Maximize Hotel Revenue: 11 Creative Marketing Tactics

August 23, 2024 richard202 12 Views 0 Comments Maximize Hotel Revenue 7 min read

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If you’re seeking ways to maximize hotel revenue after a renovation, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss 11 creative marketing strategies to help you increase bookings and enhance guest satisfaction.

In the competitive hospitality industry, staying ahead is essential. A hotel renovation is a valuable investment that can refresh your property, elevate the guest experience, and ultimately drive revenue. However, completing the renovation is only the first step. To fully benefit, you need a strategic marketing plan that highlights your improvements and attracts guest’s eager to experience your enhanced offerings.

This article will outline 11 innovative marketing tactics designed to help you maximize your return on investment (ROI) and make the most of your hotel renovation. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry with Emerson Wellness, I’ll share practical examples and insights to help elevate your post-renovation strategy.

Table of Contents

Building Pre-Renovation Buzz

Marketing should begin before the renovation is complete. Generating early excitement can position your hotel as a must-visit destination. Here’s how:

Tease & Tantalize on Social Media

Social media is a great platform for creating pre-renovation buzz. Use captivating visuals, like “before” photos of areas being renovated, paired with mood boards or concept art that hint at the “after.”

Contests and Polls: Engage your audience by asking them to guess renovation details or vote on features they’d like to see. Offer rewards like staycations or spa treatments to encourage participation.
Local Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the renovation. This can generate local interest and position your hotel as a trendy and relevant destination.

Real-Life Example: Ace Hotel New Orleans successfully used this strategy before its 2019 renovation, sharing cryptic black-and-white photos on Instagram that piqued followers’ curiosity and generated buzz.

Targeted Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing is a powerful tool. Segment your email list based on guest preferences and past stays, allowing you to send personalized emails that highlight renovations most relevant to specific guest segments.

Showcase New Amenities: If your renovation included a rooftop bar, send targeted emails with eye-catching visuals and enticing descriptions to guests who previously booked rooftop experiences.
Exclusive Pre-Booking Offers: Provide pre-booking discounts or special packages for loyal guests or those particularly interested in your property.

Public Relations & Media Outreach

Reach out to travel journalists, hospitality bloggers, and local media outlets. Share press releases detailing your renovation and its unique features.

Host Media Events: As construction nears completion, consider hosting an exclusive event to showcase the renovation. This offers journalists and influencers a firsthand experience, generating positive media coverage.

Leverage Local Business Partnerships

Strategic partnerships with local businesses can expand your marketing reach and attract new guests.

Collaborate with Local Attractions: Create special packages with nearby businesses that complement your renovated space. For example, if you’ve added a spa, partner with a local yoga studio to offer a spa-and-yoga retreat package.
Cross-Promotion Opportunities: Work with local businesses that cater to your target audience. For example, collaborate with a high-end clothing store to offer a “staycation and style” package that includes a hotel stay, spa treatments, and a shopping discount.

Throughout your pre-renovation marketing, maintain a consistent message that emphasizes the enhanced guest experience and new offerings your renovation brings.

Sustaining Momentum Post-Renovation

Once your renovation is complete, it’s important to maintain momentum to ensure ongoing interest and bookings.

High-Quality Visuals

Invest in professional photography to showcase your hotel’s transformation. Stunning photos that capture the essence of the renovated space are essential for your website, social media, and marketing materials.

Pro Tip: Include “before and after” photos alongside your professional shots to highlight the renovation’s impact.

Engaging Content Marketing

Create content that tells the story of your renovation.

Blog Posts & Articles: Write posts or articles that delve into the renovation’s inspiration, design choices, and expected impact on the guest experience.
Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours of the renovated space, allowing potential guests to explore it from home. 360-degree virtual tours can significantly influence booking decisions.
Guest Testimonials & Reviews: Encourage guests who have experienced the renovated space to leave testimonials and reviews. Positive feedback builds trust and can persuade potential guests to choose your hotel.

Targeted Social Media Campaigns

Continue using social media to promote your renovated space, focusing on the guest experience.

User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage guests to share their experiences at your renovated hotel using a specific hashtag. UGC adds authenticity and social proof, which can influence potential guests.
Targeted Ads & Promotions: Use social media advertising to target specific demographics or interests. Create campaigns that highlight aspects of the renovation most relevant to your ideal guest.

