Our sales and marketing exec Luke ventured to Hotel Tech Live, from 26-27 Sept at ExCeL London, to find out what’s new in the world of hotel technology. Here’s what he came back with:
1. Hotel photography
Make sure your images show a filled restaurant/bar, full of life and ambience, as opposed to an empty restaurant with empty chairs. Get creative with the images you post on social media channels and don’t be scared to add funky filters or angles. Guests want to see the ‘real you’ so go behind the scenes of your hotel/restaurant and share what goes on in the background. Place a watermark logo in the bottom corner on every picture you upload to Social Media, allowing your picture to act as free branding if shared among peers. You can easily take photos on your smartphone, but let us know if you need a pro photographer.
2. Get personal
Why not promote your amazing staff on your Social Media channels? Share birthdays, promotions, engagements, births and any noteworthy accomplishments. Not only will this increase your reach, it will also show a more personal side! Give us a call to bounce some ideas around with us.
3. The power of videos
The use of video is imperative to any profile’s success as they are 1200% more likely to be shared in comparison to still photos. Again, make these videos quirky and interesting perhaps by going behind the scenes at a restaurant to watch a chef prepare their signature dish. Or why not do a live Q&A session on Facebook to interact with followers? These videos will need to be boosted with at least £100 a month to gain a new reach as only 2% of your followers will actually see the video down to Facebook’s ever-changing algorithms. Get in touch if you’d like a quick intro to Facebook Live videos! Or why not check out the Umi Digital Facebook page to see our series of ‘Beers with Harry and Steve’!
4. Facebook advertising is highly accountable
The use of Facebook advertising is an essential part of any marketing campaign, as it allows you to create your ideal customer and then market straight at them. Make sure to add your Facebook Tracking Pixel on your website to ensure you make the most of Facebook’s remarketing offering. Successful keywords for Facebook advertising include: free, now, you and new. Drop us a line if you want to chat about Facebook advertising for your hotel.
5. Facebook messenger for guest communication
Just like Live Chat, the use of Facebook messenger needs to be used more in businesses as a way to instantly connect with potential clients. Guests are looking for instant gratification, which often cannot be achieved via email or enquiry form. Experts at Hotel Tech Live predicted that Facebook Messenger will become the most commonly used business to consumer communication channel.
6. Connect offline and online
To make sure all the hard work pays off, promote your social channels offline as well as online by placing your Social Media handle all over your restaurant menus and tables, or even receipts. This could perhaps be offering customers 10% off their next meal or a free drink for sharing their experience on Facebook or other channels. We’re happy to help with print design too, just let us know.