Getting Heads in Beds This Holiday Season

Posted on November 29th, by BallywhoSocial in Archives. No Comments

This December, so many people will be traveling–visiting friends and family, getting away on vacation. If you are a hotel owner, how can you be sure that these travelers will choose your facility over another? Social media can help with that.

By this time, you should already have active accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare, and other platforms. These avenues allow you to post about new specials, answer customers’ questions, and highlight new changes and amenities at your hotel. But to encourage more bookings, we suggest these strategies this holiday season:

Offer discounts. When people check in via Foursquare, Yelp, Facebook Places, and other platforms, offer discounts for their stay at your property.

Hold contests. On your Facebook page, add a tab for contests. You can ask clients to take their photos at your properties, with the winner being the person who submits the most photos during a certain time span. Or you can have a trivia contest about your location, with prizes–or discounted stays–going to those who answer correctly.

Reward followers. On Twitter, follow community leaders and other businesses in your area, and offer discounts or other promotions when they choose to follow you back.

Add local color. Use Foursquare to provide information about local events and attractions your visitors will enjoy.

Consider advertising. Create Facebook pay-per-click advertising for a featured property. Be sure your ad is specific to a geographic location and specified interests, so you target the right audience.

Ask for feedback. Encourage visitors to add ratings and reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Places. And be sure to address any negative comments that pop up.

Remember that social media plays a key role in helping you get the word out. When you have a renovated dining room or a brand-new fitness center, your customers want to know. Provide these updates on your social media pages, and let visitors see how much you appreciate their patronage. When you offer discounts and promotions to your customers, and ask for their input, loyalty will grow. Then you can be sure that these clients will book with you again, year after year.