Real-Life Example: The Mayfair London successfully leveraged UGC after its 2017 renovation by encouraging guests to share photos using the hashtag #MayfairMoment, leading to extensive positive social media exposure.

Revamping Your Website & Online Presence

Ensure your hotel website reflects the renovation. Update photos, descriptions, and amenities to showcase the changes.

SEO Optimization: Optimize your website content with relevant keywords related to your renovation. This helps your hotel rank higher in search engine results when potential guests search for hotels with specific features or amenities.
Special Offers & Packages: Create packages and offers that highlight the renovated space. This could include spa packages, staycation deals with dining experiences at your revamped restaurant, or romantic getaway packages in upgraded suites.

Maximizing Revenue Streams Beyond Rooms

A successful renovation should create a holistic experience that encourages guests to spend more during their stay.

Upselling Ancillary Services

Your renovated space likely offers new amenities or services that present upselling opportunities.

Highlight New Spa Treatments: If you’ve revamped your spa, create packages showcasing new treatments. Offer introductory discounts or exclusive spa experiences for guests staying in upgraded rooms.
Premium In-Room Dining: Do your renovated rooms feature stunning balconies or private terraces? Offer bespoke in-room dining experiences for romantic getaways or special occasions.
Curated Activities & Experiences: If your renovation included a new fitness center or outdoor space, partner with local businesses to offer curated activities, such as yoga classes on the rooftop terrace or private bike tours.

Targeted Food & Beverage Promotions

Use renovated restaurants or bars to create targeted food and beverage promotions that attract guests.

Themed Menus & Happy Hours: Design menus highlighting local ingredients or dishes inspired by your renovation’s design themes. Offer happy hour promotions at your newly revamped bar to attract guests.
In-Room Dining Enhancements: Offer complimentary snacks or welcome drinks for guests in newly renovated rooms, adding a touch of luxury and encouraging exploration of in-room dining options.
Pro Tip: Use social media to showcase your new culinary offerings. Appetizing photos and enticing descriptions can drive guests to your restaurants and bars.

Leveraging Technology for Convenience & Upselling

Technology can enhance guest convenience and provide upselling opportunities.

Mobile Check-In & Upselling: Implement a mobile check-in system that allows guests to browse and book spa treatments, in-room dining options, or local activities during check-in.
Interactive Room Tablets: Consider installing interactive tablets in renovated rooms to showcase hotel amenities, spa menus, and allow guests to book services directly.

Building Loyalty for Repeat Business

A successful renovation should not only attract new guests but also encourage repeat business.

Loyalty Programs with a Twist: Offer exclusive benefits for loyalty program members, such as priority access to spa treatments, discounts on upgraded rooms, or complimentary welcome drinks at your new bar.
Personalized Experiences: Use guest data to personalize experiences. Surprise returning guests with a complimentary upgrade to a renovated room or a unique welcome amenity based on their past preferences.
Post-Stay Engagement: Stay connected with guests after their stay. Send follow-up emails thanking them for their visit and seeking feedback on the renovated space. Offer exclusive discounts or promotions for their next stay.

Conclusion

Hotel renovations are a significant investment, but with a well-executed marketing strategy, you can ensure a substantial return. By implementing the creative strategies outlined in this article, you can generate pre-renovation excitement, sustain momentum, and maximize revenue post-renovation. The key is to showcase the value of your renovated space, craft compelling narratives, and use targeted marketing efforts to reach your ideal guests.

Ready to elevate your hotel’s post-renovation marketing? Contact Emerson Wellness today. Our team of hospitality experts can help you develop a data-driven strategy that highlights your renovation’s unique features and drives bookings. Additionally, consider exploring our industry-leading weight loss program. Studies show that guests participating in wellness programs during their stay are more likely to spend on spa treatments, in-room dining, and other services, boosting your hotel’s profitability.

Imagine the possibilities—a revitalized hotel space coupled with a program that promotes guest well-being—a winning formula for a thriving hospitality business! Let Emerson Wellness help you unlock the full potential of your renovation and create a guest experience that keeps guests returning for more.