Increasing occupancy is undoubtedly one of the major ways a hotel increases its revenue. A hotel manager’s worst nightmare would probably be seeing every room in their place is unoccupied, won’t you agree? There are two ways to ensure your rooms are almost always booked – market properly to your target customers and keep your guests happy so they would be glad to come back and recommend your place to their peers as well.
Here are some tips to stand out and get people to notice you and encourage your current guests to come back in the near future.
Take Advantage of Digital Marketing
We live in a digital world and it would be a shame not to take advantage of it! Thanks to the internet, marketing and advertising has become so easy and cheap. No, you don’t need a TV ad spot just to get people to know about your hotel. You can stop worrying about the budget for a billboard, too.
Social media marketing is cheap and effective. It’s a great way to reach a lot of people without burning your wallet. A little investment in this type of marketing can go a long way. Imagine people just mindlessly scrolling through their newsfeed and suddenly take an interest in your hotel. With the right strategy, those people will be booking a room with you in no time.
There’s also another cost-efficient platform to reach your market – email! It’s practically free and it’s a great way to build a relationship with your guests or even just potential guests. Send them a newsletter every now and then to entice them to book a room. Give them promos from time to time and send them travel tips when in your area. Having your hotel name frequent their inbox will surely keep you on top of their mind.
Consider Membership Perks and Rewards Points
A lot of people today – particularly millennials – love getting perks and the chance to earn rewards points from their transaction. Rewards card or giving people a chance to set up their own personal account from a company is wildly popular in the present day and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down soon.
People would be loyal to a certain airline if they offer loyalty points since it would give them a chance to snag a free flight when they collect enough points. Even supermarkets and convenience stores offer rewards points which can be exchanged for items or services.
Giving membership options or promotional perks for repeat customers can convince them to book you the next time around since they will be getting something from it. Plus, members usually get special treatment – and who would say no to that?
Be Bookable Through Mobile Gadgets
If your rooms aren’t bookable through a mobile device, you are missing out on a lot of opportunity! These days, people book their rooms through an app or mobile-friendly website. If your hotel isn’t listed on popular booking apps, you are losing a lot of potential guests.
You see, not only is it convenient to book via apps, it also makes it possible for them to see reviews from previous guests quickly. The higher the rating, the more appealing your hotel will be to travelers. Most people won’t take the effort to check any other website to see reviews and would rely on the ones already visible on the app.
You can also make your own app for your hotel and allow customers to book through it and let guests write feedback which can be viewed by those who are planning to book a room with you.
Partner Up with Local Businesses or Event Organizers
Offer to host an event or a gathering in exchange of promotion. This can be a win-win between both parties. You get to help out a local business or event while also having the chance to boost your occupancy.
People will notice your hotel more if your logo is advertised by other businesses. Don’t underestimate the power of partnerships. A clear and strategic partnership can make for a more
Offer a Unique Experience
Most guests – especially millennial guests – value the experience a hotel can give them. It’s not just about having a soft bed or good food anymore, it’s about their whole experience in your place that would make you memorable to them.
Were your staff friendly and accommodating? Was the whole place spic and span? Did you go the extra mile to make them comfortable?
Level up on your hospitality game and offer them an experience they won’t forget. Offer them a unique experience that will set you apart from other hotels. It could be a very relaxing spa treatment, a free tour of your city, a yoga class, or a recreation activity. Get creative and think of what you would want to be offered on your vacation.
Keep Your Employees Happy
Human resource is your best asset. This is true in any business and more so in the hospitality industry. Taking care of your employees is one of the most effective ways to make sure they take care of your guests too.
A happy staff member will likely go the extra mile to keep your customers happy. Make them feel valued by allowing them to make suggestions and listening to their requests or complaints. Reward them for great ideas and outstanding service. Most importantly, make sure they are well-compensated for all their hard work and don’t forget to thank them for their service on a regular basis.
It doesn’t take much effort and resource to make sure your rooms are occupied and your guests are all satisfied. It’s all a matter of knowing where to put your efforts on.
