5 Secrets Boutique Hotels Need To Know To Increase Brand Loyalty
These days, everyone uses social media to plan their trips. If you run a boutique hotel, social media is your secret weapon to make guests excited about staying with you. Let’s talk about three easy ways you can use social media to connect with people, build trust, and fill up your rooms.
1. Create Seasonal Social Media Marketing Campaigns That Make People Feel Good
Traveling is personal. People want to feel special when they plan their trips, and your social media can help with that. Seasonal posts are a fun and savvy way to show off your hotel and make people feel like they are apart of the experience. Who doesn’t like to be a fly on the wall?
Understand What Guests Want: Think about what your guests love during different times of the year. In winter, post pictures of cozy fires and hot chocolate. In summer, share photos of sunny breakfasts on the patio. Show them how your hotel is perfect for any season.
Tell Stories, Not Just “Book Now”: Instead of always saying, “Come stay with us,” try sharing guest stories or behind-the-scenes moments. Maybe post about your team decorating for the holidays or setting up for a summer event. It makes your hotel feel like a home.
Celebrate Traditions: If your hotel does something special, like holiday dinners or pumpkin carving contests, show it off! Guests love seeing how they can make memories with you.
Seasonal posts help people picture themselves at your hotel, making them want to book a stay.
2. Pick the Right Social Media Platform
Not everyone uses the same social media apps. Think about who your guests are and where they like to spend time online. Here’s how to decide:
For Younger Guests (Gen Z): If teens and young adults are your guests, TikTok and YouTube are perfect. Post short, fun videos about your hotel’s cool features or exciting events.
For Millennials: Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are great for this group. Share pretty pictures of your hotel and post Stories or Reels. Show off your food, rooms, and guest reviews.
For Older Guests (Gen X and Boomers): Facebook is the best choice. Write posts about your hotel’s deals, group packages, or special amenities. Guests will appreciate thoughtful posts with lots of helpful details.
When you use the right platform, it’s easier to connect with your ideal guests and make them want to visit.
3. Use Guest Photos and Videos
When people share their own photos and videos of your hotel, it feels real and special. This is called user-generated content (UGC), and it’s super powerful.
Ask Guests to Share: Encourage guests to post about their stay. You could offer a free drink at your bar if they tag your hotel on Instagram or write a review.
Share Their Content: Repost photos and videos that guests share. It’s like free advertising! Plus, seeing real people enjoying your hotel helps others trust you.
Host Fun Contests: Create a challenge like “Best Vacation Photo.” Ask guests to post their favorite moment from their stay and offer a prize for the winner. It’s a fun way to get more people talking about your hotel.
UGC makes your hotel look fun, friendly, and trustworthy.
4. Run Giveaways to Get People Excited
Who doesn’t love winning something? Giveaways are a fun way to get people talking about your hotel.
Seasonal Giveaways: Offer a free night’s stay or a discount for the new year. Make it fun by asking people to share their favorite holiday memory to enter.
Team Up With Local Businesses: Partner with nearby restaurants, spas, or shops to create an awesome prize package. It helps you both grow your audience.
Grow Your Email List: Ask people to sign up for your newsletter to enter the giveaway. Later, you can send them special deals or updates about your hotel.
Giveaways bring excitement and help you reach more people.
5. Celebrate Christmas and Other Holidays
It’s almost Christmas, and here’s a surprising fact: 90% of Instagram accounts don’t show anything holiday-related. Don’t miss this chance to spread holiday cheer and attract guests.
Show Off Your Decor: Post pictures of your Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and festive rooms. Share the joy of the season with your followers.
Highlight Holiday Activities: If you have fun events like cookie decorating or caroling, post about them. Guests will want to join in on the fun.
Plan Ahead: Prepare your holiday content early. It’s easier to keep your social media active when you have photos and posts ready to go.
Holidays are the perfect time to make your hotel stand out and connect with guests.
Social media is a powerful way to show off what makes your boutique hotel special. By sharing seasonal posts, picking the right platforms, using guest content, running fun giveaways, and celebrating holidays, you’ll build trust and get more bookings. Start trying these ideas today, and watch your hotel’s story come to life online!
