How to Promote Food and Drink Menu on Hotel Website

 

Food and Drink Menu 

I'm again sharing an element from this hotel website ( https://www.thegoodenough.co.uk/food-drink ). So, the question for hotel managers or owner is this - 

Do you highlight the restaurants or bars in your property?

Do you show pictures of your spread and the signature dishes made by the chef?

How do you tell the story of the food and drink menu? Is it based on a particular style of cuisine? 

How to Present Summer Time Offer

 

Website Banner ( Summer Offer)

I just stumbled on this hotel website ( https://www.thegoodenough.co.uk/), which on the footer side has listed three beautiful offer. 

And, that should be a reminder to all the hotels, resorts in Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Humpi, etc to list such experiences on their website. 

How about adding a Summer Escape Offer which will list attractive experiences to cool things for the customer.

1. Spa 

2. Highlight pool 

3. Beer by the pool

4. New coolers for kids

5. Hammock siesta by the shade

6. Tea by the lawn or overlooking the sea/lake/hills

Offers and Experiences on a Hotel Website

What are the other points which a hotel marketer can copy from this website?

1. Room Suites ( Menu had the entire list of rooms available). Such menu is easy for the user to select and choose the right room based on tariff or comfort level.

2. Offer special discount for long stay in hotel/resort. This menu highlights the special offer given to such type of guests. 

3. Give a attractive offer for people who are looking to pay in advance or those who can gift a room for a friend or relative. 

Hotel Website Menu Audit and Review

 

Website Menu - Removing Obsolete Ones

I have the habit of visiting hotel or resort websites looking for areas for improvement. So, today I happen to see the home page of a prominent hotel. From the menu list, this one stood out - Safety Foremost. Well, it's now 2023, March. Now, we're in the stage where there are no visible social distancing norms in force.

As far as I know, most airlines has lifted the mask policy. So, we are very much in the pre-pandemic state. Of course, we have occasional threat of a Covid comeback, but we are currently in the denial mode. 

Website Real-estate is Valuable - Keep it Relevant

In the website listed above, we see the long list of action points written and uploaded with all enthusiasm. However, they have remaining in the same place though many things have changed. Probably a committee has to approved for a change it. 

My question is simple - keep it minimal. We don't need a big essay on what any organization is doing to enforce safety measures. So, trim the big list and make it relevant with the times. And, we know that the guests are not going to read every word and judge you based on what you pledge. 

World works differently, so it's better to take a practical point!

Hotel Chat Response and Optimization

Hotel Chat Box

 Real time chat with users visiting on the website is a great way of interacting with visitors and turning them into a customer/guest. 

Today while I was on the site ( screen grab listed above), the chat window popped up where I typed this question - Where can I see the blog to know about the experiences and story of your resort) Rephrased. 

My question didn't get through to the other side as the chat mechanism asked me to fill the name, phone number and email address. I paused a bit. Then I decided to type some fake details. Basically, I didn't want them to contact me or send me email. I was just a researcher whose intent was just to see their response. 

Unfortunately, even after sending the details, the message showed that all the reps are busy to attend. So, I closed the chat. 

So, what's the lesson and learning:

