Technology, marketing strategies and developing an online presence might seem like priorities that large hotel chains and corporate hotel brands need to prioritize.

However, the small accommodations industry is keeping up pace with these travel industry giants, and it’s important that as a boutique hotel, you don’t get left behind.

If you do begin to slip behind, it will become all too easy for your competition to overtake you. So how can you stay ahead of the game? Follow these industry best practices.

Social media

Create profiles on the top social networking sites.

Facebook is one of the most powerful social networks, particularly for businesses in the travel industry.

It’s a great way to showcase photographs and provide updates about promotions at your hotel. Don’t forget about Instagram, Twitter and possibly Snapchat!

Get listed on the most widely used review sites.

TripAdvisor is an absolute necessity for all businesses in the travel industry, particularly boutique hotels. Also create a listing for your hotel on Google.

Monitor the reviews you receive, and interact with those who leave you feedback.

It’s important to respond to all feedback — including negative reviews. When responding to a negative review, be courteous and professional at all times.

Do your best to prove to that person, as well as your future guests, that you are committed to customer satisfaction.

Loyalty programs

Create a loyalty program. Millennials, in particular, love these programs that provide them with rewards for ongoing business.

You can design a program that works specifically for your boutique hotel, and that complements your overall business plan.

The key is to providing your guests with real rewards that will excite them and entice them to continue to book with you.

Post-stay emails

Send departure emails to all of your guests. This is a great way to solicit feedback about their stay and to stay connected with them after they check out.

Make sure that your departure e-mails are consistent with your business goals and brand identity. Your online booking engine should allow you to customize your emails with your branding.

The latest technology

Invest in technology that allows you to improve your business operations and automate many of your administrative tasks. You need technology that actively works to increase your overall bookings and allows you to connect with guests around the world.

Look for innovative and intuitive features in the technology system you choose. You will want

That’s why you need an all-in-one solution like Little Hotelier. See how it works with our on-demand demo videos or keep reading about an all-in-one solution entails.

 

 

By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).