You're a hotel owner. Imagine this: your rooms are fully booked, your lobby is lively, and your guest satisfaction ratings are soaring—all because you perfected your marketing approach. Sounds fantastic, doesn't it?
We've observed numerous hoteliers facing challenges in crafting an effective marketing strategy that delivers real results.
That's why we've created a free marketing plan and strategy template, specifically designed for hotel owners. This resource will help you navigate the process of developing a robust marketing plan, aimed at reaching your ideal guests and fulfilling your business objectives.
Moreover, if you're eager to elevate your hotel's marketing with proven methods and strategies, explore our collection of marketing strategies and tactics for hotel owners.
Continue reading to learn how to utilize this tool to boost your hotel's marketing initiatives and attract more guests to your property.
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Examples of marketing strategies for an hotel brand
We could easily list hundreds of marketing tactics here. However, we know you need actions that are practical and tailored to specific use cases for your hotel brand.
Marketing strategies for an hotel brand with a low budget
Great news, attracting new guests to your hotel doesn't have to break your budget.
Here, we'll briefly outline fundamental marketing strategies tailored specifically for hotels; for a detailed action plan and practical tips on implementing these strategies cost-effectively, please see our strategy pack designed for hotel owners aiming to expand their clientele.
Tactic for your Hotel | Budget Range | How to Make It Even More Budget-Friendly |
---|---|---|
Social Media Marketing | $0 - $100/month | Focus on organic growth by showcasing guest testimonials, room tours, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Encourage guests to share their stay experiences and tag your hotel. |
Email Marketing | $0 - $50/month | Leverage free email marketing tools to send updates about special room rates, seasonal packages, and hotel events. Collect emails through your website or during guest check-in. |
Loyalty Programs | $50 - $200/month | Develop a rewards program where guests earn points for each stay, redeemable for discounts or free services. Consider using cost-effective digital loyalty platforms. |
Partnerships with Local Attractions | $0 - $100 | Create package deals with local attractions to offer discounted experiences. This can enhance guest stays and promote mutual business growth without significant costs. |
Hosting Events and Conferences | $100 - $500 | Utilize hotel spaces to host business conferences or social events. Offer competitive pricing and share event hosting costs with sponsors or partners. |
Google My Business Listing | $0 | Ensure your Google My Business profile is up-to-date with high-quality photos, available amenities, and real-time responses to reviews and queries. |
Travel Bloggers & Influencers Outreach | $100 - $500 | Invite travel influencers for a complimentary stay in exchange for a review. Arrange special experiences that they can share with their audience. |
SEO for Hotel Website | $0 - $200/month | Optimize your site with keywords like “luxury stay in [city]” or “best hotel near [landmark]”. Keep your content fresh with travel tips, local guides, and hotel news. |
Online Contests and Giveaways | $50 - $200 | Run social media contests where participants can win a free night's stay or a special hotel service. Use small, enticing prizes to boost participation and visibility. |
Local SEO & Directory Listings | $0 - $100 | Ensure your hotel’s details are accurately listed across all relevant travel directories and platforms. Consistency in your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) is crucial. |
Guest Feedback and Referral Programs | $0 - $100 | Encourage guests to refer others with incentives like discounted future stays. Implement an easy feedback system online or via in-room tablets. |
DIY Professional-Quality Photos | $0 - $50 | Utilize natural lighting and a high-quality smartphone camera to capture stunning images of your hotel’s amenities and rooms. Share these on your platforms to attract more guests. |
Copy the tactics of the best hotel brands in the world!
There are hotel brands that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Marketing strategies for your hotel brand if you have limited time
Exciting news for hotel managers who are short on time: you don't have to compromise on marketing effectiveness because of a busy schedule.
For a comprehensive action plan and tips to implement these strategies efficiently and swiftly, explore our customized strategy pack designed for busy hotel professionals looking to grow.
