How effective are you marketing your Hotel Instagram Stories?
2020 was a challenging year for the travel industry, and you don’t need me to tell you why or how. Nevertheless, the world seems to be coming to grips with the COVID-19 pandemic, a vaccine is on the horizon, and the travel industry is set to explode back into life as people are eager to get out of lockdown and have a break from it all.
This being said, as a hotel owner, you need to start thinking about you’re going to market your hotel so you can a, take advantage of the coming boom, and b, make sure people are choosing to stay at your hotel.
While there are endless methods for doing this, one of the more popular ways is using the Instagram Stories feature, and just how you use it is what we’re exploring today.
Engage with Guests
Many consider the best way to use IG Stories as a hotel is to create a ‘day in the life’ series using guests who stay in the resort. For example, let’s say a guest comes in and starts the day with a big breakfast, sits by the pool, takes a class you’re offering, and then relaxes in the spa for the afternoon, sharing images of this process is sure to make people interested in your resort.
All you need to do is either get a case study person you can create the content with, use an actual guest if they’re interested (perhaps you could run a giveaway competition or offer some kind of incentive for people who are interested in sharing their user-generated content or use an influencer.
Make sure you’re adding links and CTAs for people who see the story to book directly from seeing your story (or by using a link in bio) for the best results.
Offer Discounts
This is perhaps the most obvious way to use an IG story, and that’s to garner attention by offering a discount or limited-time deal. This works really simply. Someone sees a pretty picture or video of your hotel, they see you have an offer on staying there, and then they want to book themselves in.
“It’s important you create a sense of urgency by offering a ‘limited time’ discount because it’s all too easy just to let people tap onwards without giving your story a second thought. If people think this is the only opportunity they’ll have to take action, then you’ll encourage them to do so since they won’t want to miss out,” explains Sarah Farrow, a lifestyle blogger at Revieweal and OX Essays.
Keep Things Nice and Casual
Even as a professional business, it’s important to keep things casual on IG stories since this is what people are doing. Imagine it, someone gets home from work, puts their feet up, has some dinner, and starts scrolling on your IG. This is when they’re going to see your stories, so they’re not going to want some kind of stern and serious content showing up on their screen.
“Using phrases like ‘home sweet home’ and ‘ahh this is the life,’ especially when coupled with emotions, is a great way to tap into your target audience and connect with them. Remember, every target audience and market is different, so think about who you’re targeting and what the best way to connect with them is,” shares Nick Harper, a business writer at Elite assignment help and UK Top Writers.
Post Regularly
This is one of the golden rules when it comes to using Instagram, and that’s to post often. While many will recommend posting at least once a day, posting every other day or a couple of times a week is fine, but every day tends to deliver the best results.
By frequently posting, you’re keeping your brand in the minds of your customers, and if they’re thinking about you, then they’re far more likely to use your business when it comes to them wanting to book a vacation and trip away.
Of course, posting every day can be difficult, especially in a hotel. However, just remember to be creative, think outside the box, and keep things nice and simple.
There’s no need to overcomplicate what you’re doing.
Conclusion
While 2020 has been a tough year for all businesses, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Start working on your marketing projects now, get yourself a plan, create some content, and let’s bounce back bigger than ever before as we head into the new decade.
Kristin Herman is a marketing writer at LiaHelp and Big Assignments. She writes articles for online magazines and websites, such as Best essay writing services, and helps small and medium-sized businesses get creative with their marketing efforts.
Related article: New Secrets To Getting More People to your Hotels Instagram Profile
We are in this together!
I need to let you all know that we are in on this together. If you need to vent, talk, cry, or just have some to talk with then I am here listening. Since I am working part-time at the local Kroger, I will to the best of my ability to work it out around my schedule.
But you can reach me here:
Email: hotelblogger@aremorch.com
Also, join us at our Facebook Group – Hotel Social Media Community
We will get through this unprecedented event together! #hotelstrong #hospitalitystrong
For any specific information on COVID-19, I recommend go to CDC, WHO, AHLA, AAHOA, and HSMAI. Also, follow information from your local authorities.
NOTE
We are starting to reopen some hotels again (Yay!!!). Make sure you follow their guidelines and say THANK YOU to those that now show a unique spirit to serve, and helps us all get through this!! #hotelstrong #hospitalitystrong
About Are Morch
Hi, I am Are Morch. Your Digital Marketing Coach and Customer Experience Expert that specializes in creating effective digital customer experience offer for hotels while growing and scale customer acquisition and revenue.
Get more from Are on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Instagram| Podcast
