How to Market UK Hotels Effectively

• Tourism is a very competitive industry. As a member of the sector, hotels are vying for the attention of travelers whether they are a luxury accommodation or an independent establishment.

• Be it a direct inquiry or a sure fire booking, seek some form of interaction from clients and potential customers.

• So how then can hotels be marketed to ensure this kind of reaction happens?

Have a well-structured website filled with relevant and useful content

• Having a website to inform people that you exist isn’t going to cut it. People crave information these days and your site should have it. Everything about your hotel should be detailed – how many rooms you have, the amenities available, is there a bar or a restaurant, what type of food is served, etc. You want to give a potential customer a complete picture of what it would be like to stay at your hotel.

• Your site should be easy to navigate. After all, what use is all of your relevant content if visitors find it hard to find them in the first place?

• When it comes to creating content for your website, providing information about the area you’re in helps a lot. In other words, it shouldn’t just be about you.

• Are you located close to the airport? Highlight that. • Are there local events that will be held in and around your area?

Make sure to mention that. • If there are shops and other entertainment venues located nearby, let

your guests know about them.

Tap into the power of social media

• Social media has proven an effective part in any marketing campaign, but the question you need to ask is what channels should you be a part of? While it makes sense to be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you have to question whether your brand has to be on Tumblr, Pinterest, Vine and other social networks.

• Vary what you provide on social media as well. You can share new content from your blog, post an update about an upcoming event or let followers know about sales and discounts. Some hotels even allow visitors to check in through social media.

• Engagement also factors a lot into social media use. So whether it be a positive or negative comment sent your way, make sure your response is always professional.

Don’t forget the value of e-mail

• People may prefer to send text messages to each other rather than e-mail, but that doesn’t mean it should be taken for granted as a marketing tool.

• You can e-mail your clients about updates at your hotel or send them a list of events happening in the coming month (in and around your hotel).

Know the potential of visuals

• Photos and videos have a huge impact and they should figure largely in your marketing efforts. From your site to your social media channels, videos and pictures can mean a world of difference. They also help tell a story which is something people love.

• For instance, a wedding took place at your hotel. Ask the permission of the married couple if you can feature a couple of photos from their ceremony to share with your audience. This shows that your hotel is not only a temporary residence but a place where special occasions can be held.

Take advantage of mobile

• Millennial travelers are a huge segment of tourism industry and catering to their interests can serve hotels well. For one, make your site mobile friendly since most people – not just millennials – check information through their mobile device.

• You can also roll out an app which people can use to check into your establishment, as well as provide a virtual tour of your hotel and nearby areas.

• Competition might be stiff in the hospitality industry, but sending the right message will help you get your share of customers.