Holidays are a time of joy and celebration throughout the year, but for small businesses in the hospitality industry, they also mean strategic planning and advertising. So, when should you start thinking about and promoting those holiday specials? Let’s dive in and explore some tips and tricks to maximizing your bookings and revenue during any holiday season.
Understanding Your Audience
First and foremost, it’s important that you take a moment to understand your guests and what holidays mean to them. Do they tend to plan ahead, or are they more spontaneous? Do they tend to want to fill their holiday with activities, or would they rather relax and unwind? By digging into past booking patterns and chatting with your guests, you can tailor your holiday specials to their preferences and needs.
Setting the Timeline
Timing is everything when it comes to holiday advertising. For example, while it might feel early to start promoting Memorial Day specials in March, giving yourself at least one to two months before the holiday allows potential guests to discover your offerings and secure their reservations before spots fill up. This is especially true for major holidays, such as Christmas and New Years, where you may want to alot two to three months of advertising since people tend to plan these trips ahead of time.
Leveraging Seasonal Themes
There’s something magical about holiday-themed getaways. Whether it’s a Memorial Day barbecue, a Fourth of July fireworks show, or a Labor Day relaxation retreat, there’s memories to be made for everybody. Incorporating holiday themes into your packages can capture the imagination of your guests and make their stay unforgettable. And who knows, maybe they’ll have such a great time that they’ll be repeat guests for years to come!
Crafting Compelling Offers
When it comes to holiday specials, it’s all about creating value while still making a profit. Consider bundling accommodations with exclusive experiences like themed dinners, outdoor adventures, or spa treatments. And don’t forget to sprinkle in some early booking discounts or limited-time promotions to create a sense of urgency. Now, if your property doesn’t tend to offer deals or discounts, remember that heads in beds are better than empty rooms. Just something to think about!
Embracing Multi-Channel Marketing
To spread the word about your holiday specials, embrace a multi-channel marketing approach. Use your website, social media, Google Ads, and email newsletters to showcase your offerings and engage with potential guests. Get creative with visuals and messaging to capture attention and drive bookings. For example, videos are a great way to capture and hold online users’ attention. So don’t shy away from using video marketing in your Google Ads and social platforms to get the word around!
Engaging Past Guests
Your past guests are your best advocates. Reach out to them with personalized emails that highlight your upcoming holiday specials while thanking them for their previous visits. Additionally, offering exclusive discounts or loyalty rewards can encourage them to return and bring their friends along for the holiday fun.
Monitoring and Adjusting Strategies
Remember, trends and patterns change all the time in this industry. As each holiday season unfolds, keep a close eye on how your marketing efforts are performing. Track metrics like website traffic, booking conversions, and revenue generated from holiday specials to see what’s working and what’s not. Don’t be afraid to tweak your strategies along the way to ensure you’re making the most of your efforts. Holidays are a busy time for everyone, but with a little foresight and planning, you can make sure your property stands out and shines bright during these festive occasions.
Stay Informed, Stay Thriving!
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