Imagine welcoming guests to your resort, farmhouse, or hotel, not just because you had a great offer, but because they felt a genuine connection to your place even before stepping foot on the property. Crafting a digital marketing strategy can feel like welcoming visitors into your world, showcasing the best of what you offer with heart, authenticity, and a touch of that unique charm your property has.
This guide is less about commercial tactics and more about creating an online presence that feels like a natural extension of your hospitality. Let’s look into some steps that are all about connecting with guests who’ll feel right at home.
1. Unearth Your Property’s Unique Personality 🌟
What makes your place stand out? Is it the sprawling gardens, the quiet sunrises, or maybe that cozy nook perfect for reading? Identifying these details doesn’t just help with marketing—it’s the essence of what draws guests to you.
Highlight Your Special Touches: Think about the little things—maybe it’s the homemade breakfast jams or the warm welcome from your friendly pets. These are more than amenities; they’re experiences.
Define Your Ideal Guest: Picture the guests who seem to truly appreciate your place. Is it families, solo travelers, or couples? Imagine writing directly to them in every bit of content you create.
This clarity helps you craft content that doesn’t just attract “anyone,” but your people—the ones who’ll fall in love with your property as much as you have.
2. Create a Welcoming Website That Feels Like Home 🖥️
Think of your website as the digital “front door” to your property. Visitors should feel a warm welcome the moment they click onto your homepage.
Simple and Inviting Design: A clean, uncluttered look with beautiful images can set the tone. You want visitors to feel the calm, beauty, or adventure they’ll experience at your place.
Share Stories and Local Flavors: Use sections to introduce nearby attractions, unique local flavors, or a bit of your property’s history. This gives guests a taste of what they’ll enjoy beyond the stay.
Mobile-Optimized: Many travelers search on their phones, often while on the go. Making your website mobile-friendly keeps things easy and engaging.
A website like this feels like opening your home to guests, showing them why your space is special and exactly what they’ll experience.
3. Use Blogs to Connect and Share 📝
A blog lets you tell the deeper story of your property—those elements that aren’t just seen but felt. Share pieces of your world to attract guests who are looking for more than just a place to stay.
Local Secrets and Hidden Gems: Write about places nearby that guests might miss. This could be that tiny bakery in town, a peaceful hiking trail, or a little-known festival. By sharing, you’re giving guests a local’s perspective.
Seasonal Charm: Let guests know why each season is worth experiencing. Talk about the vibrant colors of fall, cozy winter nights, or lively spring festivals. These insights can inspire people to visit multiple times a year.
Guest Stories and Memories: Got a story from a guest who made your place memorable? With their permission, share it! This could be the couple who got engaged in your gardens or the family reunion that filled the property with laughter.
Your blog becomes a journal of the experiences your property creates—a perfect way to help guests imagine themselves there.
4. Show Your Property’s Spirit on Social Media 📲
Social media doesn’t need to be salesy. Think of it as a window into everyday life at your property. Each post can feel like a snapshot of the moments that make your place special.
Celebrate the Little Moments: Share photos of the morning light filtering into rooms, a guest’s happy pet playing on the lawn, or your team setting up for a cozy bonfire night.
Create a Consistent Look and Feel: Having a consistent color palette or mood in your photos can help convey the vibe of your property, be it tranquil, vibrant, or rustic.
Engage with Your Audience: Don’t just post and forget. Respond to comments, ask questions, and get involved in conversations with people who appreciate your space. This personal touch goes a long way in building a real community.
Social media is about connection, not perfection. These snapshots and stories make guests feel like they’re already a part of your property’s life.
5. Bring Your Story to Life with Videos 🎥
Videos can share the essence of your property in a way that’s hard to match with text alone. Imagine a short clip of a sunset over your gardens or a cozy evening scene by the fireplace.
Virtual Tours: Give potential guests a walkthrough, capturing the highlights like that cozy reading nook or the peaceful garden paths.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Show the personal side of your property. Maybe it’s you preparing a fresh breakfast or a day of setting up for a wedding. These moments make your space feel even more welcoming.
Seasonal Highlights: Share the changing scenery, whether it’s a snowy wonderland in winter or a vibrant flower garden in spring. Videos can highlight why every season has its own unique charm.
Let the camera capture what words can’t—the quiet, special moments that make your property a place worth visiting.
6. Use Advertising with Intention 📈
Ads can be a gentle nudge to remind people of the experience they’re missing. Keep them warm and inviting, so they feel like a conversation, not a pitch.
Google Ads for the Right Search Terms: Choose keywords that show a real interest, like “romantic farmhouse in [location]” or “secluded resort getaway.” This way, you’re connecting with people who already want what you offer.
Social Media Ads for Specific Moments: Instead of constant promotions, think about boosting posts around special times, like a seasonal discount or a holiday event.
Remarketing Ads for Repeat Guests: For those who’ve been to your website but haven’t booked, a gentle reminder with beautiful imagery might be all they need to take the leap.
The key here is subtlety—using ads not to sell, but to show people what they’ll experience if they come.
7. Share Guest Reviews and Testimonials Naturally 🌟
Guests often trust other travelers’ experiences more than they trust ads. So let happy guests do the talking for you.
Encourage Reviews from Happy Guests: After a positive stay, a simple request to leave a review can go a long way. Make it easy by sending a follow-up email with a direct link.
Feature Testimonials on Social Media and Website: Add snippets to your website and posts, highlighting specific, heartfelt feedback.
Respond Thoughtfully to Feedback: Whether it’s praise or constructive criticism, responding to reviews shows future guests that you care deeply about their experience.
In Closing: Creating a Strategy as Genuine as Your Property 🏡
Creating a digital marketing strategy doesn’t mean you have to “sell.” It’s more like opening the door and saying, “This is what makes our place special. We’d love for you to be a part of it.”
When your digital presence reflects the heart and soul of your property, it draws guests who’ll value it just as much as you do. By staying true to what makes your space unique, you’re creating not just a business, but a place that others will want to return to, time and time again. So, take it one step at a time, keep it genuine, and watch as your little corner of the world fills up with people who feel right at home.
At Travel to Forget, we get what makes each property special, from peaceful farmhouses to vibrant resorts. We don’t just offer digital marketing services; we bring your unique story to life, helping you connect with the guests who’ll appreciate it most. Our team of strategists, content creators, and social media experts are here to make your property shine online. Ready to transform your digital presence? Let’s create something exceptional together!