Tactic | Time to Spend Each Week | Tips to Maximize Time and Efficiency |
---|---|---|
Weekly Social Media Themes | 2 hours | Set themes for each day (e.g., #SuiteSunday, #TravelTipTuesday) to streamline content creation and target specific guest segments. Schedule posts in advance using scheduling tools. |
Engaging Instagram Stories | 1 hour | Leverage Instagram's interactive features (polls, questions, countdowns) to quickly create engaging stories. Showcase daily amenities and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. |
Google My Business Updates | 30 minutes | Regularly update your Google My Business profile with new offers or events to enhance visibility and attract local guests. Employ high-quality images to capture attention. |
Collaborations with Travel Influencers | 2 hours | Identify and connect with travel influencers for a feature; offer a complimentary stay in exchange for coverage. Monitor engagement to gauge impact. |
Email Marketing with Exclusive Deals | 1 hour | Utilize email templates and segment your audience to send personalized deals, minimizing time spent on crafting effective campaigns. Highlight seasonal promotions and exclusive packages. |
Partnerships with Local Attractions | 2 hours | Schedule monthly meetings to establish cross-promotional offers or events, sharing marketing efforts and broadening your guest base. Develop joint promotions for mutual benefit. |
Guest Feedback Incentives | 1 hour | Implement a system where guests receive a discount or complimentary service for sharing their experience online with a specific hashtag. Encourage reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google. |
Local SEO Optimization | 2 hours | Enhance your website and content for local search terms and ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information is consistent across all online platforms. Utilize local directories and review sites. |
Limited-Time Offers Announced on Social Media | 1 hour | Design and announce time-sensitive promotions on social media to create urgency and drive immediate bookings. Employ engaging graphics and clear calls-to-action. |
Engagement in Community Events | 3 hours | Identify local events where your hotel can participate or sponsor, using the event's marketing reach to expose your brand to potential new guests. Distribute promotional materials or offer special rates to attendees. |
Marketing strategies for your hotel brand focused on social media
For hotel owners looking to leverage social media: you can significantly enhance your online visibility and guest engagement with the right strategies.
Social Media | Tactic | How to Execute | How to Make It Better |
---|---|---|---|
User-Generated Content | Encourage guests to share their stay experiences by tagging the hotel or using a specific hashtag. | Feature guest posts on your profile, offer a monthly reward for the best photo, and interact with these posts to boost engagement. | |
Live Video Tours | Host live video sessions showcasing the hotel amenities, room tours, or special events. | Promote live tours in advance, interact with viewers during the session, and include a call-to-action at the end. | |
Time-sensitive Offers | Post flash deals or limited-time offers that are available for a short period or for the first few customers who mention the tweet. | Use engaging visuals and hashtags to increase visibility and retweet customer feedback and photos who participated. | |
TikTok | Room Decor Challenge | Create a challenge inviting guests to showcase their room setups or decorations and share their creativity on TikTok. | Partner with TikTok influencers to kickstart the challenge, offer prizes for the most creative room decor, and share compilation videos of the setups. |
Story Highlights for Amenities and Offers | Use Instagram Stories to regularly update your followers on exclusive amenities, special offers, or seasonal packages, and save them as Highlights. | Organize Highlights by category (e.g., spa packages, conference facilities) and update visuals regularly to keep the content fresh and engaging. | |
Customer Reviews and Ratings | Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews and ratings on your Facebook page. | Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a timely and professional manner to show that you value guest feedback. | |
Engage in Local Conversations | Use Twitter to join conversations about local attractions, events, or community news, linking back to how your hotel is involved or relevant. | Utilize relevant hashtags and tag other local businesses or event pages to increase your reach and engagement. | |
TikTok | Behind-the-Scenes Content | Share short, engaging videos that offer a glimpse into the daily operations, introduce staff members, or highlight unique services. | Encourage interaction by asking viewers to vote for their favorite amenity to be featured or to suggest new services. |
Make your hotel brand more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best hotel brands in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Marketing strategies for an hotel brand that work with a significant budget
Indeed, there are efficient and sophisticated marketing tactics that promise a strong return on investment for those prepared to allocate a significant budget.
For a detailed roadmap and expert advice on deploying these high-impact strategies effectively and maximizing your marketing spend, don't miss out on our exclusive strategy pack designed for hotel owners aiming to enhance guest experiences and boost bookings.
Tactic | Monthly Budget Range (USD) | How to Make It Even Better |
---|---|---|
Professional Video Production for Social Media | $2,000 - $5,000 | Create engaging videos that highlight the unique amenities, guest rooms, and exceptional services your hotel offers. Distribute these across various platforms and consider paid promotions to increase visibility. |
Influencer Marketing Campaigns | $5,000 - $20,000 | Collaborate with travel influencers who resonate with your brand ethos and have a robust following. Organize stays and curated experiences that they can share with their audience over a series of posts. |
High-End Photography for Promotional Materials | $1,000 - $3,000 | Leverage these high-quality images in your brochures, website, and social media. Update imagery regularly to showcase seasonal decor and new features. |
Paid Social Media Advertising | $2,000 - $10,000 | Target specific demographics based on travel preferences, use A/B testing for different ad designs, and retarget potential guests who have previously engaged with your online content. |
Partnerships with Travel Agencies for Exclusive Offers | $1,000 - $5,000 | Develop exclusive packages with travel agencies to attract more guests. Use insights from these partnerships to understand traveler preferences and adjust your marketing strategies accordingly. |
Hosting High-Profile Events or Conferences | $10,000 - $50,000 | Utilize your hotel’s event spaces to host significant events, attracting not only attendees but also media attention. Engage with participants on social media to extend the reach of the event. |
Creating an Interactive, High-Quality Website with SEO | $5,000 - $15,000 | Ensure your website includes virtual tours of your property, guest testimonials, and a seamless booking experience. Optimize content for SEO to attract organic traffic and keep your site mobile-friendly. |
Innovative and creative marketing strategies for your hotel brand
For hotel owners looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, adopting innovative, creative, and unique marketing strategies can significantly elevate their brand presence and guest experience.