1. Does your hotel/resort/spa website has a chat window

2. Do you ask for information of the user before sharing updates

3. What is the average conversion rate via chat box chatter

4. Who's in charge of chat box? Do you outsource it?

George Carlin - Bang on the Topic

“I’m a modern man, a man for the millennium. Digital and smoke free. A diversified multi-cultural, post-modern deconstruction that is anatomically and ecologically incorrect. I’ve been up linked and downloaded, I’ve been inputted and outsourced, I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading. I’m a high-tech low-life. A cutting edge, state-of-the-art bi-coastal multi-tasker and I can give you a gigabyte in a nanosecond! I’m new wave, but I’m old school and my inner child is outward bound. I’m a hot-wired, heat seeking, warm-hearted cool customer, voice activated and bio-degradable. I interface with my database, my database is in cyberspace, so I’m interactive, I’m hyperactive and from time to time I’m radioactive. Behind the eight ball, ahead of the curve, ridin the wave, dodgin the bullet and pushin the envelope. I’m on-point, on-task, on-message and off drugs. I’ve got no need for coke and speed. I've got no urge to binge and purge. I’m in-the-moment, on-the-edge, over-the-top and under-the-radar. A high-concept, low-profile, medium-range ballistic missionary. A street-wise smart bomb. A top-gun bottom feeder. I wear power ties, I tell power lies, I take power naps and run victory laps. I’m a totally ongoing big-foot, slam-dunk, rainmaker with a pro-active outreach. A raging workaholic. A working rageaholic. Out of rehab and in denial! I’ve got a personal trainer, a personal shopper, a personal assistant and a personal agenda. You can’t shut me up. You can’t dumb me down because I’m tireless and I’m wireless, I’m an alpha male on beta-blockers. I’m a non-believer and an over-achiever, laid-back but fashion-forward. Up-front, down-home, low-rent, high-maintenance. Super-sized, long-lasting, high-definition, fast-acting, oven-ready and built-to-last! I’m a hands-on, foot-loose, knee-jerk head case pretty maturely post-traumatic and I’ve got a love-child that sends me hate mail. But, I’m feeling, I’m caring, I’m healing, I’m sharing-- a supportive, bonding, nurturing primary care-giver. My output is down, but my income is up. I took a short position on the long bond and my revenue stream has its own cash-flow. I read junk mail, I eat junk food, I buy junk bonds and I watch trash sports! I’m gender specific, capital intensive, user-friendly and lactose intolerant. I like rough sex. I like tough love. I use the “F” word in my emails and the software on my hard-drive is hardcore--no soft porn. I bought a microwave at a mini-mall; I bought a mini-van at a mega-store. I eat fast-food in the slow lane. I’m toll-free, bite-sized, ready-to-wear and I come in all sizes. A fully-equipped, factory-authorized, hospital-tested, clinically-proven, scientifically- formulated medical miracle. I’ve been pre-wash, pre-cooked, pre-heated, pre-screened, pre-approved, pre-packaged, post-dated, freeze-dried, double-wrapped, vacuum-packed and, I have an unlimited broadband capacity. I’m a rude dude, but I’m the real deal. Lean and mean! Cocked, locked and ready-to-rock. Rough, tough and hard to bluff. I take it slow, I go with the flow, I ride with the tide. I’ve got glide in my stride. Drivin and movin, sailin and spinin, jiving and groovin, wailin and winnin. I don’t snooze, so I don’t lose. I keep the pedal to the metal and the rubber on the road. I party hearty and lunch time is crunch time. I’m hangin in, there ain’t no doubt and I’m hangin tough, over and out!” ― George Carlin ( Source: Good Reads)

SERP Audit of your Resort or Hotel

 Well, I can only nudge my hotelier friends to wake up the potential of using serp to your advantage. If you need proof that it can get you more booking, more filling, more enquiries, then check out the original link which I'm sharing it here. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/serp-features. 

How can Hotels and Resorts Make use of SERP for attracting potential guests?

Images, links, snippet, video, review, are the common aspects of serp that can trigger action by the web visitor. 

Top SERP features for Hospitality Biz

Time to do a SERP Audit of your Resort or Hotel

This is a simple exercise a hotel marketing staff can do. All you need is to google with your brand name or use a relevant keyword of your business. The results you see on the serp will give you a perspective about the visibility of your brand.

Importance of Writing Frequent Blog posts on the official blog or getting an influencer to write a blog about their experience in your hotel or resort!

In-bound marketing or the tactic of getting customers to reach you through your online presence has immense potential. This is one reason why most hotels and resorts use celebrities, online influencers to write about their experience with their brand. When more reviews and recommendations are seen online, then there's a good chance that such links can appear on google search and that can fuel more brand recall or links will appear on google search results. 

While I searched for a hotel in Miami, I came across this link, which was a review written by a LGBTQ couple when they stayed at Shelbourne hotel in Miami. And, the post written by them covered a full account of the facilities, rooms in the hotel and other highlights of the hotel.

So, if you're looking for an influencer to write a post, then you can use this as a sample. If you wish to hire me to write a hotel experience post, then I shall pick ideas from this post and use it to mesh a new blog post about your hotel or resort. 

Refer this link: https://2traveldads.com/review-of-shelbourne-south-beach-miami/

And while writing this post, I was thinking of this aspect.

If you have North Indians visiting your travel property, then what are the things they like?

What kind of experience or familiarity will be cool for Bengalis? If they see river fish ( Rohu Fish) curry “Machher Kalia.” on the menu, then it's likely to trigger a flood of excitement and eagerness to taste it. Imagine, if a Kerala resort which is popular with Bengalis takes the effort to make their sweets and fish curry, then it will definietly be a winner. 

