Coupons have proven, time and again, that they are a highly effective sales tool. Whether you’re already running a small hotel or just starting out, coupons should be part of your marketing strategy.
NB: This is an article from Little Hotelier, one of our Expert Partners
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Why? Coupons have a drastic impact on the effectiveness of any marketing endeavours.
They generally attract business by increasing the number of people who convert through your website, emails, social media, and other channels. They can be a great tool if done with the right marketing strategy.
Here are some ways to use coupons to your small accommodation business’ advantage.
1. Hotel coupons can improve the effectiveness of all your distribution channels
Coupons are perfect for last-minute sales of your remaining available rooms.
But you need an effective way to get it out there, so share it across all channels – your website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and email.
And with the rise of Snapchat and other social media channels, you can use these tools to widen your online reach and distribution.
By doing this, you don’t just get more reservations, but you also increase your customer’s loyalty and brand awareness increases.
2. Hotel coupons can make customers happy
Coupons trigger a positive emotional response in recipients, often compared to the feeling of receiving a reward. Studies have shown that the act of receiving a coupon can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with happiness and social bonding. This makes customers feel appreciated, increasing their likelihood of making a purchase and returning to the business. In fact, customers of the studied business that received coupons were 11% happier than those who didn’t.
By offering hotel coupons, you not only meet customer expectations but also improve overall satisfaction. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews and become repeat visitors, which directly contributes to business success.
3. Hotel coupons will reactivate old customers
One of the best advantages of coupons is that they revive your old customers. You give out coupons, you give them a reason to come back.
Add it to your automatic post-stay email. Give them a promotion code they can use to come back, or refer to a friend, at a discount. Your reservation system should allow you to do this.
4. Put time limits on your hotel coupons
Putting limits on coupons will allow you to examine your strategy on whether it has been effective or not.
Additionally, you don’t want to be seen as always giving discounts. Use the results as the basis for your future campaigns.
5. Marketing on coupon code websites
If you are itching to get your rooms out there, you can put up your coupon codes on websites that provide a wide range of coupons.
These sites usually get their traffic by customers who are actively looking for coupons. Choose a coupon retailer that gives you reach into audiences you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise. Since it’s last minute, target surrounding cities.
