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You're a hotel owner. Imagine this: your rooms are fully booked, your lobby is lively, and it's all because you perfected your marketing strategy. Sounds great, doesn't it?
We've observed that many hoteliers face challenges in crafting an effective marketing plan 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, ensuring you connect with your ideal guests and fulfill your business objectives.
Furthermore, if you're eager to elevate your hotel's marketing with proven methods and strategies, explore our suite 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 establishment.
Get the marketing planner tailored for hotels
The best hotel owners plan their whole marketing strategy. You can do the same now.
Examples of marketing strategies for a hotel
We could easily list hundreds of marketing tactics for your hotel. However, we know you need actions that are practical and tailored to specific use cases.
Marketing strategies for a hotel with a low budget
Great news, attracting new guests to your hotel doesn't have to break the bank. Keeping your hotel's budget in check is entirely possible.
Here, we'll briefly cover fundamental marketing strategies tailored for the hospitality industry. For a detailed action plan and practical tips on implementing these strategies economically, be sure to check out 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 | Engage guests by sharing daily updates, behind-the-scenes tours, guest reviews, and promotional events. Encourage guests to post about their stay and tag your hotel. |
| Email Marketing | $0 - $50/month | Leverage free email marketing tools to send newsletters featuring special room rates, seasonal packages, and hotel updates. Gather emails through online booking forms and at 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 Businesses | $0 - $100 | Create partnerships with local attractions and restaurants to offer exclusive deals to your guests, enhancing their stay and encouraging local tourism. |
| Hosting Events | $100 - $500 | Utilize your hotel spaces to host events, such as weddings or conferences, and collaborate with local vendors to reduce costs and increase visibility. |
| Google My Business Listing | $0 | Regularly update your Google My Business profile with new photos, promotional rates, and positive guest reviews to enhance visibility and attract new guests. |
| 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 “best hotels in [location]” and regularly update your blog with travel tips, local attractions, and guest testimonials to boost search rankings. |
| Online Contests and Giveaways | $50 - $200 | Conduct social media contests where participants can win a free night's stay or a discount on their next booking. Use small, enticing incentives to drive engagement. |
| Local SEO & Directory Listings | $0 - $100 | Ensure your hotel’s information is accurately listed in local travel directories and tourism websites. Keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) consistent. |
| Guest Feedback and Referral Programs | $0 - $100 | Offer a discount on future stays for guests who refer others. Implement a feedback system on your website or via email to gather insights and improve services. |
| DIY Professional-Quality Photos | $0 - $50 | Use a good smartphone camera to take high-quality photos of your rooms and facilities. Share these images on your website and social media to attract more bookings. |
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!
Marketing strategies for your hotel 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 specialized strategy pack designed for busy hotel managers looking to boost their bookings.
| Tactic | Time to Spend Each Week | Tips to Maximize Time and Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Social Media Themes | 2 hours | Establish daily themes (e.g., #SuiteSunday, #TravelTipTuesday) to streamline content creation and target specific guest segments. Schedule posts in advance using social media tools. |
| Engaging Instagram Stories | 1 hour | Leverage Instagram's features (polls, questions, countdowns) to quickly create interactive stories that boost guest interaction. Showcase room upgrades and amenities. |
| Google My Business Updates | 30 minutes | Regularly update your Google My Business profile with new offers or events to enhance visibility and attract local travelers. Employ high-quality images of your hotel and services. |
| Collaboration with Travel Influencers | 2 hours | Identify and connect with travel influencers for a post or story mention; offer them 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 the time needed to craft compelling campaigns. Promote seasonal packages and exclusive offers. |
| Partnerships with Local Attractions | 2 hours | Schedule monthly meetings to establish cross-promotional deals or events, sharing the marketing effort and broadening your guest base. Develop joint promotions that benefit both entities. |
| 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 on Social Media | 1 hour | Announce time-sensitive promotions on social media to create urgency and drive immediate bookings. Use 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 to expose your hotel to potential new guests. Offer special rates or packages to attendees. |
Marketing strategies for your hotel focused on social media
For hotel managers aiming to enhance their social media impact: you can significantly boost your online visibility and guest interaction by implementing effective strategies.
