With 87% of travelers reading online reviews before booking and 53% abandoning a website that takes longer than three seconds to load, hotels cannot afford to overlook digital marketing.
NB: This is an article from Staah
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Yet, many continue to make costly mistakes, missing out on direct bookings, guest engagement, and long-term loyalty.
In this blog, we will look at ten common digital marketing mistakes hotels make. We will also give you practical solutions to help you avoid these mistakes.
10 Common Digital Marketing Mistakes Hotels Make
1. Not Being Present Where Your Audience Is
Imagine promoting your hotel in an empty room, if you’re not where your potential guests are searching, you’re invisible. Many hotels focus on traditional marketing methods but fail to expand their reach across multiple online channels, such as social media, search engines, and OTAs (Online Travel Agencies).
Solution: Implement an omnichannel strategy by being active on platforms where your guests are, whether that’s Google, Instagram, Facebook, or travel forums. Diversify your marketing efforts to maximize exposure and engagement.
2. Ignoring Guest Feedback and Online Reviews
Guest reviews shape your hotel’s reputation. According to a BrightLocal survey, 87% of consumers read online reviews before making a booking decision. Hotels that ignore reviews or fail to address negative feedback risk losing potential guests.
Solution: Monitor and respond to guest feedback proactively. Use STAAH ReviewMinder to track reviews across platforms and manage guest sentiments effectively.
3. Neglecting Loyal Customers
Retaining an existing guest is far more cost-effective than acquiring a new one. Studies show that increasing customer retention by just 5% can boost profits by up to 95%.
Solution: Create loyalty programs, personalized offers, and exclusive discounts for repeat guests to keep them engaged and encourage direct bookings.
4. Poor Website Design and User Experience
A slow, outdated, or difficult-to-navigate website can drive potential guests away. Research by Google states that 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take more than three seconds to load.
Solution: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, visually appealing, and optimized for fast loading speeds. Use a Booking Engine to enhance direct booking conversions.
5. Overlooking SEO and Content Marketing
Without a strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy, your hotel’s website may not rank on search engines, making it difficult for guests to find you.
Solution: Optimize your website with relevant keywords, high-quality content, and a strong backlink strategy. Regularly publish blogs, guides, and travel tips to boost organic traffic.