Tactic | Description |
---|---|
Virtual Reality Tours | Implement a virtual reality (VR) setup that allows potential guests to take a virtual tour of the hotel rooms, amenities, and surrounding areas before booking. This immersive experience can help guests make better-informed decisions and boost their confidence in choosing your hotel. |
Online Cooking Workshops | Offer online cooking workshops hosted by your hotel chefs, teaching guests how to prepare signature dishes from your hotel's restaurant. This can include kits delivered to participants for a hands-on experience, enhancing engagement and loyalty. |
Guest-Curated Playlists | Create a digital platform where guests can contribute to a collaborative playlist. This playlist can be featured in common areas of the hotel, offering a personalized touch. Promote this feature on social media to encourage participation and community building. |
Pop-Up Hotel Events | Organize pop-up events in unique settings such as nearby landmarks or natural retreats, offering exclusive packages that include overnight stays and special activities. These events can generate buzz and provide unforgettable experiences that guests will share widely. |
Themed Guest Rooms | Design themed guest rooms that offer unique decor and experiences, such as a cinema-themed room or a room that mimics a rainforest retreat. These rooms can serve as a major draw for guests looking for a novel lodging experience. |
Mobile Hotel Units | Introduce mobile hotel units that can be stationed at various scenic spots or during major events, offering a taste of your hotel’s luxury and service in diverse locations. Use social media to track the units' locations and engage with a broader audience. |
Interactive Social Media Campaigns | Launch social media campaigns that invite guests to share their unique hotel experiences, participate in photo contests, or engage in virtual scavenger hunts within the hotel premises. Offer rewards such as room upgrades or free services for outstanding contributions. |
QR Code Experiences | Place QR codes in guest rooms and common areas that, when scanned, provide exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes videos, detailed information about hotel artwork, or special offers on hotel services, blending technology with guest interaction. |
Themed Hotel Nights | Host themed nights where the hotel transforms to reflect different cultures, historical periods, or holiday celebrations. This can include special menus, entertainment, and decor, encouraging guests to immerse themselves fully in the themed experience. |
Hotel Treasure Hunts | Organize treasure hunts around the hotel, involving clues related to the hotel’s history, art pieces, or unique features. Participants can win exclusive perks like spa vouchers or dining credits, making their stay interactive and memorable. |
Your hotel brand could make more money!
Most hotel brand founders don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
Do you really need a strong marketing strategy for your hotel brand?
Are you looking to boost your hotel's revenue? A robust marketing strategy is essential, and it involves much more than just catchy phrases or abstract ideas.
At its core, a marketing strategy is your blueprint for attracting potential guests and converting them into loyal customers. The objective is to enhance your hotel's visibility, set it apart from the competition, and encourage guests to book a stay.
Many hoteliers we've spoken to wonder if a marketing strategy is truly necessary for their success.
The answer is a resounding yes.
In an industry brimming with choices for travelers, standing out is crucial. Without a marketing strategy, your hotel might just be another option rather than the preferred choice. Effective marketing not only puts your hotel on the map but also attracts new guests and retains existing ones.
You don’t need to spend countless hours or hire a marketing expert
You might think, "But I've never studied marketing!" That’s perfectly fine.
You don’t need to immerse yourself in complex marketing theories or immediately hire a "marketing guru." While professional help can be beneficial, it's not absolutely necessary, especially if you're just starting out or have a limited budget.
Many marketing elements, especially in today's digital world, can be effectively managed with a bit of research, creativity, and commitment.
Platforms like social media are excellent for engaging directly with your audience, showcasing your amenities, sharing guest testimonials, and promoting special deals.
However, a common challenge you might face as a hotel owner is the overwhelming number of platforms and tools available, each with its own set of best practices and algorithms.
It can be daunting to figure out where to begin, what content to produce, and how to effectively interact with your audience while managing a busy hotel.
We understand these challenges, which is why we've developed a strategy pack for hotel owners. This pack contains all the essential information you need, simplified for easy understanding and quick implementation. Dive in, and you could start seeing more bookings every week.