| Social Media | Tactic | How to Execute | How to Make It Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| User-Generated Content | Encourage guests to post photos of their stay, tagging the hotel or using a specific hashtag. | Feature guest posts on your profile, offer a monthly reward for the best photo, and engage actively with these posts to increase interaction. | |
| Live Video Tours | Conduct live video tours of the hotel facilities, special amenities, or exclusive events. | Promote these live tours in advance, interact with viewers during the broadcast, and include a call-to-action at the end. | |
| Last-Minute Deals | Announce last-minute room deals or special weekend packages available for a limited time or to the first few customers who respond. | Use eye-catching visuals and hashtags to enhance visibility and retweet guests' feedback and photos who took advantage of the deals. | |
| TikTok | Room Tour Challenge | Create a challenge inviting guests to share creative room tours or unique hotel experiences on TikTok. | Collaborate with TikTok influencers to promote the challenge, offer prizes for the most creative tours, and share compilation videos of the submissions. |
| Story Highlights for Amenities and Events | Use Instagram Stories to regularly update your followers on hotel amenities, upcoming events, or special packages, and save them as Highlights. | Organize Highlights by category (e.g., spa services, conference facilities) and refresh visuals regularly to keep content engaging. | |
| Guest Reviews and Ratings | Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews and ratings on your Facebook page. | Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, promptly and professionally to demonstrate your commitment to guest satisfaction. | |
| Engage in Local Tourism Conversations | Use Twitter to participate in discussions about local attractions, seasonal events, or travel tips, linking back to your hotel's offerings. | Utilize relevant hashtags and tag local tourism boards or businesses to expand your reach and engagement. | |
| TikTok | Behind-the-Scenes Content | Share short, engaging videos that provide a look into the daily operations of the hotel, introduce staff members, or highlight unique services. | Encourage interaction by asking viewers to vote for their favorite amenity or suggest new services they would like to see. |
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!
Marketing strategies for a hotel 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 increase their bookings and enhance guest experiences.
| 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, rooms, and services of your hotel. 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. Organize stays and curated experiences for them to share with their followers, ensuring a series of posts to keep the audience engaged. |
| High-End Photography for Promotional Materials | $1,000 - $3,000 | Leverage these professional photos 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 sets, and retarget potential guests who have previously engaged with your content. |
| Partnerships with Travel Agencies for Exclusive Offers | $1,000 - $5,000 | Develop exclusive package deals or special rates for travel agency clients. Use feedback and booking data to refine offers and improve guest satisfaction. |
| Hosting High-Profile Events or Conferences | $10,000 - $50,000 | Utilize your hotel’s event spaces to host significant events, attracting both publicity and high-value guests. Ensure these events are well-promoted through various media channels and social media. |
| Creating an Interactive, High-Quality Website with SEO | $5,000 - $15,000 | Build a user-friendly website that features virtual tours of your hotel, guest testimonials, and a blog with travel tips and local attractions to boost SEO. Ensure easy navigation and seamless booking options. |
Innovative and creative marketing strategies for your hotel
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 and facilities before booking. By using VR headsets or a simple online application, guests can explore different room types and amenities, enhancing their confidence in their accommodation choices. |
| Online Cooking Workshops | Offer online cooking workshops hosted by the hotel's chefs, where participants can learn to prepare signature dishes from the hotel's restaurant. This can also include ingredient kits delivered to local participants, creating a new revenue stream and boosting brand loyalty. |
| Guest-Curated Playlists | Create a digital platform where guests can contribute to a collaborative playlist. This playlist can be streamed in common areas of the hotel, offering a personalized touch. Promote this feature on social media to enhance community engagement and guest interaction. |
| Pop-Up Events in Unique Spaces | Organize pop-up events in distinctive hotel spaces, such as the rooftop, poolside, or in a grand ballroom. These can range from art exhibits to mini-concerts, providing guests with unique entertainment options and memorable experiences. |
| Themed Hotel Rooms | Introduce themed hotel rooms that offer unique decor and amenities tailored to specific interests such as cinema, sports, or different cultures. This strategy can attract niche markets and create buzz on social media. |
| Mobile Hotel Units | Launch mobile hotel units that can be stationed at various events or scenic locations, offering a taste of the hotel’s luxury and service quality. Use social media to announce locations and create interactive campaigns for followers who visit multiple units. |
| Interactive Social Media Campaigns | Develop social media campaigns that encourage guests to share their stay experiences, participate in photo contests, or engage in themed challenges related to the hotel’s amenities. Offer rewards such as room upgrades or free services for outstanding contributions. |
| QR Code Room Features | Place QR codes in rooms that, when scanned, provide guests with videos on room features, tutorials for using amenities, or exclusive offers on hotel services, seamlessly blending technology with guest service. |
| Themed Stay Packages | Offer themed stay packages that transform the guest experience based on seasons, festivals, or popular cultural events. These packages can include special room decorations, themed dining experiences, and related activities. |
| Hotel Treasure Hunts | Organize treasure hunts within the hotel premises, where guests can discover hidden spots or learn about the hotel’s history. Offer prizes such as dining credits or spa vouchers, making the exploration both fun and rewarding. |
Your hotel could make more money!
