![Hotel: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-1_a7bb7b3e-b8b4-41ef-b232-dc778cd291de.png?v=1715865429&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best hotels in the world use strategically to attract guests.
We know you're busy running your hotel and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new guests to your rooms.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for hotel owners.
Get the content idea list made for hotel owners
A lot of hotels manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a hotel
We have studied dozens of hotels’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for hotels - here is what seems to always work.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Guests in Your Hotel |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Room Photos | Visually appealing images of rooms and amenities can make potential guests envision their stay, encouraging them to book a room. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the hotel staff, housekeeping, and preparation processes builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Guest Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real guests provide social proof and encourage others to book a stay. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and package deals can attract new guests looking for value. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by guests (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the hotel to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, conferences, or special gatherings can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal activities or holiday packages can attract guests looking for special experiences during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to book a stay. |
| Travel Tips | Sharing travel tips and local attractions can intrigue potential guests and motivate them to visit the area and stay at your hotel. |
| Daily Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily activities or special events keeps the hotel top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous bookings. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Travel Preparation Tips | Sharing tips and tricks for packing or travel can engage followers who are travel enthusiasts and frequent travelers. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly amenities appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| Guest Spotlights | Featuring regular guests creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into guests. |
Some hotels make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best hotels in the world. Replicate them now!
How can hotel owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your hotel are essential.
Guests book with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the rooms look inviting, and the amenities are showcased beautifully.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your hotel. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and guest shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential guests excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal packages. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new guests.
An example of our marketing pack for hotel owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your hotel’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your hotel, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for hotel owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage guests to share their own photos and tag your hotel. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for hotels on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for hotels, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize your social media presence.
Consider incorporating some of these ideas into your hotel's marketing plan.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Room Photos | Utilize natural light by taking photos of rooms during the day. Enhance images with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Guest Testimonials | Invite satisfied guests to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a complimentary drink or room upgrade as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage guests to share their hotel experience photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your hotel on Instagram. |
| DIY Room Tour Videos | Film short, simple room tours using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily operations or introduce the team during quieter hours. |
| Special Offer Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for special offers using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and an inviting photo. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting within the hotel. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite amenities or suggestions for new services. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Guest Spotlights | Highlight loyal guests with their favorite hotel experiences. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their stay at your hotel. |
| Homemade Decor Photos | Create attractive room settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as energy-saving measures or using local products. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the housekeeping or front desk prep work. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free night stay. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free breakfast. |
| Seasonal Decor Posts | Highlight seasonal decorations and themes using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the decor to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best hotels in the world!
There are hotels that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for hotels
Investing in top-notch social media content for your hotel might be worth it because many other places won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal clientele.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Guests |
|---|---|
| Virtual Room Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your hotel rooms, amenities, and common areas can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to book a stay. |
| Live Q&A Sessions | Hosting live Q&A sessions with your hotel staff where potential guests can ask questions about the property, local attractions, and services can build trust and encourage bookings. |
| Exclusive Package Deals | Creating buzz with limited-time package deals or seasonal offers can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat guests. |
| Guest Experience Stories | Sharing in-depth stories about memorable guest experiences, special events, or the history of your hotel can create an emotional connection with potential guests. |
| AR Room Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your booking process where guests can see a 3D representation of rooms can enhance the booking experience and attract tech-savvy travelers. |
| Themed Staycations | Hosting themed staycation events, such as a wellness retreat or a romantic getaway package, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting couples and groups. |
| Guest Challenges | Organizing guest challenges (e.g., a photo scavenger hunt around the hotel) can create viral moments, attracting competitive guests and families. |
| Collaborative Events | Partnering with local businesses or attractions to host events can introduce your hotel to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Content | Sharing behind-the-scenes content about your hotel operations, staff stories, or the making of special events can create a sense of transparency and trust with guests. |
| Interactive Booking Options | Allowing guests to customize their stay with interactive booking options via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to experience their personalized stay. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable practices or green certifications, can attract environmentally conscious travelers and media attention. |
| Pop-Up Experiences | Operating pop-up experiences in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new guests who may visit your main hotel later. |
| Subscription Services | Offering a subscription service where guests receive monthly updates, special offers, and exclusive content can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Workshops | Hosting workshops where guests can learn new skills, such as cooking classes or wellness sessions, can attract enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Events | Organizing flash mob events in unexpected locations within the hotel can create viral content and attract adventurous guests looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for hotels on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many hotel owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new bookings for your hotel.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Hotels | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the hotel appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your rooms, amenities, and staff to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, guest testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with hospitality or your hotel confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your hotel, amenities, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your hotel's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your hotel positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on hospitality, community, and your hotel's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your guests and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your hotel can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential guests. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your hotel seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your hotel. |
Make your hotel more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best hotels in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your hotel
We understand that as a hotel owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a hotel are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for hotel owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your hotel. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small hotels on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your hotel's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your hotel's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your hotel could make more money!
Most hotel owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
