Motel owners, do you use mobile marketing tips and tricks to promote your businesses? If you’re investing time and money into online and social media marketing, you have to think mobile. These devices are the primary media resource for millions of Americans. When it comes time to take a vacation, these people will use their cell phone to research and book their motel rooms. As a hotel owner, you need to harness this effective marketing medium. If you don’t, you could miss out on the increased bookings and brand awareness. To help you, Signal Connect gathered these mobile marketing strategies for hotels and motels.
Use Local SEO Keywords
It’s no secret that many people reach for their mobile devices when they need to search something online. Let’s say you’re motel is located in Springfield, Illinois. If someone from out of town plans on staying in your area, they’ll grab their mobile device and do a web search. To find a place to stay, they’ll search for “hotels in Springfield IL,” “motels in Springfield IL,” etc. Your website must utilize these and other similar phrases so your motel shows up in these web searches.
Here are just a few of some of the more popular SEO phrases that you can use on your website to help people searching for motels in Springfield, Illinois:
- motels [insert city, state] area
- hotel near [insert city, state] airport
- hotels and motels in [insert city, state]
- pet friendly motels in [insert city, state]
- hotels and motels in [insert city, state]
- motels in [insert city, state] near fairgrounds
- motels in [insert city, state] with weekly rates
- motels in [insert city, state] pet friendly
These are just some random examples of SEO phrases that motel owners could use to help people find their businesses on search engines. Simply replace the generic city, state combination in the examples above with your hotel/motel’s actual location. SEO keyword marketing has many levels. If you’re not familiar with this, seek the help of an SEO consultant in your area. It’s well worth the investment to make your website visible to people searching for motels in your area.
Online Directories and Citations
Does your motel have a local online business listing? If not, you’re missing a huge opportunity to reach people. List your business on top online directories, such as Yelp, Merchant Circle, and others. It’s also a good idea to check the websites of your local newspaper and Chamber of Commerce. If these organizations have a business directory, you can list your motel/hotel there, too. While you’re at it, search for other local directories and take advantage of these opportunities.
When listing your business, include your business’s name, address and phone number (NAP). Some companies forget to do this, and they lose business to their competitors who do. When people are ready to make a decision, or need more info, having your phone number there is a great convenience. Also, make sure you use your complete address. If search engines aren’t sure that your business matches the search, it might not include it in the search results.
When it comes to online marketing through directories, perhaps the most important suggestion for success is to use the exact same business information in every listing you achieve. Any minor detail change, even something as simple as a local area code number on some listings and an 800 number on others, can confuse search engines and could lead to listings being demoted or confusing your customers. That does not help your business earn new clients. Consistency across the web should be your ultimate goal!
Social Media Marketing for Motels
Billions of people use their mobile devices to access their social media accounts. This is why it’s very important for motel owners to have an active social media presence. But how can a hotel or motel be interesting on social media? There are many ways to do this. One of the easiest ways to do this is by answering questions about your services to potential guests. Social media is visual, so you should post pics of your property and amenities. It’s also a great way to share details about the many different attractions in your area.
Let’s say a big convention is coming to your area. For example, the Bulldog Breeders Association of Illinois has decided to host its annual convention in Springfield. People from all over the state will be coming to your town to attend this, and you want to fill as many empty rooms as possible. You should have posts planned out for at least two weeks leading up to the event, which include:
- Telling guests that their pets are welcome at your motel.
- A list of your hotel’s pet policies.
- Make memes with pics of bulldogs and phrases such as “Bulldogs sleep for free,” etc.
- Host a “cutest bulldog” contest that encourages breeders to share pics of their dogs. Offer a discount to the winner.
When it comes to social media marketing, you’re only limited by your imagination. If you need more tips than the ones we shared, the web is filled with a variety of social media marketing advice. No matter what tips you use, always remember that social media is very fast paced. If someone asks a question, answer it as quickly as possible. If you make potential guests wait for a reply, it might give them the impression that service at your motel is slow, too. Be prompt and courteous, just like you are with your guests, and you can’t go wrong.
Stay on Top of Online Reviews
A good online review can go a long way toward building trust with other potential customers. A bad review, however, erodes away at the trust you’re trying to build with people. This is why it’s so important for motel owners to stay on top of all online reviews of their business. With so many review sites online, how does anyone keep track of every review? By using reputation marketing software and tool options that help you track and manage reviews. Some of these products include:
- Reputation Loop
- Get Five Stars
- Trust Pilot
- Vendasta
- BirdEye
This software notifies you each time your business gets mentioned in a review, positive or negative. This gives you the opportunity to respond to each one, and you should. Positive reviews should be shared on your motel’s website and social media accounts. Negative reviews must also be addressed immediately. Remember, these people are giving you one last chance to save their business. Reach out to them and do everything you can (within reason) to resolve the situation. When you do, be sure to ask these people if they’ll update their review to reflect that you made the situation better.
Email Marketing That’s Mobile-Friendly
If you’ve made it this far, it shouldn’t surprise you when we say that most people check their email on their phones. Because of this, make sure all your emails are optimized to be opened on mobile devices. It’s also important to pay close attention to the content and types of email you send. With the right email, you can build loyalty and increase bookings. The key is to avoid spam-type emails and take an approach that’s more personalized. Here are some general email marketing tips that can get more people to open, read, and respond to the things you send them:
- Write a subject line that promises something good if they open the mail.
- Use powerful words and numbers in your subject line.
- Pay attention to the subject lines from other business that gets you to open their mail. Use the same techniques those businesses use on you!
- Keep your email content short and to the point. You don’t want to waste anyone’s time.
- Don’t sell the product, sell its benefits.
- Present clear deadlines for your offers.
These are just some of many email marketing tips you can use to increase your open rates. If you spend a lot of time on your email marketing campaigns – and you should – than it would benefit you to learn as many tips and tricks as you can. Combine them with the other mobile marketing tips above and you should enjoy a boost in your motel business!
Improve Guest Experience with Signal Connect
Would you like two ways to improve the guest experience at your business? Get DIRECTV and cell signal boosters for your motel or hotel. Each of these services improve the experiences your guests have at your establishment. DIRECTV offers a huge variety of programming for your guests to watch. Cell boosters help put an end to dropped calls, missed texts, and uneven streaming. Your hotel is judged by its amenities. DIRECTV and cellular signal boosters are two of the best amenities any motel could have.
If you want DIRECTV and/or cell signal boosters for your motel, Signal Connect delivers on both. We’re a DIRECTV Commercial Dealer, which means you get full service from us on your commercial DIRECTV account. Our reps can help you with every step of the process of bringing this satellite TV service to your motel. We also carry signal boosters from all the top-selling brands, including weBoost, Wilson Pro, and more. Our reps are happy to answer your questions and match you with the cell booster best suited for your property. We’re sure you have more questions about DIRECTV and signal cell boosters for hotels and motels. Just pick up the phone and give us a call at 888-233-7563. We’re always happy to help motel owners!
