Hotel Email Marketing Strategy: Boost Bookings Without Breaking a Sweat
Ever stared at empty rooms and wondered, "How do I fill these?"
I've been there. It sucks.
But here's the deal: a killer hotel email marketing strategy can change the game.
Let's dive in.
Why Hotel Email Marketing Matters
Think about it:
It's cheap (way cheaper than those OTA commissions)
It's personal (unlike blasting ads on Booking.com)
It keeps you on guests' minds (even when they're not traveling)
Most hotels mess this up big time.
They send boring, generic emails and wonder why no one's biting.
Don't be that guy.
The Secret Sauce: Get Personal
Here's the truth:
People love feeling special.
Your emails should make them feel like VIPs, not just another reservation number.
How? Easy:
Use their name (duh)
Remember what they like (King bed? Noted.)
Suggest stuff based on past stays (Loved the spa? Here's a deal.)
Building Your Email List: The Smart Way
Don't buy lists. That's amateur hour.
Instead:
Offer something free (city guide, anyone?)
Use pop-ups on your site (not the annoying kind)
Ask at check-in (but be cool about it)
Emails That Actually Get Opened
Subject lines matter. A lot.
Try these:
"Hey [Name], missing our comfy beds?"
"Your next stay is on us (almost)"
"Psst... secret deal inside"
Keep it snappy. Make it intriguing.
Content That Converts
Your email's open? Great. Now what?
Keep it short (people are busy)
Use visuals (we're visual creatures)
Have a clear call-to-action (tell 'em what to do)
Remember: One email, one goal.
Don't try to be Expedia and offer everything at once.
Automation: Your New Best Friend
Set it and forget it? Not quite, but close.
Use automation for:
Welcome series
Pre-arrival info
Post-stay follow-ups
It's like having a 24/7 concierge, minus the fancy uniform.
Tools like HubSpot or Klaviyo can make this a breeze.
Measure, Tweak, Repeat
Numbers don't lie.
Keep an eye on:
Open rates
Click-through rates
Booking conversions
If something's not working, change it up.
Loyalty Programs: The Long Game
Don't forget about loyalty in your email game.
Show off exclusive perks
Remind guests of their points
Offer special rates for members
It's all about making guests feel like they're part of an exclusive club.
FAQs
Q: How often should I send emails?
A: Start with once a month. See how it goes. Adjust from there.
Q: What if people unsubscribe?
A: It happens. Focus on the ones who stay. Quality over quantity.
Q: Do I need fancy software?
A: No. Start simple. Upgrade when you need to.
Wrapping It Up
A solid hotel email marketing strategy isn't rocket science.
It's about being human, helpful, and consistent.
Start small. Test often. Watch those bookings roll in.
Remember: Every email is a chance to turn a stranger into a loyal guest.
Now go make some inbox magic happen and fill those rooms.
Your hotel email marketing strategy could be the difference between "No Vacancy" and crickets.