You don’t need a big budget
You might be wondering how much hotels typically spend on marketing. It varies significantly based on the hotel's size, location, and goals.
From our observations, we recommend dedicating about 3-6% of your total revenue to marketing.
For smaller, boutique hotels, the budget might be lower, perhaps a few hundred dollars a month, focusing on cost-effective strategies like social media, guest referrals, and local partnerships. Conversely, larger or luxury hotels might invest thousands in broader campaigns, professional photography, and targeted online advertisements.
There are also effective marketing tactics for hotels on a tight budget. Consider making your hotel popular online, encouraging guests to leave positive reviews, leveraging local media, and engaging with your community through events or collaborations.
Being genuine and creative often outweighs a hefty budget. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your hotel, introduce your team, or highlight unique services. These approaches don't cost much but can be very effective. Need some inspiration? We've prepared a list of content ideas for social media, tailored to hotels—it’s all yours!
Copy the tactics of the best hotel brands in the world!
There are hotel brands that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
What should you prioritize when promoting your hotel brand?
As a hotel owner, understanding where to direct your marketing efforts is essential for attracting the right guests and enhancing your establishment's reputation.
Don’t try to appeal to everyone, it’s too costly
Every hotel has its unique ambiance, amenities, and services, which cater to particular guest profiles. This specificity is why it's crucial to target the right audience for your hotel.
When we analyzed the hospitality industry and developed our marketing strategy pack, we noticed many hoteliers were misdirecting their efforts and funds due to poor targeting.
Consider the difference between casting a wide net to catch any fish versus using specific bait to attract a particular species. In marketing, the latter approach ensures that your resources are invested in drawing guests who are more likely to appreciate and seek out what your hotel offers, rather than a transient crowd with no genuine interest in your hotel’s unique features.
For example, a luxury hotel using social media ads to target a broad, general audience might fail to connect with its ideal clientele, who are looking for exclusive, high-end experiences.
Conversely, a budget hotel advertising in high-end travel magazines might not see a good return on investment, as their ideal guests are likely looking for affordability and convenience, not luxury.
These mismatches between marketing strategies and target guest profiles can lead to ineffective marketing and financial waste.
Don’t follow generic advice: your hotel isn’t just any business
Generic marketing tactics, while fundamental, often fall short when applied to the hotel industry without customization. Context is key. A strategy effective for a retail store, a spa, or a restaurant might not resonate with your hotel's target audience.
Each business serves different needs, operates on different models, and engages customers in unique ways. For instance, while a restaurant might focus on the dining experience and menu uniqueness, a hotel’s appeal often revolves around comfort, amenities, and the overall guest experience. A spa, on the other hand, might emphasize relaxation and personal care, which requires a different approach.
That’s why we crafted a marketing strategy pack specifically for hotels.
Use common sense when deciding
What works for hotels? It’s all about creating and promoting experiences that align with your hotel's identity.
Social media is a potent tool in this regard, enabling you to showcase your rooms, facilities, and the unique experiences available through visually engaging posts and stories.
Interacting with your audience online by responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and featuring guest reviews can add a personal touch that many travelers value.
Remember, it’s not just about frequent posting, but about sharing content that reflects the expectations and interests of your target demographic.
Collaborations with travel influencers, bloggers, and even local businesses can also lead to significant benefits. Such partnerships allow you to reach existing communities and audiences that trust and respect the influencers they follow.
Lastly, ensure your guests can easily find you online. You need to be visible on search engines. We're here to assist - here is an SEO (for Search Engine Optimization) checklist tailored to hotels. It’s all yours!
Where to get the best marketing strategies for your hotel brand?
We understand that delving into marketing for your hotel might feel like navigating uncharted territory, especially when you're already handling countless responsibilities.
Perhaps the entire concept of marketing seems somewhat foreign, with its complex terminology and myriad strategies. Or maybe you're concerned about the potential costs and time commitment, given your already tight schedule.
And it's completely normal if you've thought, "Isn't providing excellent guest services enough?" This is a common sentiment, particularly when you're immersed in the day-to-day operations of your hotel, and perhaps past marketing efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
But here's the good news: we've developed something just for you - a tailored strategy pack designed specifically for hoteliers.
This pack is designed to make marketing straightforward and manageable. We've cut through the technical jargon and simplified the marketing process into clear, actionable steps. Concerned about time and budget? Our strategies are cost-effective and crafted to fit into the busy schedule of a hotel manager, focusing on practical, impactful measures.
Additionally, we've included guidance on how to gradually integrate into the digital world, ensuring you can advance at your own pace. Our aim is to transform marketing from a daunting chore into a manageable, enjoyable, and rewarding part of your business.
Some hotel brands make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best hotel brands in the world. Replicate them now!