5 proven hospitality marketing strategies to boost hotel success

In a world where travelers have endless options, hospitality marketing is crucial in attracting guests and building lasting relationships. The right hospitality digital marketing approach, whether through engaging social media marketing, personalized email campaigns, or exceptional guest experiences, can turn a one-time visitor into a loyal customer.

This blog will walk you through the most effective strategies and fresh trends in hotel marketing, helping you capture attention, increase bookings, and create a memorable brand that guests can’t wait to return to.

What is hospitality marketing

Hospitality marketing is promoting services and experiences in the hospitality industry to attract and retain guests. It involves strategies like online advertising, branding, loyalty programs, and direct guest engagement.

The goal is to increase visibility, build a strong online reputation, and drive consistent bookings, ensuring long-term profitability. Effective hospitality marketing solutions combines digital tools and personalized experiences to create lasting guest relationships and increase the overall experience.

Key hospitality marketing trends to watch

As the hospitality industry shifts with traveler preferences, keeping up with emerging trends is key to remaining successful. Here are some of the top hospitality marketing trends to watch:

1. Remarketing

Travelers who visit your website without completing a booking can be re-engaged through remarketing efforts. Here are a few key ways to leverage remarketing effectively:

• Re-engage website visitors: Target potential customers who have previously browsed your website but did not book a room.
• Offer tailored discounts: Provide exclusive offers or discounts to encourage those visitors to return and finalize their booking.
• Segment and target: Use tools like Google Analytics to segment users by demographics or interests, ensuring remarketing campaigns are relevant to specific audience groups.

By utilizing remarketing, businesses can effectively encourage guests to return and complete their bookings, boosting conversion rates and filling rooms.

2. Personalization

Today’s travelers increasingly expect individualized experiences that cater to their unique preferences and needs. To meet these expectations, hospitality businesses can implement the following personalized strategies:

• Leverage data for targeted offers: Use collected data to send personalized emails with special offers, tailored content, or relevant discounts based on the customer’s past interactions.
• Create customized experiences: Personalize hotel services, such as room preferences or activity recommendations, to make guests feel valued.
• Enhance guest loyalty: Personalization helps develop a stronger relationship with customers, encouraging them to return for future stays.

Personalizing marketing communications and guest experiences helps create deeper connections, ultimately driving loyalty and repeat bookings.

3. Private branded messages

Guests increasingly seek more personal, direct brand communication, especially on social media and mobile platforms. To meet this demand, consider these strategies for effective private, branded messaging:

• Direct, personalized communication: Use private messages to share exclusive discounts, address questions, or offer support, creating a more intimate customer experience.
• Align with brand values: Ensure messages reflect your brand’s identity, offering value through customer service and relationship-building.
• Collaborate with customer service: Work closely with your customer service team to deliver consistent, branded messaging that resonates with your audience.

By staying informed about these hospitality industry trends, hotels can better align their services with guest expectations and preferences, ultimately driving more bookings and guest satisfaction.

Proven marketing strategies for hotels and resorts

Hotels and resorts need targeted marketing strategies that attract new guests and encourage loyalty among repeat visitors. Several surveys indicate that approximately 75-80% of travelers check reviews before booking. Here are a few strategies to help boost engagement and drive bookings.

1. Guest experience management through technology

An effective strategy for enhancing guest satisfaction is to utilize technology for guest experience management. It involves using tools that streamline operations, collect guest feedback, and help hoteliers make data-driven decisions. By actively managing reviews, responding to feedback promptly, and gathering insights, hotels can improve the overall guest experience, directly impacting loyalty and repeat bookings.

Example of guest experience management: Palmetto Dunes

• Palmetto Dunes, a destination resort with multiple businesses, streamlined guest experience management using Birdeye.
• With a small team, they needed an efficient way to monitor reviews, respond to feedback, and attract new guests. 
• By leveraging Birdeye’s review management, ticketing, and insights, they improved guest satisfaction, increased reviews, and made data-driven decisions to enhance their services.

2. Local listings and local search

Optimizing local listings and appearing in local search results can significantly drive bookings and foot traffic for hospitality businesses.

• Ensure your hotel is listed on Google Business Profile, Yelp, etc, and other relevant local directories with up-to-date information.
• Include location-related keywords on your website and in your listings to improve visibility in local search results.
• Request feedback from satisfied guests, which can boost your listing’s rankings and reputation.

By enhancing local search presence, businesses can attract nearby travelers and boost direct bookings.

3. Yelp management

Managing your Yelp profile is crucial for hospitality businesses, as it directly impacts your online reputation and guest perceptions.

• Ensure your business details, photos, and contact information are accurate and appealing.
• Respond professionally to all types of reviews to show guests you value their feedback.
• Ask satisfied guests to share their experiences; higher ratings increase trust and bookings.

