Travel and tourism, an industry that was once booming globally, was brought to its knees by the pandemic in 2020. Though we are pushing through the aftermath, there are still several lingering effects plaguing the hospitality sector, with hotel revenues taking a severe hit. However, a new beacon of hope is shining brightly for this struggling industry – Digital Marketing. If utilised strategically and effectively, digital marketing can serve as the impetus that will breathe life into hotel businesses and return them to pre-pandemic profitability. So to all hoteliers far and wide, it is high time we explore digital marketing’s untapped potential.
The Saving Grace of Digital Marketing
At its core, digital marketing is a lifeline for hotels across the globe. It provides a fast, cost-effective, and efficient strategy to reach a vast audience, enhancing brand visibility and interaction. According to HubSpot, more than 50% of consumers want to see video content from brands, making it an incredibly effective way to engage with potential guests and illustrate your hotel’s unique selling propositions.
Tackling Challenges Head-On
With Covid still looming large, it’s important to address the elephant in the room – hotels are facing unprecedented challenges. From diminished consumer trust to strict hygiene standards, merely standing back up is a daunting task. But, with digital marketing, you can communicate your commitment to safety and hygiene protocols using interactive media posts, engaging brand stories, and focused ad campaigns.
Leverage Storytelling for Greater Impact
One example of a successful digital marketing strategy is Marriott Bonvoy’s use of digital storytelling to showcase their unique customer experiences. In 2019, they released a comic book featuring real guest stories, making a tremendous wave online. According to Forbes, businesses that leverage storytelling could drive a revenue increase of up to 23%.
Cultivate Robust Relationships
Digital marketing allows you to build and maintain strong relationships with your guests. Providing personalized content and engaging through social media platforms can significantly boost customer satisfaction and retention rates. A study by Accenture found that 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands who recognize, remember, and provide them with relevant offers and recommendations.
Embrace Innovative Technologies
From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Virtual Reality (VR), digital marketing technologies are reshaping the hospitality industry’s landscape. AI chatbots are particularly noteworthy for providing instant customer support, and according to Invesp, businesses that use chatbots for customer service have seen a 67% increase in customer satisfaction scores.
Turn Data Into Profit
Lastly, through digital marketing, you can track, analyze, and leverage customer data to optimize marketing strategies and increase revenue. A study by McKinsey showed companies that leverage customer behavioral insights outperform peers by 85% in sales growth and more than 25% in gross margin.
The paradigm has shifted, and it’s time to ride the tide of digital marketing. With the right strategies in place, any hotel can regain its glory and thrive even amidst uncertainties. So why wait? Elevate your brand to new heights with digital marketing.
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Original article reference at Hotel News Resource.
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