What type of memories will trigger joy for honeymoon couples? 

And, finally what will middle-class Keralities think about a stay in your property? What will get them a kick? 

This is a an exercise for hotel marketers to self evaluate about the online visibility! 👆

Poster Promoting Bar Happy Hour at a Resort

 

Insta Poster for Promoting Bar Happy Hour

If you have a bar in your resort, how often do you tell your guest and customers about the special offer or happy hour. Well, this could be one topic which you can post on your Instagram or on Facebook!

Here's a sample content that can you can use it on the Insta or FB.

🌅 The Sunset Beckons, and Happy Hour Awaits! 🍹

Unwind and soak up the tropical vibes at our resort bar's happy hour. 🌴

🕒 Happy Hour: 11:AM to 6:PM

🍻 Enjoy discounted prices on a wide selection of drinks!

🌅 Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you sip on your favorite cocktail.

Gather your friends, capture the moment, and create unforgettable memories during this magical time of the day. 🌅🍹 Join us for an evening filled with good vibes and great deals!

#SunsetViews #HappyHourVibes #ResortBar

Points to Note from the book Unreasonable Hospitality

 

Unreasonble Hospitality by Will Guidara

"Unreasonable Hospitality" is a book by Paul G. Schervish that explores the concept of hospitality as a way of living and interacting with others. The main points of the book can be summarized as follows:

Hospitality is a way of life: The author argues that hospitality is not just a practice or a behavior, but a way of living that involves being open, generous, and welcoming to others.

Hospitality is rooted in morality: He contends that hospitality is a moral practice that is grounded in the ethical principle of treating others as we would like to be treated.

Hospitality is a response to the needs of others: The author emphasizes that hospitality is not just about entertaining guests, but about responding to the needs of others, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Hospitality requires sacrifice: Schervish asserts that hospitality often requires sacrifice, whether it is the sacrifice of time, resources, or personal space, in order to make others feel welcome and valued.

Hospitality is transformative: The author argues that hospitality has the power to transform both the host and the guest, as it creates a space for mutual learning, growth, and connection.

Hospitality is unreasonable: Schervish contends that hospitality is often unreasonable, as it goes beyond what is expected or required of us, and requires us to extend ourselves beyond our comfort zones.

Overall, "Unreasonable Hospitality" offers a compelling argument for the importance of hospitality in our personal and social lives, and encourages readers to cultivate a spirit of hospitality in their own lives.

Thanks to this blog post ( https://alearningaday.blog/2023/05/08/language-and-culture/ ), I came to know about this book. I'm sure people in hospitality business will take time to read the contents and also find time to practice in hotels and resorts. 

Social Media Strategy for Hospitality Tip #1 V

Visual Content on Facebook

 

As a hotel marketer, what are the top social media marketing strategy goals!

Build Engagement - Engage and collaborate with both current and potential customers to strengthen relationships and foster community. ( When your post is getting likes and shares, then it's a proof that there's engagement with the posts)

Have a distinct Voice - Develop a distinct brand voice that resonates with your hotel's target audience to increase brand recognition and recall. ( Do you want to sound casual or formal or somewhere in between) 

Promote Offers - Optimize your advertising campaigns and leverage promotional strategies such as special offers, contests, and product showcases to drive direct bookings and boost revenue.

Invest your time or hire a SEO - Utilize content marketing techniques to create and share compelling content that increases website traffic through search engine optimization (SEO).

Fast Response - Enhance your customer service efforts by responding promptly and efficiently to questions and inquiries through comments and messenger.

Facebook Story Post for Hospitality

 

Facebook Story - What is your story?

Here are some 12 ideas for Facebook posts that hotels, resorts, spas, food and beverage place, can use to attract customers:

1. Create an inspirational post to make potential customers feel that your hotel is the best place to stay.

Here are 10 examples of inspirational Facebook posts that a hotel could share to engage with its audience:

1. A beautiful photo of the hotel's lobby or outdoor area with a caption that reads, "Relax and rejuvenate in the serene surroundings of our hotel. Welcome to our world of comfort and luxury!"

2. A post highlighting the hotel's commitment to sustainability, such as "At our hotel, we take our responsibility towards the environment seriously. From energy-saving measures to locally-sourced produce, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint."