The integration between Birdeye and Yelp allows businesses to efficiently manage reviews from both platforms in one place. This seamless connection helps hospitality businesses save time, respond to guest feedback promptly, and enhance their online reputation, ultimately boosting trust and bookings.

4. Optimizing website for conversions

Your website is often the first impression potential guests have of your property, so optimizing it for conversions is crucial.

• Ensure your website has clear and compelling CTAs, like “Book Now” or “Check Availability,” to drive immediate bookings.
• Make the booking process easy and seamless, reducing the number of steps required to confirm a reservation.
• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as many travelers will book via their smartphones.

Optimizing your website for conversions ensures more visitors take action, leading to higher booking rates.

5. Showcasing reviews on third-party booking platforms

Displaying positive guest reviews on third-party booking platforms can build credibility and influence potential guests’ decision-making.

• Request that guests leave reviews on platforms like Expedia, Airbnb, etc, as they play a big role in travel decisions.
• Display guest testimonials prominently on your website and in marketing materials to reinforce your brand’s reputation.
• Publicly respond to positive and negative reviews to show potential guests you value feedback and continually improve.

Showcasing reviews on third-party platforms strengthens your online presence and builds trust with potential guests, driving higher conversion rates.

Insights for hospitality marketing teams

Understanding guest behavior and keeping up with market trends is crucial for hospitality industry marketing teams to shape effective strategies. Here are some key insights to help improve marketing efforts.

• Leveraging guest data helps hotels refine their messaging and service offerings.
• Monitoring online reviews and social media trends provides valuable consumer insights.
• Competitive analysis allows hotels to identify gaps and improve their strategies.
• Data-driven marketing efforts allow hospitality teams to make informed decisions and optimize guest experiences.

Using data-driven insights, hospitality industry teams can refine their digital marketing strategies, keep up with industry trends, and continuously enhance the guest experience for better results.

Common challenges in hospitality marketing

Marketing in the hospitality industry comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding and overcoming these hurdles, from shifting guest expectations to managing multiple channels, is essential for success. Here’s a look at some common challenges and hospitality marketing solutions for hospitality brands.

Adapting to changing guest needs

Guest expectations can shift due to economic changes or new travel trends. For example, when travel budgets are tighter, offering discounted “staycation” packages can meet local demand and keep occupancy high. Tailoring promotions and providing flexible booking policies can help hotels stay competitive.

Communicating the benefits of loyalty programs

Guests often overlook the value of loyalty programs due to complex reward structures. Simplifying the program by offering immediate rewards, like free breakfast or room upgrades after the first stay, can encourage participation. Reminding guests through timely emails or app notifications keeps them engaged and aware of their rewards.

Managing multiple marketing channels

Maintaining a consistent brand voice across different platforms can be challenging. Using a centralized marketing platform allows hotels to schedule posts, track performance, and ensure uniform messaging across social media, websites, and email campaigns. It makes it easier to manage content and optimize marketing efforts.

Addressing these challenges helps hospitality brands create seamless and effective marketing strategies.

Hospitality marketing essentials for hotels

Hospitality marketing is shaped by unique service characteristics influencing guest expectations and booking decisions. Understanding these factors helps hotels build stronger connections with their audience. 

Intangibility of services

Unlike physical products, hospitality services rely heavily on guest perceptions and reviews. Showcasing guest testimonials and using high-quality imagery can help build trust and convey the value of your services.

Inseparability of service and staff

Service quality depends on real-time interactions between staff and guests. Investing in employee training ensures consistent service standards and enhances the guest experience, directly impacting customer satisfaction.

Perishability of hotel rooms

Unused hotel rooms represent lost revenue, as they cannot be sold after the night has passed. To maximize occupancy, hotels can use strategic discounting, last-minute promotions, and dynamic pricing to fill rooms and increase revenue.

Variability in service quality

Service quality can fluctuate, making consistency key in hospitality marketing. Implementing standardized operating procedures (SOPs) across staff and services ensures uniform guest experiences, which strengthens brand reputation and guest loyalty.

Understanding these unique characteristics allows hotels to fine-tune their marketing strategies for better results.

What are the 7 Ps of hospitality marketing?

A successful hospitality marketing strategy goes beyond promotions—it requires a balanced approach. The 7Ps framework helps hotels cover all aspects of the guest experience, from pricing to service quality.

1. Product: The experience, including accommodations, dining, and amenities.
2. Price: Competitive pricing models and exclusive packages.
3. Place: Distribution channels, direct bookings, and partnerships.
4. Promotion: Hospitality digital marketing campaigns, referral programs, and content marketing.
5. People: Frontline staff, customer service, and guest interactions.
6. Process: Seamless booking systems and efficient operations.
7. Physical evidence: Hotel ambiance, branding, and online presence.

