The hospitality industry is fiercely competitive. In a world of online travel agents and review sites, it’s more important than ever for hotels to stand out. And where better to do that than on social media?
But there’s a lot of misinformation out there about how hotels should use social media. Let’s debunk 10 common myths that could be hurting your bookings.
Myth 1: Social media is just for young people.
Reality: Wrong! People of all ages use social media. In fact, a recent study found that over 60% of Baby Boomers are active on social media. Don’t miss out on this valuable demographic by assuming social media is only for millennials and Gen Z.
Myth 2: My hotel is too small/too niche/too [insert your excuse here] for social media.
Reality: Every hotel has a story to tell. Whether you’re a boutique hotel with a unique design, a family-run B&B with a cozy atmosphere, or a luxury resort with breathtaking views, there’s an audience out there who will be interested in what you have to offer.
Myth 3: I need a huge budget to be successful on social media.
Reality: You don’t need to spend a fortune to see results from social media. Organic content (unpaid posts) can be incredibly effective, especially when it’s high-quality and engaging.
Myth 4: I need to be on every social media platform.
Reality: Focus your efforts on the platforms where your target audience hangs out. For most hotels, this will be a combination of Facebook, Instagram, and perhaps TikTok.
Myth 5: Social media is just about posting pretty pictures.
Reality: While visuals are important, social media is also about building relationships and providing value to your audience. Share informative content, answer questions, and engage with your followers.
Myth 6: I need to post every day to be successful.
Reality: Consistency is key, but quality trumps quantity. It’s better to post a few high-quality posts per week than to churn out daily content that’s boring or irrelevant.
Myth 7: Social media is just a fad.
Reality: Social media is here to stay. It’s become an integral part of how people research and book travel. If you’re not using social media to promote your hotel, you’re missing out.
Myth 8: I can just hire someone to handle my social media and forget about it.
Reality: While you can outsource some tasks, it’s important to be actively involved in your hotel’s social media strategy. No one knows your business better than you do.
Myth 9: Social media won’t actually lead to bookings.
Reality: Social media can be a powerful driver of bookings, especially when used strategically. By creating compelling content, engaging with your audience, and running targeted ads, you can use social media to generate leads and drive direct bookings.
Myth 10: I need to work with influencers to be successful on social media.
Reality: Influencer marketing can be effective, but it’s not the only way to generate buzz on social media. You can achieve great results by creating your own engaging content and building a strong online community.
The WIWT Advantage:
Now, let’s talk about how WIWT can help you overcome these challenges and unlock the true potential of social media for your hotel.
Ditch the Instagram Hustle: With WIWT, you don’t even need to be on Instagram or TikTok to leverage the power of social media. WIWT connects you with travelers actively seeking hotel recommendations, putting your property directly in front of potential guests.
Influencer Marketing Without the Hassle: WIWT taps into a network of travel enthusiasts who authentically share their experiences. You get the benefits of influencer marketing without the complexities of managing individual collaborations.
Ready to supercharge your hotel’s social selling strategy? Visit WIWT to learn more and sign up online.
We have simplified social selling for hotels, and taken out all the hassle. Simply connect your hotel channel manager or PMS Direct Connect to the WIWT switch, and we take care of the rest. You will start instantly selling rooms to the followers and fans of our influencer network.
We could not make it any easier if we tried to!
WIWT – WISH I WAS THEREWIWT
