As an innkeeper or marketing manager of a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast, you may not be aware of the potential traffic increase to your Web site via social networking. You may have a Facebook page or a Twitter account connected to your business, but you may also wonder what more can you do with your social pages other than announce room specials. With a bit of creativity and investment in communicating with those who follow you online – past and future patrons – you can build trust with Web users who look to the Internet for travel accommodations.
How can hotels, inns, and B&B’s boost visibility through social networks? Here are few ideas to implement next time you want to Twitter about something more than fresh sheets and free wifi.
Talk Up Your Destination -What’s going on around town – festivals, college football games, concerts? Even in the smallest of hamlets there is a reason for people to enjoy a weekend getaway, so why not suggest itineraries for travelers still on the fence about where to stay.
Entice Travelers with Last Minute Deals – Have a Friday night vacancy at your B&B? Get viral with Twitter or Facebook and offer a deep discount to the first reservation you receive. Get friends and family online to “retweet” your sale and watch the news spread. You just might find somebody interested in a spontaneous trip.
Sing the Praises of Those Who Praise You – Ultimately guests will rate their visits at your inn on travel social networks like TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Travelocity. As you receive the good news of enjoyed vacations, let others know what they’re missing. Post links to five-star reviews, use social bookmark sites like Digg and Mixx to further promote the good wishes. Word of mouth remains the best method of promotion, and with a bit of online socializing you can give it a push in the right direction.
Add a bit of variety to your social posts, while keeping the info related to your business, creates awareness not only of your hotel or inn but also of your destination. Especially if you are close to a popular area or attraction, where visitors might normally not think to contact you, you have the opportunity to widen travel opportunities, and raise your business.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Gainesville bed and breakfast inns, professional social media services, and professional travel SEO services.
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