Ahead of the Game: 6 Hotel Digital Marketing Strategies for Ultimate Competitive Edge
Are you eager to boost your hotel business through digital marketing? Don't worry if it feels overwhelming—learning the ropes is easier than you think! Digital marketing opens doors to a global audience, letting you connect with travellers from all corners of the world. But which strategies should you focus on first to make a real impact?
In our blog, we break down these strategies into simple steps that anyone can understand. From attracting more bookings to capitalising on busy periods, we've got you covered. So, whether you're a beginner or just looking to level up your digital marketing game, dive into our easy-to-follow guide. Let's get your hotel noticed and keep those rooms filled!
Hotel Digital Marketing Overview:
Hotel digital marketing means using the internet to connect with potential guests and get them to book a stay at your hotel. Your main aim is to make sure people can find your hotel online and book a room. It's all about getting noticed by travellers before they even know about your hotel. Once you generate the lead online I mean to say that once someone books your hotel through the internet, then you can get a rating and review done for your hotel, when the customer rates your hotel, your rating will increase which will be seen by more customer through the application by which they can book your hotel. It is similar to the salesperson who generates leads through a phone call but in the case of hotel digital marketing, you can generate leads without talking.
How is digital marketing important for hotels?
In today's world, digital marketing is essential for attracting more customers. Almost every brand uses it because so many people are online every day. With 4.6 billion people using the internet, according to Statista, it's a no-brainer to invest in digital marketing for your hotel. It's all about reaching the right people at the right time, and the internet is the perfect place to do that. Nowadays, if people want to go for a vacation, firstly they check for the hotel if your hotel ratings and reviews are good, they book your hotel. This is amazing, isn't it?
Now we will discuss 6 secret hotel digital marketing strategies that can add a charm in the sales else if you are digital marketing learner then you can also add charm in learning.
1. Boost website visibility through effective SEO
Creating a direct booking website for your hotel is just the first step. With giants like Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Tribago, EasyMyTrip, OYO and Expedia dominating. Standing out among them can be a little bit tough. That's where SEO (search engine optimization) comes in.
SEO has three main parts: on-page, off-page, and technical. On-page means making your website attractive to Google by having engaging content and a blog that covers topics according to your audience, for hotel digital marketing should be tourists. Tools like Ahrefs or Semrush can help find popular topics. Off-page SEO involves getting other websites to link back to yours, boosting your credibility. It's about building relationships with influential travel blogs to get mentioned in their articles.
Lastly, technical SEO ensures your website is well-structured and loads fast, especially on mobile devices since most people use their phones to book. A mobile-friendly site not only improves search rankings but also enhances the booking experience for guests. While SEO takes time, investing in it early can pay off big by driving more traffic to your site and increasing bookings.
2. Perfect email marketing
Many people think email marketing is dead, but that's not true! Almost half of folks actually like getting emails from their favourite brands. To make it work, your emails need to be interesting to your guests. You can send monthly newsletters, tell them about special deals, or give discounts to loyal guests. If someone's already booked with you, it's best to email them about extra offers before they arrive.
We've found the best time to send these offers is 12 days before check-in. Emails sent between midday and 2 PM have high click rates, with 2 PM being the best. Evenings work well too, especially at 6 PM. The cool thing is, our software can automatically send these emails at the best times, so you don't have to worry about it. With a little effort, email marketing can really boost your business!
3. Elevate your brand
Building a strong brand isn't just about a fancy logo. It's about creating a unique story and value that sets your hotel apart and resonates with your ideal guests. Your brand should shine through every interaction, not just on your website.
Here's how to do it:
- Define what makes your hotel special and who your ideal guests are.
- Make sure everything—your website, social media, etc.—reflects your brand's personality.
- Share your story everywhere your guests are.
- A clear value proposition not only attracts the right guests but also prevents misunderstandings and boosts positive reviews.
Benefits include standing out from the competition, having loyal guests and employees, building trust, and attracting talent that believes in your mission. A strong brand isn't just about looking good—it's about making connections and building a community.
Having a direct booking website is important, but listing your hotel on popular OTAs like Expedia and Booking.com can really boost visibility. These sites attract lots of visitors, and many travelers use them to plan their trips. Make sure to create listings on OTAs to reach a global audience. Just be aware that some OTAs are more popular in certain places than others.
4. Value the influence of personal recommendations
When picking a place to stay, most people trust reviews from real guests over ads. Research shows 84% trust recommendations from friends and family, while 81% always read reviews before booking a hotel. To improve your reputation, focus on enhancing guest experiences. Upselling, where you offer guests extra options, can help. Automating upselling makes it easier to personalize offers, letting guests tailor their stay before arrival. It also ensures the best prices and decreases rejection rates, making everyone happier.
5. Engage guests through social media platforms.
You don't need influencers to connect with potential guests online. Use social media—it's free! Share hotel updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. People like seeing the human side of brands. At Oaky, we feature our team in posts, which gets the most attention. Track your posts to see what works best and adjust your strategy accordingly. With time, you'll learn what your audience likes and can refine your social media plan to match.
Using PPC ads on Facebook and Instagram is easy. Just set a budget, create eye-catching visuals or videos, and think of compelling messages. Target your ads to the right people based on age, gender, location, and interests. Try retargeting ads to reach people who visited your site before. These ads are cheaper and can help convince them to book with you.
Google Hotel Ads are a great addition to your marketing plan. Unlike regular Google Ads, they don't need keywords or ad copy. They target people ready to book a hotel, not just browsing. Your ad shows up only when it matches what the user wants and when you have rooms available. To start, work with a provider to set up and manage your campaign.
Video content is super popular, with millions of people watching YouTube every day. Using videos in your online marketing can really boost your hotel bookings. Make sure your videos look professional and show off your hotel's beauty. You can even make a 360 virtual tour to give guests a sneak peek. Consider starting a YouTube channel too, where you can share videos about your hotel and local attractions. Get your guests involved by asking for their feedback on camera. Also, spotlight your staff by sharing their stories. This builds trust and keeps your team motivated.
6. Implement a strong loyalty program structure
A loyalty program is a smart way to keep guests coming back. It's cheaper to keep existing customers happy than to find new ones. You can set up different tiers based on how often guests stay with you. The more they stay, the better perks they get. For example, frequent visitors might get big discounts, while others get smaller ones. It's an easy and cost-effective way to make guests feel special and keep them coming back.
Final words:
In today's digital world, mastering hotel digital marketing strategies is crucial. Travelers rely on the internet to plan trips, making online presence essential. To succeed, understand your guests' interests and preferences, then craft a unique selling proposition. With this guest profile, choose the best online digital marketing training to learn how to reach your target audience effectively. Tailor your content for different channels, turning your marketing efforts into a powerful tool for boosting hotel sales.
