The lodging industry continues to evolve as new marketing strategies emerge to help businesses attract and retain customers. As a local lodging business, staying up-to-date and ahead of the competition is essential. We’re here to help.
In this article, we’re providing you with 10 unique recommendations to help you enhance your marketing tactics.
1. Implement Local SEO
For lodging businesses, local search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial. Ensure your website is optimized for local search by claiming your Google My Business (GMB) page, updating your address and contact information, and gathering customer reviews. This will improve your visibility in local searches and help more potential guests find you online.
We emphasize the importance of local SEO as it specifically targets potential guests in your area who are searching for lodging options. It’s a significant investment in your business’s online visibility.
2. Collaborate with Travel Influencers
Partnering with travel influencers and bloggers can showcase your lodging business to a broader audience. Have them document their stay at your property and share their experience on their blog, YouTube channel, or Instagram page, which can bring more online attention to your brand.
This approach can be beneficial as people rely on influencers’ opinions when making travel choices. It can also provide you with valuable content for your own social media channels or marketing materials.
3. Utilize Podium’s Text Marketing
A unique way to engage with both potential and returning guests is by using Podium’s text marketing. This tool allows you to communicate effectively with your customers personally via text, offer exclusive deals, and send personalized promotions to boost bookings.
By incorporating a direct communication channel like this one, your business will have an edge in fostering relationships with customers, driving re-bookings, and spreading positive word-of-mouth.
4. Highlight Guest Experiences
Use your website and social media channels to showcase guest experiences at your establishment. Sharing genuine stories, photos, and reviews from satisfied guests will exhibit the value you bring as a lodging business and encourage others to book.
The authenticity of guest-generated content offers credibility to your brand and helps promote a positive reputation in the lodging industry.
5. Offer Seasonal Promotions and Packages
Create special promotions and package deals tailored to different seasons, holidays, or local events to entice new guests and keep returning customers engaged. This strategy can help you stand out from competitors, fill rooms during slow periods, and increase overall occupancy rates.
Seasonal promotions and packages provide added value for potential guests and demonstrate a sense of flexibility and adaptability in your business. Pro tip: promotions work especially well when informed by clients’ histories with you.
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6. Use Virtual Tours
Offering virtual tours of your property and its amenities on your website or social media channels can make your business more attractive to potential guests. This interactive experience can help guests visualize themselves at your property and make informed booking decisions.
Facilitating this immersive experience is a great way to showcase your unique selling points and give potential guests a taste of what they can expect during their stay.
7. Develop Strategic Partnerships
Collaborate with local businesses, attractions, or tour operators to provide special deals or packages for your guests. This not only adds value to your offerings but also promotes local businesses and builds your reputation as a community partner.
By creating mutually beneficial relationships, you can foster a sense of community support while enhancing the guest experience and establishing your business as an essential part of the local tourism ecosystem.
8. Create a Blog
Start a blog on your website to provide useful information for guests such as travel tips, local events, and attractions. Creating valuable content not only positions your lodging business as a knowledgeable industry leader but also improves your website’s SEO and online visibility.
Consistently updating your blog with fresh content can help attract new guests and maintain a strong online presence for your business.
9. Offer Personalized Services
Providing personalized services for guests such as room customization, unique amenities, or tailored local experiences can make your lodging business stand out. Guests appreciate a customized experience, and it increases the likelihood of positive reviews and return visits.
Emphasizing the one-of-a-kind experiences your property offers can leave a lasting impression on your guests and set your lodging business apart from competitors in the industry.
10. Leverage Retargeting Ads
Using retargeting ads on social media or Google Ads can help you reach potential guests who have visited your website but haven’t made a booking yet. These ads remind them of your business and can bring them back to complete the reservation process.
Retargeting efforts help to keep your brand top-of-mind among potential guests and increase the chances of converting website visitors into paying customers.
Maximize Your Efforts with Podium
Want one more tip to enhance your efforts? Explore Podium and see how it can be a valuable asset for your marketing efforts by growing your online presence and improving customer communication—all through the power of text. Get started for free here.