3. A photo of a happy couple enjoying a romantic dinner at the hotel's restaurant with a caption that reads, "Love is in the air! Come celebrate special moments with us." This could be targeted to honeymoon couples.
( Hotels can send a special physical card to people who have got married from leading marriage halls. 

4. A post announcing a new partnership with a local attraction, such as a museum or theme park, with a message that reads, "We are excited to announce our new partnership with [attraction name]. Our guests can now enjoy exclusive discounts and access to one of the best attractions in town!"

5. A post featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the hotel's kitchen or housekeeping team, front office team or masseurs with a caption that reads, "We take pride in our hardworking staff who go above and beyond to ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable. Here's a glimpse of the amazing work they do!"

6. A post sharing positive reviews or testimonials from satisfied guests, with a message that reads, "We are grateful for our guests who take the time to share their feedback with us. It's heartening to know that our efforts are appreciated."

7. A post promoting a special offer or package, such as a spa or adventure package, with a message that reads, "Escape to our hotel and indulge in our exclusive [package name]. Experience luxury and relaxation like never before!"

8. A post showcasing the hotel's local connections, such as a photo of a local farmer or artisan with a message that reads, "We believe in supporting our community and promoting local businesses. Here's a look at some of the amazing people we work with to bring you the best experience."

9. A post celebrating a special occasion or festival, with a message that reads, "Join us in celebrating [occasion/festival name] in style! From festive decor to special menus, we have everything you need to make your celebrations unforgettable."

10. A post encouraging guests to share their experiences and memories at the hotel, with a message that reads, "Your memories are precious to us. Share your favourite moments from your stay with us, and tag us in your posts. We can't wait to see them!"

11. If you have a vegan restaurant, then you can highlight the menu 

12. Dog friendly hotels can share pictures of the furry friends having a good time in the resort 

Good Ranking and Ratings on Facebook

 

Share third-party Credentials - TripAdvisor 

Resorts, Hotels, Home stays or other travelers lodging, cafe, etc who have received special awards in their field of service are content items that can be shared. 

The above  picture is an example of how a resort can fetch mileage out of this.

Facebook Conversation

 

How do you engage your facebook fans?

The above post is a good example of how a resort is engaging with its audience through facebook. Just as in the above picture, you too can use a drone shot to ask your audience a similar question. 

I'm sure your guests will love  to tell their fav spot. When you get feedback from guest, it will help you to get fresh ideas and points about your property. 

Facebook Posting Ideas

 If you're unsure about what to post on social media?

One place to pick ideas or content for posting is from your clients who have tagged your profile. If you find such posts, then you can ask for their permission to post it on your business page. 

It's important to show appreciation and give credit where it's due by thanking them and sharing their content rather than just saving their picture and posting it as your own. Copyright laws also apply, so be mindful of that.

Resort Gift Shop and Instagram Topic

Instagram Post Idea

 
Are you having a gift shop in your resort? 
How often do you talk about the items that are on sale?

So,here's a quick way to bring variety to the posts on Instagram or on Facebook. If you can take cool pics of the latest trinket that you go at your store, then you can very well  brag about it or tell a story around it.  

What I have seen is that gift shops in resort hardly attract guest. Some people stray inside, and most people ignore it. One reason is that no one in the resort tells guests about it, or the goodies are that unique that gets a word of mouth. 

Let Me Guide Your Hospitality Business

Social Media Assistant for your small biz

 I enjoy beautiful service at hotels, human connect at resort, and warm smile given by hosts at home-stays or at Airbnb joints. Well, everyone expects a hassle free and peaceful stay at a resort or a dining place. But, there are always gaps in the service while results in lower customer satisfaction. 

As a fan of hospitality related biz, I love to give my two cents on how to make your service spectacular and novel. So, hire me to get my ideas on how to make your place an unique experience for guests and a beautiful working place for employees. 

Marketing for Small Hospitality Biz
While service, cleanliness, comfort, responsiveness, helpful guidance, etc are the some of the key benchmarks of a hospitality biz, there are other factors like marketing which bring guests to your place. 

Using this blog as my reach-out channel,  I offer my advice and service to small business in hospitality sector. 

Here's what I can offer:

1. Create posters 
3. Make or edit short videos
3. Manage your social media profile
4. Research and suggest ideas on how to stay ahead
5. Optimize content or prepare ad listing