, including topics like sustainability, technology, and revenue optimization. Experts from across the industry contribute to discussions, making it a key resource for hotel management, developers, and suppliers. Whether you're exploring the latest developments or seeking advice on industry best practices, Hospitality Net is a go-to source for staying informed.

How to market my Hotel - FAQs

  1. How can you market a hotel?
    Marketing a hotel involves showcasing unique offerings through digital platforms, paid ads, and partnerships with local businesses. Using social media, review management, and targeted SEO helps attract the right audience.
  1. How do you introduce your hotel?
    Introduce your hotel by highlighting its key features, location, and the experiences it offers. Use an engaging website, social media, and guest reviews to build a strong first impression.
  1. How do hotels attract guests?
    Hotels attract guests through competitive pricing, special offers, and excellent customer service. Engaging content on social media, positive reviews, and unique amenities also play a key role.
  1. How can I promote my hotel online?
    Promote your hotel online by optimizing your website for search engines, using paid ads, engaging on social media, and listing on travel platforms like TripAdvisor and Booking.com. Regularly update content to keep it fresh and relevant.

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