By incorporating the 7Ps into your marketing efforts, you can create a strong brand presence, attract more guests, and deliver memorable experiences.

Ways to strengthen your hospitality brand

Creating a memorable brand is essential for attracting and retaining guests. A well-defined identity sets your hotel apart and builds long-term loyalty. Here are some ways to enhance your hospitality brand:

Refresh your visual content

• High-quality photography and 360-degree virtual tours improve online engagement.
• Professional videos and drone footage enhance a hotel’s digital presence.

Improve mobile booking experience

• A responsive website with an intuitive booking interface ensures a seamless user journey.
• Speed optimization and mobile payment options enhance convenience.

Consistency builds guest trust

• A uniform brand voice across marketing channels reinforces credibility.
• Personalized messaging develops stronger guest relationships.

Create unique room themes

• Themed suites and decor-driven experiences attract niche travelers.
• Collaborating with artists and designers adds exclusivity to hotel stays.

Focus on service excellence

• Superior hospitality leads to positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Regular staff training programs ensure high-quality guest interactions.

Highlight local attractions

• Showcasing nearby experiences adds value to a guest’s stay.
• Partnering with local businesses enhances the guest experience.

A strong hospitality brand is built on consistency, guest experience, and attention to detail. Small improvements across different areas create a lasting impression that keeps guests returning.

How technology supports hospitality marketing messages

Technology is key in helping hotels connect with guests, improve operations, and increase bookings. From automation to data-driven insights, digital tools make hospitality digital marketing more effective.

• AI-powered chatbots streamline guest inquiries and bookings.
• Data analytics tools help personalize marketing campaigns.
• Hotel CRM systems improve customer relationship management.
• Search engine optimization (SEO) tools help improve a hotel’s website’s visibility in search results, driving more organic traffic.
• Using technology allows hotels to enhance efficiency and create more personalized guest experiences.

By integrating the right technology, hotels can improve guest interactions, increase direct bookings, and build long-term customer relationships. A well-designed hospitality digital marketing strategy leverages these technologies to ensure success.

Partnering with travel agencies to boost reservations

Collaboration with travel agencies and online platforms helps hotels attract more guests and maximize revenue opportunities.

• OTAs provide hotels with a broader market reach.
• Direct booking incentives encourage guests to book through official channels.
• Balancing OTA partnerships and direct marketing strategies ensures optimal revenue.
• Strategic partnerships with travel agencies can help hotels attract more bookings and expand their reach.

A well-planned approach to third-party partnerships helps hotels maintain profitability while strengthening their direct booking strategies.

Maximizing revenue opportunities for hotels

A strong hospitality industry digital marketing strategy enhances brand visibility and guest loyalty. Focusing on digital engagement, guest satisfaction, and emerging trends ensures sustained growth. Hotels that adapt to consumer preferences and technological advancements will continue attracting more bookings.

FAQs for hospitality marketing

How Birdeye enhances hospitality marketing and guest engagement

Incorporating the right tools can make all the difference in hospitality marketing solutions. Here’s how Birdeye supports hotels in enhancing their marketing efforts and guest satisfaction:

• AI-powered review management: Effortlessly manage reviews across 200+ platforms with Reviews AI, automatically generating reviews, crafting tailored responses, and receiving recommendations to improve your reputation. Birdeye helps you build a five-star reputation, attracting more bookings and enhancing guest trust.
• Social media engagement: Leverage social AI to attract new customers. Get AI-powered suggestions on the best times to post your social content, optimizing your reach and engagement. Track the performance of posts to improve your social media strategy and drive more traffic to your property.
• Listings optimization: Birdeye’s Listings AI ensures your business is accurately listed across Google, Apple Maps, Facebook, and other industry platforms. Optimizing your listings helps boost your SEO and ensures guests find you when searching for properties nearby, increasing visibility and bookings.
• Guest feedback & surveys: Collect valuable feedback with Surveys AI through automated text surveys. Analyze sentiment to gain actionable insights and improve the guest experience, addressing pain points and fostering loyalty.
• Competitor benchmarking: Stay ahead of the competition with Competitors AI. Monitor your competitors’ reviews, performance, and locations, and get actionable insights to fine-tune your marketing strategies and outperform competitors.
• Custom landing pages: Create location-specific landing pages optimized to convert visitors into guests. These pages make it easy for potential customers to find your property and are designed to maximize conversions with just a few clicks.
• Automated referral program: With an automated referral program, satisfied guests can be turned into brand ambassadors. Encourage repeat visits and attract new customers by sending automated referral requests, expanding your customer base.
• SEO & search rankings: By leveraging fresh reviews and optimizing your profiles, Birdeye helps your hotel rank higher on search engines like Google. This increases your visibility, driving more organic traffic and improving your online presence.

By leveraging Birdeye’s powerful features, hotels can streamline operations, improve guest experiences, and boost long-term success.