So, you’ve got a cozy hotel tucked away in a charming corner of the world—maybe there’s a fantastic view, a killer cocktail list, or a front desk staff that smiles so hard it hurts. But somehow, you’re still not hitting those occupancy rates you’ve been dreaming of. The problem? Not enough people know you exist. Let’s fix that, shall we?
Below, you’ll find tips to help your hotel stop being a well-kept secret and start basking in the limelight (without you having to stand outside with a neon sign and a megaphone).
Stop Being a Wallflower, Start Being the Star
Let’s be honest: the internet is basically a massive, never-ending party. If your hotel’s website looks like it’s been borrowed from the early 2000s, you’re blending into the wallpaper. Upgrade your site design, invest in professional photography (goodbye blurry photos!), and make sure it’s mobile-friendly. Guests scrolling from their phones want to book quickly, not play “find the tiny booking button.”
Get Social (But Not Like Your Aunt Karen)
Social media: everyone’s on it, even that guy you vaguely remember from summer camp. So, get in the mix. Share insider tips, post drool-worthy images of your breakfast buffet, and highlight local attractions like the quirky museum down the street. Don’t just business spam “BOOK NOW!”—no one likes a pushy salesperson. Instead, tell stories, run contests, and make followers feel like they’re joining a community, not just padding your booking numbers.
Let’s Talk SEO (Without the Billion Acronyms)
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound scarier than a ghost in the attic, but it’s basically just “Show up where people are looking.” When travelers Google things like “Best boutique hotel near the beach” or “Romantic weekend getaway,” you want them to find you. Spruce up your website’s copy with relevant keywords, write useful blog posts (like “Top 5 Things to Do Near Our Hotel”), and keep everything updated. Think of SEO as a treasure map that leads guests straight to your front door.
Embrace Tech Tools (Your Secret Marketing Squad)
Ever considered using marketing automation platforms? If you look at this hotel marketing guide, you will see that they’re like having a secret team of marketing elves, working ’round the clock to nurture leads, send follow-up emails, and remind past guests that you still exist. You can even track user behavior—if someone abandons their booking halfway through, send a gentle nudge. It’s subtle, effective, and means you spend less time frantically checking your inbox.
Shine in the Press (Because You’re Fancy Like That)
A little PR never hurt anyone. Reach out to travel bloggers, influencers, or local newspapers. Offer a complimentary stay (not to every influencer on Earth, just the credible ones), partner with local tour companies, or host a small event. If your town has a seasonal festival or a new art installation, find a reason to link it to your hotel. Before you know it, your brand name could pop up in a magazine or travel website, giving you bragging rights to show off for years.
Be remembered, not forgotten!
