Competition is always a worry among the hotel industry. With that said, it is important to use trending marketing tactics and strategies. But it's even more important to find ways to really connect with customers and potential customers. The goal is to connect in effective ways that feel natural for customers but that are also affordable for the business.
The truth is, although this task is somewhat challenging, it is very doable. You can use social media networks to connect with your audience, and at the same time, you can improve your hotel’s reputation. One of the ways to do that is to provide readers with as many details as possible about your business. Offer descriptive details in your profile and share information from your website.
Trust and respect from clients will boost your hotel's reputation.
A hotel is like any other business. In order to boost its reputation, it needs to gain the trust and respect of its clients. To do that, the hotel has to provide quality products/services, and it has to prove that it is reputable. Before consumers give trust and respect to businesses, they have to feel the business respects them as a customer.
Demanding Customers
Consumers of today want to know that the businesses they frequent are deserving of their money. In many ways, modern customers are more demanding than ever before. After all, with just the click of a mouse, they can easily compare your hotel with hundreds of others within minutes. The Internet has revolutionized the way we think about things.
Not only can a potential client check the amenities and prices offered by your hotel, but he/she can also check to see what kind of online reputation your hotel has. Many hotels have turned to service companies for help with reputation management concerns. However, if you are diligent in your efforts, managing your online reputation isn't that difficult.
The Simplicity of Social Media
Social media networks make it possible for even the largest and most successful hotels to connect with customers on a more personal level. That's what social media platforms are all about. They are for socializing — not for the pure sake of promoting.
This does not mean you can't use the networks to help increase sales. The reality is, because people get a chance to see that there are real people behind the business, they can more easily feel a connection or bond. This works both ways. As a business, you have an opportunity to get to know your audience in a unique way. At the same time, they will also get to know more about your hotel. A connection grows and the audience is more likely to feel a bond with your hotel.
Share and Share Alike
Just as typical users of social media sites share information, hotels should also post images and updates about happenings and events. This could include beautiful scenery from a balcony or a new and updated hotel suite; a lobby, restaurant, or spa; or any other amenity or update that a hotel might want to mention to readers.
Sharable content can help you get noticed – that’s why it’s important to post something engaging!
Branding Opportunities Social media networks are ideal for branding purposes. Since the hotel's name and logo is attached to the profile, with each post that is made, the brand is promoted. If quality information is shared, it is likely to be spread across other networks.
Don’t Forget About Search Engine Optimization
It’s also important to keep in mind that your social media content should be search engine optimized. That is, you should include words or key terms that people will likely use when searching for your website. For example, if you own a luxury hotel in Brisbane, using the key phrase “luxury Brisbane hotel” can help to attract customers to your site.
You can also give your social media page a boost in this department by including content from your site.
Customer Service
Social media networks are often the platforms used when clients want to offer feedback on a hotel stay. Whether positive or negative, the comments may be posted on places like Facebook, Twitter, or other social media networks. These comments should be looked at as opportunities to improve the hotel's reputation.
Online customer care can help promote a positive reputation for your hotel.
They should be responded to promptly and in a positive way. Remember that although the message will be addressed to the person who made the comment, it will be read by hundreds or even thousands of other people. With that in mind, this is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the hotel’s commitment to excellent customer care.
No matter how you look at it, social media is an important marketing strategy that every hotel should use. It is a cost-effective way to help promote the hotel in a positive way and to create connections with customers and potential clients that would otherwise be missed opportunities.
Your social media accounts can be used to do everything from help you learn more about your audience to boost your hotel's reputation. Take advantage of that!
About the author
Debbie Allen is a blogger, freelance writer, and online marketer who writes about small business management topics and self-development. In addition, Debbie enjoys writing about home and garden topics.
