Hotel Marketing: TikTok Isn't Just for Dance Challenges
TikTok isn’t just for wild crazes; it’s a fun way to show off your property and connect with travelers. Check out how creative content, influencer collabs, and guest engagement can boost your bookings!
Did you know TikTok isn't just for dance challenges and viral trends?
TikTok could be your goldmine if you have a hotel, inn, small lodging business, or even a campground. With over a billion active users, it's a fun way to showcase your property, engage with guests, and let your personality shine.
We've talked about how TikTok is a travel trend.
Here's how you can jump on this trend and grow your bookings and brand.
Create Authentic Content
Showcase Unique Features:
Got stunning views or quirky amenities? Capture short clips. Add some trending music. And show off what makes your place unique. Hilton did this by using a fun, upbeat tone, racking up over 11 million views in just six weeks! Ok, you are not the Hilton, but you can still gain views!
Guest Experiences:
Encourage guests to share their stay on TikTok. Offer a little incentive, like a discount on their next visit. Then, feature their videos on your account to build a community vibe.
Engage with the Community
Respond to Comments:
Interact with users in the comments. This not only shows you care but also boosts visibility for your posts.
Use Hashtags:
Test a mix of popular travel hashtags (#TravelTikTok) and niche ones to see which works best for reaching your audience.
Monitor Trends
Track Popular Destinations:
Keep an eye on what's trending on TikTok. Share content that aligns with those trends to keep your property in the spotlight.
Understand User Preferences:
See what types of accommodations and experiences are trending, then adjust your marketing strategy to match what your audience is looking for.
Collaborate with Influencers
Identify Relevant Influencers:
Find creators that match your target market. A quick collab can showcase your property to a wider audience.
Influencer Partnerships:
Hilton worked with popular creators, which built trust with potential guests and boosted brand favorability. You can do the same to make your place a go-to!
Utilize User-Generated Content
Encourage Guest Posts:
Offer incentives like a free drink or discount to guests who share their stay on TikTok.
Re-share and Feature:
Use guest content on your account to create authenticity and highlight real guest experiences.
Optimize Your TikTok Profile
Complete Profile:
Use a catchy bio, profile picture, and contact info so potential guests can easily reach out.
High-Quality Content:
Post videos that show off your amenities using TikTok's editing tools for music and effects.
Leverage TikTok Ads
In-Feed Ads:
Create ads that blend into users' feeds naturally, showcasing your best features in a fun way.
Branded Effects:
Use custom filters or augmented reality to create interactive experiences.
Additional Tips for Small Lodging Establishments
- Local Online Marketing: Promote nearby attractions and local spots in your videos. Small Luxury Hotels found success by highlighting both their properties and the local area on TikTok.
- Form Brand Alliances: Collaborate with local businesses to create content that adds value to your guests' experience.
- Active Social Media: Stay active on TikTok and Instagram to attract younger travelers.
- Consistent Content: Mix up your content formats—videos, photos, behind-the-scenes—to keep your audience engaged.
By jumping into these strategies, you can use TikTok to build a loyal community of guests. Start with small, engaging videos and experiment to see what clicks.
✅ Actionable Tip:
This week, create a TikTok video of a unique feature of your property. Maybe it's a scenic view or a behind-the-scenes peek at preparing a guest room. Add some trending music, and watch the engagement roll in!
Incorporate fun and lighthearted content, just like Hilton, to set your brand apart and boost guest interaction.
Final Thoughts
How AI Can Boost Your TikTok Game
AI can help you come up with fresh content ideas, write scripts, and even suggest trending hashtags tailored to your property. It’s also great for scheduling posts at the best times, saving you hours of work. At Smart Pineapple, we’re all about using AI for hospitality to make your marketing easier. Want to up your TikTok game and learn more? Try our app and join our online community for even more support!
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