Most hotel owners 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?
Looking to boost your hotel's revenue? A robust marketing strategy is essential, and it's more than just a series of buzzwords or abstract ideas.
At its core, a marketing strategy is your blueprint for attracting potential guests and converting them into repeat customers. The aim is to increase your hotel's visibility, set it apart from the competition, and encourage people to book a stay.
When we reached out to hotel owners, many wondered if a marketing strategy was really necessary.
Yes - it's absolutely necessary.
In a market flooded with accommodation choices, from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs, standing out is crucial. Without a marketing strategy, your hotel might just be another option rather than the preferred choice, which isn't ideal for growth. Effective marketing puts your hotel on the map, draws in new guests, and ensures previous visitors think of you first for their next stay.
You don’t need to spend countless hours or hire a marketing expert
You might say you've never studied marketing before. That’s okay.
You don’t need to delve into complex marketing theories or hire a "marketing guru." While professional help can be beneficial, it's not strictly necessary, especially when you're just starting or working within a limited budget.
Many facets of marketing, 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 venturing into marketing or social media is the overwhelming number of platforms and tools available, each with its own rules and algorithms.
It can be daunting to figure out where to begin, what content to produce, and how to effectively connect with your audience while managing a busy hotel.
We understand these challenges. That's why we've developed a strategy pack for hotel owners. It contains all the essentials you need, simplified for easy understanding and quick implementation. Go through it, 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 greatly based on the size, location, and type of the hotel.
From our observations, we recommend dedicating about 3-6% of your total revenue to marketing.
For smaller, independent hotels, the budget might be on the lower end, 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. Try to make your hotel popular online, encourage guests to leave positive reviews, leverage local media, and engage with your community through events or collaborations.
Being genuine and creative often matters more than having a hefty budget. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your hotel, talk about your staff, or showcase your unique services. These efforts don't cost much but can be highly effective. Need some inspiration? We've prepared a list of content ideas for social media, tailored to hotels, all ready for you to use!
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!
What should you prioritize when promoting your hotel?
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 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 type of fish versus using specific bait to attract a particular species. In marketing, the latter approach ensures that your resources are utilized to attract 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 broad-range social media ads might fail to connect with its ideal clientele, who are searching for exclusive experiences.
Conversely, a budget-friendly hotel advertising in high-end travel magazines may not see effective returns, as their target audience is likely looking for affordability and practical accommodations, 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 is not just any business
Generic marketing tactics, while fundamental, often do not suffice when applied to the hotel industry without customization. Context is key. A strategy effective for a restaurant, a retail store, or a fitness center might not suit your hotel's target market.
Each business type serves different needs, operates on different schedules, and engages customers in unique ways.
For instance, while a restaurant might focus on meal experiences and menu uniqueness, a hotel’s appeal often lies in its comfort, location, and the quality of service. Similarly, a retail store might depend more on seasonal sales and visual merchandising, which are different dynamics altogether.
That’s why we crafted a marketing strategy pack specifically for hotels.
Use common sense in your decisions
What works for hotels? It’s all about creating and promoting experiences that resonate with your hotel's character.
Social media is a potent tool here, enabling you to showcase your rooms, facilities, and special services through attractive 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 be highly effective. Such partnerships help you reach communities and audiences that trust and respect the influencers they follow.
Lastly, ensure your hotel is easy to find online. You need to be on good terms with search engines. We’re here to assist - here is an SEO (for Search Engine Optimization) checklist tailored specifically for hotels. It’s all yours!
Where to get the best marketing strategies for your hotel?
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 service enough?" This sentiment is common, 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 hotel owners.
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 owner, focusing on practical, impactful measures.
Additionally, we've included guidance on how to gradually integrate into the digital marketing world, ensuring you can advance at your own pace. Our aim is to transform marketing from a daunting chore into an enjoyable, rewarding part of your business operations.
Some hotels make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best hotels in the world. Replicate them now!
