Just about every business can benefit from social media marketing. Different industries, however, should use different tactics and approaches in order to be successful and attract business. Here are seven social media tips that can be particularly beneficial for hotel marketing.
Offer Foursquare Specials
On Foursquare, offer specials to guests that they can earn when they check in at the hotel. For example, you might offer a free cocktail or free pass to the buffet. Make it well known that your Foursquare promotions exist and encourage everyone to check in via Foursquare when they check in at the desk.
Post YouTube Videos
YouTube is a good outlet for hotels, because it gives you the opportunity to show off your premises. With one video, take your guests through a tour of a typical hotel room. Shoot another video that shows a suite. Another video can present your amenities, such as the pool, spa, and gym. Yet another video can take viewers on a tour around the hotel grounds. There are many possibilities. Make sure you include links to these videos on your website and other social media sites.
Encourage Guests to Post Pictures and Reviews
On your Facebook and Twitter pages, encourage people to post pictures of their stays at your hotel. When they tag your hotel or @mention it, other people can see real examples of guests enjoying their stays with you. Also encourage guests to speak about their experiences by posting a comment on your Facebook wall or reviewing your hotel on sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. The recommendations of peers go a very long way in convincing guests to choose your hotel.
Promote Local Attractions
Whether the majority of your guests are vacationers or not, try creating posts that promote local attractions and fun things to do. People aren’t going to stay in your hotel all day long, so let them know what kinds of great things they can see and experience nearby. If the local attractions and restaurants interest them, they may choose to stay at your hotel based on your recommendations and your proximity to their planned activities.
Post Photos to Instagram
Instagram is a very trendy and cool new social network based on photographs. Take pictures of your hotel, add an interesting filter, and post them to an Instagram account. The artsy-looking photos can generate interest about your hotel and prompt people to want to see more.
Share News and Reviews
When updating your blog or Facebook pages, be sure to let your fans know whenever your hotel is mentioned positively in the news. Periodically post links to positive reviews, too.
Offer Good Customer Service
Interacting with people via social media is very important, especially if someone reaches out to share a complaint or bad experience. Be sure to promptly respond, apologize, and let the guest know what’s being done to fix the problem for the future. Offer a discount on their next stay. Everyone appreciates good customer service, and you can use negative comments to show off yours.
This article on social media marketing for hotels was prepared by Travis Lee in tandem with SEOMap – the keyword strategy experts.
