(Original article: [Hotel Marketing: TikTok Isn’t Just for Dance Challenges](https://www.smartpineapple.ai/blog/hotel-marketing-tik-tok))
The original article by my friends at Smart Pineapple makes a great point: TikTok isn’t just for teens and viral dances. It’s a powerful marketing tool for hotels, offering a unique opportunity to connect with a massive and engaged audience. But let’s dive deeper and explore some fresh perspectives on how hotels can truly leverage TikTok to boost bookings and brand awareness.
1. Turn Your Hotel into a “Character”
Think beyond showcasing just your amenities. Give your hotel a personality! Create a recurring character – maybe a quirky concierge, a friendly housekeeper with insider tips, or even a ghost with a penchant for room service. This adds a narrative element to your content, making it more engaging and shareable. Imagine:
- “The Concierge Chronicles”: Follow your concierge as they navigate hilarious guest requests, recommend hidden gems in the city, and offer insider tips for the best stay.
- “Haunted Happenings”: If your hotel has a spooky history, lean into it! Create a ghostly character who plays pranks on guests (in a fun way, of course) and shares historical tidbits.
2. Tap into “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO)
Travelers are driven by experiences. Use TikTok to create a sense of FOMO by showcasing the unique experiences your hotel offers. Think beyond the standard room tour:
- Highlight exclusive events: Is there a rooftop yoga class with stunning city views? A mixology workshop with your expert bartender? Capture these moments and make viewers wish they were there.
- Partner with local experience: Showcase partnerships with local businesses. Offer a glimpse of a private wine tasting at a nearby vineyard or a behind-the-scenes tour of a local artisan’s workshop.
3. Embrace the Power of Sound
Sound is a crucial element of TikTok. Use trending audio clips, create your catchy jingles, or collaborate with local musicians to create a unique soundscape for your hotel.
- Create a signature: Develop a short, catchy jingle that represents your hotel’s brand. Encourage guests to use it in their own TikTok.
- Sound effects are your friend: Use sound effects to amplify the visual experience. Imagine the satisfying crunch of fresh sheets, the clinking of glasses at your bar, or the soothing sounds of your spa.
4. Don’t Underestimate the “Duet” Feature
TikTok’s duet feature allows users to create split-screen videos, reacting to or interacting with existing content. This opens up a world of creative possibilities for hotels.
- “Pack Your Bags” Duet: Create a video showcasing essential items for a stay at your hotel. Encourage users to duet and show what they would pack.
- “Guess the View” Duet: Show a stunning view from your hotel and have users duet, guessing the location.
5. Beyond Influencers: Micro-Influencers and Employee Advocacy
While partnering with big-name influencers can be effective, consider the power of micro-influencers (those with smaller but highly engaged audiences) and your employees.
- Micro-Influencers: Partner with travel bloggers or local personalities who resonate with your target audience. Their authentic recommendations can be incredibly impactful.
- Employee Advocacy: Encourage your staff to create a TikTok showcasing their favorite aspects of the hotel. This adds a genuine and relatable touch to your content.
6. Leverage TikTok’s Interactive Features
TikTok offers a range of interactive features that can boost engagement.
- Polls and Q&As: Use polls to gather guest preferences or host live Q&A sessions with your hotel staff.
- Challenges and Contests: Create hashtag challenges encouraging users to share their experiences at your hotel or in your city. Offer prizes to incentivize participation.
7. TikTok Ads: Target Your Ideal Guest
TikTok’s advertising platform allows for precise targeting, ensuring your ads reach the right audience.
- Interest-based Targeting: Reach users interested in travel, specific destinations, or luxury experiences.
- Behavioral Targeting: Target users who have recently interacted with travel-related content or have shown interest in your competitors.
8. Don’t Forget Accessibility
Make your TikTok content accessible to a wider audience by:
- Adding captions: Ensure your videos are accessible to those with hearing impairments.
- Descriptive text: Use descriptive text in your video descriptions for screen readers.
9. Analyze and Adapt
Track your TikTok analytics to understand what resonates with your audience.
- Monitor key metrics: Pay attention to video views, engagement rates, and follower growth.
- Experiment with different content formats: Test different video styles, lengths, and posting times to optimize your strategy.
By embracing these strategies and thinking outside the box, hotels can leverage TikTok to create engaging content, build brand awareness, and ultimately drive bookings. Remember to stay consistent, be authentic, and most importantly, have fun!
Over to you
The hotel industry is always changing, especially during a time of crisis. Make sure to future-proof your business and continue attracting new guests by investing in these solutions.
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Related article: The Genesis of AI in Hospitality: A Prelude to Personalization
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