Ready to give your email marketing for hotels a vibrant twist? You’re in the right place.
NB: This is an article from Chatlyn, one of our Expert Partners
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While some may call it “old-fashioned,” hospitality email marketing remains a robust strategy that consistently drives bookings, revenue, and loyalty – when done right. But remember, even an excellent campaign typically sees only around a 21% open rate.
This doesn’t mean ditch email entirely; it means you’ve got to keep your list warm and avoid spamming. And if you crave even higher engagement, complement your approach with WhatsApp Marketing, where open rates can soar up to 98% – fully GDPR-friendly and just as personal. It’s all about meeting your guests where they are, delivering the right message at the right time.
In this guide, we’ll cover proven tactics, hotel email marketing best practices, and simple tips for creating a standout hotel email program. If you’re hungry for even more design inspiration, check out our dedicated article on Hotel Email Marketing Examples. Curious about branching into messaging apps? Don’t miss our Hotel WhatsApp Marketing guide, too.
1. Why Email Marketing STILL Matters in the Hotel Industry
Yes, push notifications and bots are trending, but email marketing hotel industry strategies continue to thrive. Here’s why:
- Direct & Personal: Emails land in a guest’s inbox—no algorithms to compete with.
- High ROI : Done well, hotel email marketing campaigns can deliver a better return than many other channels.
- Brand Loyalty: Engaging content keeps your hotel on guests’ minds, driving repeat stays and positive word-of-mouth.
“Email marketing may seem old-fashioned, but it still pulls its weight in generating direct bookings and revenue. Just remember to keep that list clean and engaged!”
2. Crafting an Unforgettable Hotel Email Program
So, how do you build a newsletter marketing hotel initiative that guests actually want to see in their inbox? Let’s break it down:
A. Segment Your Audience
Personalization is everything. Are your guests traveling for business or leisure? Have they stayed before? A hotel marketing emails campaign that feels tailored works better than a generic blast.
B. Keep Content Short & Snappy
Guests are busy. Make your text scannable, use bullet points, and always include a clear call-to-action (CTA):
Subject: “Hello, Sunshine: Your Weekend Getaway Awaits!”
“Hey [First Name],
Craving a sunny escape? Pack your bags for [Hotel Name] and enjoy 20% off spa treatments. Hurry—offer ends Sunday!
[Book Now]”
3. Best Practices for Hospitality Email Marketing
What turns email marketing hotels into a high-converting machine? A few key tactics:
- Mobile-First Design: Most people check emails on their phones, so ensure your templates look great on small screens.
- Automation is Your Friend: Email automation for hotels—like pre-arrival reminders or post-stay follow-ups—delivers the right info at the perfect moment.
- One Main CTA: Avoid clutter. Focus each email on a single primary action or offer.