The hospitality industry has gotten so much bigger over the years. With new concepts like Airbnb entering the market, there's a lot of pressure on hotel owners to spice up the game and bring something new to the table. From themed events to membership rewards, social media campaigns, and promos – read on to uncover some highly effective innovative marketing ideas for your hotel.
It's all about stories and experiences
True magic happens when companies immerse customers in a memorable and positive experience. These days, with so many beautiful hotels that boast of stunning interiors and architectural designs, great service, and cutting-edge facilities, offering a uniquely beautiful experience to your guests will surely make your hotel stand out. Also called engagement marketing, this approach involves combining different marketing strategies that are geared toward immersing customers into your brand.
Reward loyal guests and attract new customers
Many hotels are doing this. One way to keep customers coming back is to give them rewards. Come up with a great incentive program. Reward them for choosing you over hundreds of hotels nearby. Valuable loyalty perks may include offering early check-in or late check-out for free, a free breakfast on their next stay, exclusive discounts for hotel activities, invites for upcoming events, etc. Simply offering them goodies upon check-in is a great way to spoil your loyal customers.
Come up with themed events
Hosting events is a great way to attract customers. Whether it's a themed exhibit, a romantic dinner concert, or a social gathering – events give you a wonderful opportunity to showcase your hotel to potential customers. Make sure to create an amazing event that is targeted to a specific group (families, corporate people, couples, etc.). Come up with a nice set-up. Your event venue should really look stunning to get people's attention. Large, colorful banners, sky dancers, and beautiful lighting are great additions to a successful themed event.
Get social
Everybody is on social media right now so make sure you are also visible online. Instead of spending millions on TV ads, an effective way to attract more customers is to connect with them through social media. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are great platforms to promote your hotel. Come up with creative initiatives, such as contests, stories, hashtags, videos, and more. Make sure to update people regularly about upcoming events, promos, and other exciting news. Social media is also a great tool that helps you communicate directly with potential customers.
Let them experience how great your service is… for free!
You've known about free samples for sure. Why not take this concept into your marketing strategy? Invite people, such as social media influencers, executives, and other representatives from your target customer base to try staying at your hotel for a day or two for free. You should be able to get great feedback and endorsements in return. Also, consider giving other perks like free accommodation for one night if guests book for three days, free food for a family staying over the weekend, or some free goodies (and maybe a wine) to booked weddings and other celebrations.
Provide value through activity packages
People love activity packages because it gives more value for their money. To entice more guests, offer activity packages that will make them experience the best of what your hotel has to offer. For example, offer complementary kid's swimming classes for families, a complete team-building program with free snacks for corporate clients, or a spa/romantic dinner special package for couples on Valentine's Day. Create special packages for groups and events as well, such as weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations.
Don't forget seasonal promotions
Seasonal promotions are special offers, discounts, events, or limited-edition packages during the year. It could be during a specific holiday such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, or special occasions like Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's, Memorial Day, etc. These occasions give businesses an opportunity to boost their revenues that's why it is very important to come up with really exciting offers. Carefully plan your seasonal promotions and make sure that it is something unique and new to your customers.
Offer a virtual tour to potential customers
When looking for a hotel to stay, people would want to have a look first of the rooms, amenities, and activities that they can enjoy. Virtual reality is a great technology to utilize in promoting a hotel. Make it easy and convenient for people to check out what you have to offer by providing them a virtual tour of your hotel and the packages you offer.
