Do you want to use social media to help market your hotel? We have composed a list with tips for hotel social media marketing. All these tips are based on our own experience with internet marketing for our hotels. These tips are practical, can be implemented immediately and will bring many benefits. Social media marketing should be a complementary piece of the puzzle to an overarching, integrated marketing plan.
• Start a blog to post information on activities, attractions, dining, shopping and nightlife. This allows you to provide your guests suggestions on what to do. You can also spread the content on social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
• Build an online reputation. Invite guests to post reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp and other review websites. Make sure that you respond to all reviews and that you manage your profile on these sites.
• Link local companies and attractions on your Twitter and Facebook. This will benefit your online interaction and will help your influence grow. We advise you to think like your guests. Get connected to cities, tourist attractions and tourist information centers by liking their page.
• Prizes are always good. An incentive gets people moving. Give guests a free weekend in return for the best picture of the month.
• Local check-in sites like FourSquare or Gowalla can help you gain exposure and promote your outlets. Give a welcome cocktail when checking in online if staying at the hotel.
• Be funny and original. A sense of humor works better then a formal and conventional approach. What is the last thing you really clicked on or read on Facebook? I am sure it was funny or original. That’s the kind of thing that works.
These simple tools for social media marketing will make your fan base grow and create interaction with your guests. It is not easy to engage customers online but these tips should help your hotel’s social media marketing strategy.
