Business
10 Tools Hotels Should Be Using This Year
If you are running your own bed and breakfast or guest house, then you’ll know how challenging it can be to juggle a million and one tasks throughout the day. However, there are some simple tools you can use to maximise your occupancy and your efficiency, so we’ve put together a list of our favourite ten for you to consider.
Trip Advisor
As an hotelier, it’s essential that you embrace Trip Advisor. You could, of course, avoid the website all together and let customers leave reviews, but you should be checking back regularly and posting feedback on every review you get – whether positive or negative – to boost your brand’s image.
Web design
If your hotel doesn’t have a great-looking website, you’re missing out. Third party selling websites are good, but your own website gives you the freedom and flexibility you need to grow.
Google My Business
Google’s free business directory service allows you to post your business details – including address, telephone number, opening hours, photographs and prices – to appear in search engine results. Use this tool to your advantage to help people find out more about you and make a booking.
Eviivo
Eviivo allows you to take online bookings and manage payments easily and effectively, and is an all-in-one companion for any small hotelier who wants to increase their online sales.
Twitter is a great way to spread the word about your hotel and special offers – use hashtags, respond to your customers and watch your interactions and engagements grow.
SEO
Search engine optimisation allows you to rank your website and business on Google and other search engines and is an essential part of any successful marketing strategy. Whether you learn the basics yourself or rely on the support of an agency, you can use Google to transform your business.
As the biggest social network in the world, Facebook is an ideal platform for your business and is a tool you should be using on a regular basis. Post news, special offers and encourage customers to ‘like’ you and leave a review – it all adds up!
If you want to show off your hotel’s newly refurbished rooms, then use Instagram and add some hashtags to encourage people to check you out. Thompson Hotels offer great inspiration.
AdWords
If you have a marketing budget, AdWords is an excellent tool which can help you reach holidaymakers. For example, you could target families who search ‘Blackpool B&B’ so you can appear at the top of search engines and get more visitors to your establishment.
Content marketing
According to Demand Metric, content marketing costs 62% less than traditional marketing and generates three times as many leads and engagements, so it makes sense to set up a company blog and post regular, relevant content that your customers and potential customers want to read.
Regardless of which tools you currently use to manage and market your business, there is no doubting that the internet is opening new opportunities for independent hoteliers that cannot be missed.
