Social Media is a powerful force driving today’s hotel industry. It plays a crucial role in the consumer travel experience, from booking their trip, to sharing photos and updates, as well as reviewing their holiday. The hotel industry depends heavily on word-of-mouth and the spread of opinions, and social networks provide the ideal platform for this.
81% of travelers said reviews were important when choosing a hotel.
70% of consumers said travel reviews had the biggest impact on their purchasing behavior.
43% of hoteliers believe that social media produces some of the highest ROIs.
40% of travelers post reviews.
38% of U.S. travelers use social networks to share their experiences while traveling.
Social sharing has a huge influence on travel bookings. Of those who used sites like Facebook, Twitter, TripAdvisor, Google+ and LinkedIn to research travel plans:
52% changed their original plans.
33% changed their hotel.
10% changed their resort.
7% changed their destination.
TripAdvisor for Business
83% of respondents usually consult TripAdvisor reviews before booking a hotel.
70% of senior hospitality professionals say TripAdvisor is the #1 site that influences customers.
51% of Facebook fans are more likely to buy the brands they follow or are a fan of.
52% of Facebook users said their friends’ photos inspired their holiday choice and travel plans.
79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend a brand after becoming a follower.
67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy brands they follow or are a fan of.
81% of U.S. online consumers say they trust information and advice on Pinterest.
20% of total social referrals to commerce sites come from Pinterest.
With all of the information available the real question is, “can your hotel afford not to maximize your social media presence?”
Here are 7 tips to get your hotel social campaign started:
1. Make social media pages for your hotel on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Keep in mind that Google+ likes are the #1 way to boost search engine optimization.
2. Your property logo should be used as your profile photo.
3. Your header should be visually appealing and showcase your property.
4. Your contact information, website address and URL should be listed on your page.0100101105 Use the Facebook “Book Now” feature.
6. Daily posting across social media.
7. Self-promotion should not be more than 1/5 of posts.
7.