Revving up Bookings: A Guide to Email Marketing for Hotel Owners
Do you ever feel like your hotel is stuck in a rut and you just can't seem to fill up those empty rooms? Well, put on your marketing hat because we're here to change that! Email marketing is the key to unlocking a steady stream of bookings and boosting your occupancy rates.
But before you start sending out bulk emails, it's important to have a solid strategy in place. In this article, we'll take you on a journey to crafting emails that'll have your guests wanting to book a stay.
Use visually appealing design
The design of your email is just as important as the content. Use images, videos, and graphics to make your emails more engaging and interesting. Use colors and typography that are consistent with your hotel's branding. Make sure that your emails are responsive so that they look good on any device.
A visually appealing design can greatly increase the chances of the recipient engaging with your email. We highly recommend using PosterMyWall’s hotel email templates to get the best results. It only takes a couple of minutes to select a pre-built template, customize it using the online editor, and voila… you’re done
Personalize your emails
Personalization can greatly increase the chances of your email being opened and read. By using the recipient's name in the subject line and the email body, you are creating a sense of familiarity and relevance. This can be achieved by using merge tags that automatically pull the recipient's name from the database.
Additionally, segmenting your email list allows you to send targeted messages to different groups of people. For example, if you have a list of repeat guests, you can send them an email offering a special discount for their next stay. This not only makes the recipient feel valued but also increases the chances of them making a booking.
Use a clear and compelling subject line
Your subject line is the first thing your recipients will see and is critical for the success of your email campaign. Keep it short, clear, and to the point. Use action-oriented words like “limited-time offer” or “exclusive deal” that create a sense of urgency. This is your best to make potential buyers spring into action.
Also, avoid spammy words that might trigger spam filters such as “free”, “money back” and so on. Some people set automatic filters on those words, and they’re red flags mostly anyway. A well-crafted subject line can greatly increase the chances of the email being opened and read.
Show off your hotel's unique selling points
Use your emails to showcase what makes your hotel special, whether it's your location, your amenities, or your friendly staff. Highlight the things that set your hotel apart from the competition and make it a desirable destination for travelers.
Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your hotel's interiors, facilities, and surroundings. Use storytelling to create an emotional connection with your audience. By showcasing the unique selling points of your hotel, you are creating an image of your hotel in the minds of the recipient, increasing the chances of them making a booking.
Use a call-to-action
A clear call-to-action (CTA) is essential for your email campaigns. Use action-oriented words such as “book now”, “learn more” or “get a quote”. Make sure the CTA is prominently placed and stands out from the rest of the content. Use buttons or links to make it easy for your recipients to take the next step. A clear and prominent CTA can greatly increase the chances of the recipient taking the desired action.
Send out special offers and deals
Send out special offers and deals to your email list to give them the incentive to book a stay at your hotel. Offer a discount to people who book through your website or give a complimentary breakfast or other perks to guests who book through email campaigns.
Use scarcity tactics to create a sense of urgency. For example, you can offer a limited-time deal or a limited availability offer. Special offers and deals can be a great way to incentivize the recipient to make a booking.
Some food for thought
As you work on your email marketing strategy, always keep in mind that consistency and persistence are key. It may take time to see results, but by staying committed to your efforts and making adjustments as needed, you will be able to drive more bookings and build a loyal customer base for your hotel.
Use A/B testing to try different subject lines, email designs, and calls to action. By tracking and analyzing the results of your email campaigns, you can identify which strategies are working and which are not. This information can then be used to improve future campaigns, resulting in a higher return on investment.
