Word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM, WOM marketing), differs from traditional Hotel Marketing, in that it is actively influenced or encouraged by organizations e.g. ‘seeding’ a message in a network, rewarding regular consumers to engage in WOM, employing WOM ‘ambassadors’.
Some of the key challenges for Hotel Marketers and Managers lay in obtaining key metrics from WOM. Today we have several tools that help us better identify improved metrics from WOM. And we can see this in correlations with effective incentives that stimulate WOM.
Data shows that WOM referrals, when acquired through strategic campaigns, have a strong impact on new customer acquisition.
- WOM has shown to improve marketing effectiveness with 54% (Marketshare)
- 84% of consumers reported always or sometimes taking action based on personal recommendations. 70% said they did the same of consumer opinion (Nielsen)
- WOM Influence 50% of purchase decisions (Khoros)
- The average value of a Facebook fan is certain consumer categories is $174 (Syncapse)
- 77% of brand conversations on social media are people looking for advice, information, or help. 18% were positive reviews of the brand (Mention)
- Customer trust their own stories, not your brand’s (Khoros)
- Superfans account for 10% of WOMM (Khoros)
The WOMM eco-system has been very complex. And most Hotel marketers have been more focused on collecting the data, connecting with a Social Community that will help them identify some of the new relevant data. And no doubt the four Ps of the Marketing Mix; Price, Product, Promotion, and Place are still crucial. Research and data in relationship with these four Ps are within most Hotels’ comfort zone.
WOMM adds three new elements to the Marketing Mix; Engage, Equip, and Empower.
- Engage – give your fans new values through storytelling
- Equip – give consumers reasons to talk about your brand
- Empower – give consumers and employees new ways to talk and share information
- Word-of-mouth marketing works. 89% of consumers believe that customer testimonials are the most effective content with 70% reviewing online customer reviews first when they consider a brand (Lithium)
You’re Not Integrating WOMM with Your Other Marketing Efforts
Are you guilty of trying out a variety of marketing tools without a real plan of action that ties your efforts together? WOMM is strengthened when you have your other marketing efforts in sync.
A comprehensive strategy that builds consistency in every marketing channel you use should include your Hotel website, direct mail pieces, deal-of-the-day promotions, social media, and public relations. Having a defined look and message is essential. (Kabbage)
To create a strategy, take some time, and write out what makes your business unique. Things to consider:
- Customer experience
- Location
- Décor
- Size
- Scope of services
- Price
- Value
- Rewards and promotions
- Loyalty programs
- Reputation and reviews
- Product lines carried
Your brand message must include these details and be communicated consistently across each marketing channel. By doing so, you’re training your clients to share this information with others.
By providing great services along with a consistent message, you can begin to build a valuable team of brand ambassadors who will evangelize on your Hotel’s behalf. However, you have to meet them halfway by giving them the tools and incentives to want to share your business with others. By doing so, you will discover that WOM is the most powerful form of marketing just as it always has been. It just now requires a little more effort and attention than it once did. (Kabbage)
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT AND FACEBOOK ADVERTISING FOR HOTELS
Facebook Native Advertising will help Hotels redefine the customer experience. Take advantage of new innovative strategies that will improve your Hotels ROI.
FREE access to our Hotel Social Media Community – Get more insights and training about Facebook Native Ads for Hotels!
Our Social Media Management team has refined these processes to help Hotels. Contact us today to learn more.
Join our Free Hotel Social Media Community on Facebook for more in-depth insight.
Try something new it will magnetize your Hotel!
Be flexible and identify new ways to make guests happy.
As guest behavior and pattern continues to evolve, expectations will continue to rise. Navigating these changes can be challenging. Learn more about how we can help your Hotel.
Credits
Kabbage is more than a company. It’s a belief in the power of small business, making a difference, building a better solution and striving for excellence. We work hard to empower hundreds of thousands of businesses with the funds they need to grow, and we have a damn good time doing it.
Lithium software helps the world’s best brands build trusted relationships with customers. The 100% SaaS-based Lithium Social Customer Experience™ platform enables brands to build and engage vibrant customer communities to drive sales, reduce service costs, accelerate innovation and grow brand advocacy.
About the author
Are Morch is the founder and owner of Are Morch – Hotel Marketing Coach. Get more from Are on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Instagram| Podcast
