There’s a shift in the digital landscape and the power is leaning towards the consumer.
In this ever-changing world, the hospitality business is in constant evolution. So, for professionals in the hotel marketing industry - staying up-to-date is a must.
Here are some of the best strategies that hotel managers should implement to keep up with the latest hotel marketing trends in 2018.
Delight your guests at all costs
Most travellers today trust online reviews. Potential guests can easily search for them online and that’s why it’s essential to keep your hotel's guests absolutely satisfied.
Make sure every detail is taken care of. See to it that your whole organization acts as your customer service department and do every little thing that’ll make your guests happy.
Implement this approach and they'll be your personal brand ambassadors. Remember, delighting your customers is one of the pillars of your marketing strategy.
Keep your response time short and sweet
Typically, your guests have a short attention span, which means that you have to respond as quickly as you can. Make them feel like you’re listening to them by taking time and really listening to them. This is a great way to get feedback and improve your overall service.
Always respond to your guests whether it be on social media, your website, or industry review websites. If you don’t have a social media manager to do this – it’s time to get one.
Get on board with the latest technology
Being on social media is not the only thing you should think about when you're online. There are other ways to use technology as a leverage for your marketing strategies, such as using CRM software to create inbound and email marketing campaigns.
Inbound marketing is the best way to get online users to visit your site. Gone are the days of traditional marketing, e.g. banner ads and email spamming, where companies interrupt consumers just to convert them into leads. This technique is ineffective and old-fashioned.
Furthermore, using software can help you measure your online analytics and hotel marketing’s ROI.
Follow the business with leisure trend
There are many travellers who combine business and leisure. As a result, more people go on business trips and take extra days to spend on vacation.
In order for you to capitalize on this trend, you must give them an opportunity to spend more time at your hotel.
Let them know they can stay for a longer period to maximize their trip. Convince them by developing small marketing campaigns, or by using the next strategy.
Go mobile
More and more people are using their mobile devices to research hotels and destinations online. They tend to look for places to stay on their mobile devices first, before actually booking a trip on their desktop computers. Therefore, modern hotel marketers must find a way to show up on mobile when potential guests are still trying to make their decisions.
Also, take note that people refer to their mobile phones when looking for places to visit, places to eat, or simply where they’d go next. It would be a good tactic to send them simple messages, tips, and updates on your latest events.
Tip: Use images and videos to engage your guests’ attention. Don’t put out lengthy texts in your marketing collaterals.
Give your guests an experience
Instead of just giving them a place to stay for the night, give your guests experiences that they’ll never forget.
Make their experience in your hotel personalized. Find out what their interests are. Make them feel like you know them personally and that they’re well taken care of.
Don’t make them wait in queues. Use the latest technology to automate some of your business processes. People nowadays, especially millennials, want everything to be seamless and hassle-free.
Conclusion
The world is changing fast and you must keep up with its pace. New trends and technology are emerging by the minute and you have to do research on a regular basis. As a hospitality professional, you have to keep an eye on your target market's changing needs.
2018 will be a fast year. Better hold on tight.
For more of the latest travel news and trends in 2018, click here.
