The global explosion of social media networks in the last five years has forever changed how many industries, including hospitality, conduct their business. Having a social media presence is crucial for hotels in the process of gaining and keeping the guest loyalty. Yet some hotels still are not capitalizing on the opportunities presented by this relatively new marketing tool. Many hotels go through the motions of establishing social media accounts and then do nothing with them, letting them slowly die in cyberspace.
In addition to the missed opportunities, this also can be a dangerous practice. Hotels that ignore social media do so at their own peril. The public has shown its willingness to unleash their wrath on brands who have demonstrated or been perceived to be less than satisfactory to their customers. It is especially essential, given the nature of the hospitality industry, for hotels to stay ahead of the curve.
By the same token, the nature of social media can work extremely well for a hotel. Hotels have relied partially on favorable word-of-mouth advertising as long as they have existed. Social media is nothing more than word-of-mouth on a grander and higher technological scale. An ongoing and vibrant social media presence benefits any hotel in a variety of ways including:
- Higher level of brand recognition and visibility.
- Improved customer service.
- More direct and increased opportunity for guest interaction when they are not physically on the property.
- Building, managing, and repairing if necessary, the hotel’s reputation both online and offline.
- Leveraging new revenue opportunities through direct booking on social channels.
Across this multi-part series we will take a look at the various social media networks and their potential for increasing hotel revenue growth, taking into consideration the unique requirements of the hospitality industry.
Written and produced in beautiful Naples, Florida by OnFast.com. Visit OnFast.com today to get your free trial subscription to our Social Media Marketing Service.
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