Promoting your hotel, guesthouse, or bed and breakfast is one of your biggest business expenses. So it makes sense to maximize your return on investment while keeping your costs to a minimum.
Here are four ways to improve the results of your marketing efforts that are quick and easy to implement and don’t cost a fortune.
Automate your marketing
Putting your hotel marketing on autopilot has a number of immediate benefits for your business. First, by using tools like your website and autoresponders, you can free yourself from time-consuming routine tasks and focus on the more pressing tasks at hand.
However, there is more to automation than the use of machines. Companies like McDonald’s have grown so quickly because they have automated almost every aspect of their business, from cleaning to the actual script spoken by their staff. This ensures a consistent experience for every customer and ensures that you never miss a thing.
Never let a guest leave empty handed!
It never ceases to amaze me how many companies let potential customers walk out the door empty-handed. Happy guests are a lucrative source of referrals as they recount their experiences to friends, family, colleagues, and just about anyone else who will listen.
Make it easy for your guests to promote your hotel by giving them a “souvenir” such as a CD-rom, a videoCD or, at the very least, a brochure. Don’t be your average corporate promotions, focus on the needs of your customers and they will be sure to pass them on.
How much would it cost your business to take a camcorder, shoot a ‘Top 5 Places to See in Smallville’ movie, and then burn it to a blank 20-cent CD? Just a few hours of your time and a few cents per souvenir. Don’t get hung up on technicalities. Your guests are looking for a personal memento of their stay, not a cheap Hollywood corporate presentation.
stay in contact
It is vital for your company to obtain the contact details of your guests and permission to communicate with them. This will allow you to send them specific offers tailored to their particular needs.
If you simply blast them with countless sales pitches, you’ll soon be cut off. But if you only send them relevant information that is strictly focused on their needs, it will be welcome. Think about it for a moment; If you’re a keen golfer, wouldn’t you like to hear about the latest Pro-Am tournament announcement?
Involve your staff
No matter how big or small your hotel is, every member of your staff is first and foremost a customer service representative. All of his other job descriptions come second. If your guests have a pleasant stay, they will pass on the good word to some of their friends and family.
But if they feel that your stay was unpleasant, they will tell everyone they know. They will make it their only purpose in life to damage your reputation, and there is nothing more effective or faster than bad news!
In conclusion, we have seen that you can improve your hotel’s marketing results without spending a fortune or going crazy. By taking a few simple steps now, you can reap the rewards in the future.
