This article is an opportunity for you to start a new way of promoting. Do you know what is the main characteristic of an opportunity? Let me tell you: Follow trends. I think we are starting to build an idea, right?
What are the Social Media Trends now? Did you ever wonder what are the most used social platforms? What I’m going to tell you will shock you the most. I might look young in the picture but trust me. I have some experience in Social Media platforms as a consumer and as a marketer.
Start using Snapchat… I know, I know that are you tired of statistics but…if I tell you that every Snapchat user spends more than 25-30 minutes PER DAY, would that start your interest? Is it not relevant? Did you wonder how many users are daily active?
Statistics are saying that 70% of Snapchat users are under 35 years of age and there are more than 100 MILLION daily active users. What if just one user finds you on Snapchat and enjoy your stories and wants to spend a holiday at your hotel? Snapchat users watch up to 7 billion videos of the day, almost as much as Facebook whose users cumulatively watch 8 billion videos a day. More than 30 percent of millennials use Snapchat regularly.
Snapchat as a social networking platform is most used by teenagers, but as a small hotel operator, you shouldn’t ignore this social media tool.
Snapchat allows its users to send messages that will delete — forever — within a matter of moments, attracting those who want increased privacy while still connecting with their friends on social media platforms. It receives more than 4 billion content views per day — making it as widely used as Facebook! But this is not the reason why you would like to use Snapchat. It’s all about content stories you create.
*source of stats: https://goo.gl/WqhINm
So, the question is, should you create a Snapchat profile and begin sending out snaps?
Let’s analyze together some of the reasons why you would take into consideration my advice. Most of the businesses of 2016 are creating a Snapchat Profile for their target audience. The trick is that you can only send your marketing messages out to people that you have added as friends. You have to actively add people on Snapchat or inform your guests about your Snapchat profile in order to get them to add you.
Did you know Marriot, Hilton, and other hotels are using a Snapchat Profile? You didn’t know??
Marketing messages can consist of images, videos, or Stories, which is a compilation of both image and video.
In many cases, hoteliers will use snaps as a way to promote destinations, services or even discount codes that require quick action as “Book Now”. Another option for a small hotel operator is to create “Our Stories”, which are branded messages that can be sent to Snapchat users.
- Use “Discover” tool
Discover allows you to provide daily editorial content based on topics that are trending across the globe.
You can use Discover in order to provide relevant information to travelers who are most interested in your products.
- Snapchat fits right to your small hotel?
Snapchat is a highly-effective social networking tool, particularly when you want to engage millennial travelers.
Listen! If you know that most of your guests are retirees who are looking for a quiet accommodation while they explore the surrounding area, then you shouldn’t use Snapchat because it’s not relevant to your audience.
However, if your small hotel appeals to young travelers and even young couples, you should give Snapchat more than a try! It could be the best way to connect with the people who are most interested in staying at your small hotel. Snapchat is just one of many social networking platforms that you can use to improve your online presence and connect with travelers from around the world. If you’re interested in trying it, give it a shot!
Some hoteliers are beginning to create a presence on Snapchat by posting unique content and crafting filters for brands and companies, which can sometimes require spending some money to produce high-quality content.
- Geofilter campaigns
Geofilters are screens or pictures available based on location, event or business that can be placed over pictures and videos that are sent to other Snapchat users.
- Creative content
Snapchat users expect fresh, creative content that must be engaged to your network/target. Start creating a buzz.
- Promote hotel services
Snapchat videos can be a maximum of 10 seconds long. Use this to give your followers a preview of a new restaurant opening in your hotel, room arrangements, spa and other things that can create a buzz.
- Utilize the drawing function
Snapchat allows users to draw over their photos and videos in addition to adding text and emojis. This is a great way to make your snaps more fun and colored besides having a text over it.
- Create Giveaways or Contests
Get your followers involved by encouraging them to send snaps with the motivation to win something. Tell them to submit a photo or video through Snapchat with spot they liked in your area for the chance to win a prize. Rewards can be different and you can think of something like free breakfast and lunch during booking or a free day to the spa.
Snapchat is a useful tool when it comes to hotel marketing and besides that, it’s fun! Start building your network and enjoy this trend.
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