Finding Success with Social Media in the Hospitality Industry
Having an online presence is a must in today’s digital age. Even more so in South Africa’s beautiful, yet highly competitive hospitality industry. A staggering 75% of people are influenced by social media to travel to a destination. That means a beautiful picture on Instagram might just be the difference between a client booking with you, or losing them to your competitors.
A happy client’s Facebook post could inspire a whole group of friends to visit, and quick and personal online engagement could keep them returning. Here are the four key ways you can use social media can help your hospitality business and guide your marketing strategy.
The Numbers In A Nutshell
Social Media Influence
75%A staggering 75% of people are influenced by social media to travel to a destination.
Millenial Exploration
46%46% of millennials travel purely to explore a place they’ve seen on Instagram.
Millennial Travel Posts
97%97% of millennials post about their travel experiences on social media.
Travel Research
70%70% of travellers use their phones to research trips, using photos, videos and reviews.
Review Influence
88%88% of consumers trust online reviews just as much as recommendations from their personal contacts.
Destination Discovery
Success with Social Media
One of the primary ways social media can help your business is by helping travellers discover your destination. 46% of millennials travel purely to explore a place they’ve seen on Instagram and 87% use Facebook to inspire their booking – a strong social media presence can make all the difference. Engaging posts showcasing the beauty and experiences of your destination can inspire travellers to add it to their bucket list.
User-generated content, photos and videos shared by satisfied customers, serves as authentic testimonials that can sway potential travellers to choose your destination over others. 97% of millennials post about their travel experiences on social media, with two thirds of those posting once a day. Simply having your own social media channels for them to reference in their posts will help you make the most of all that free marketing.
Travel Research
Success with Social Media
70% of travellers use their phones to research trips, using photos, videos and reviews to guide their decision making process; and 88% of consumers trust online reviews just as much as recommendations from their personal contacts, so research on social media is sufficient for them to make a decision.
You can capitalise on this trend, firstly, by curating compelling content that highlights the unique experiences and offerings of your business. Secondly, encouraging user-generated content through contests or incentives. Partnering with influencers can further amplify your brand’s visibility and credibility among travellers.
Customer Service
Success with Social Media
Social media platforms serve as valuable customer service channels for hospitality businesses. Travellers may use your social media to inquire, complain and compliment. This gives you an opportunity to promptly address them, not only resolving any issues efficiently, but also showcasing your business’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
By humanising your brand through authentic interactions, you can build trust and loyalty among your audience, ultimately driving repeat bookings and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Loyalty Programs
Success with Social Media
Loyalty programs are a great way to thank and reward your guest for choosing to stay with you. By offering rewards that enhance their current stay, or give them an even better experience on their next one, you reinforce to the guest that they made the right decision and facilitates repeat business. Social media is an effective way to promote and manage your loyalty programs.
Encouraging customers to share their experiences on social media in exchange for perks or discounts not only incentivises engagement but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among your customers. By nurturing these relationships and rewarding customer advocacy, your business can cultivate brand ambassadors who actively promote your brand on their social networks.
In today's hospitality industry, mastering the art of digital marketing is no longer a choice but a necessity.
As we’ve explored, social media platforms have become powerful tools for businesses in South Africa’s competitive landscape. From sparking curiosity with captivating posts to providing personalised customer service, the impact of social media on the hospitality sector cannot be overstated. It’s not just about attracting guests but about engaging with them at every touchpoint of their journey.
By leveraging social media for destination discovery, travel research, customer service, and loyalty programs, businesses can create meaningful connections with travellers, inspire bookings, and foster brand loyalty. In essence, embracing digital marketing strategies isn’t just about staying ahead of the curve; it’s about creating memorable experiences that resonate with travellers long after their stay. So, as you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, remember that the key to success lies in harnessing the power of social media to elevate your brand and delight your guests at every turn.