The realm of the Internet is undergoing constant development, so it is almost impossible to predict what will happen ten years later. It becomes harder to keep up with this rapid change. As new technologies are developed, different user trends are emerging accordingly. It would be helpful to follow these new trends regularly to ensure your property maintains its online presence. As HotelRunner, we have collected the most important marketing trends you should not miss for this year.
1- Mobile-compatibility is a must now
In our era, mobile devices – which almost everyone now has at least one – have changed the habits of Internet usage radically. By the end of 2012, 25 percent of users have booked hotels through mobile devices, while this rate had reached up to 50 percent towards the end of 2013. It is estimated that this trend will continue to grow in 2014. Therefore, it has become indispensable for you to make your property’s website mobile-compatible.
2- The interest towards niche areas is growing
Since the Internet offers a wide range of information about almost anything, users tend to make more detailed searches to access what they are looking for exactly. Accordingly, the interest in niche websites grow as they feature more specific subjects compared to general approaches that include everyone. For example, blogs featuring accommodation properties that address travelling plans of old retired couples are among these niche websites. Such websites addressing users with specific traits are actually likely to set the primary trends in 2014. It would prove much better than you expect to focus on placing ads or conducting promotional activities on niche websites as part of your marketing plans.
3- The success of TripAdvisor
Many large tourism websites are competing with each other. Currently, TripAdvisor seems to be the leading website in this competition. Reaching 260 millions of monthly visitors, TripAdvisor keeps remaining on the top with several tools it deploys. However, TripAdvisor is not the only option in this area; there are still hundreds of online travel agencies that manage to attract a larger number of visitors in total. Your property should be featured in such websites, as part of your digital marketing activities for 2014.
4- Customize your services, make your guests feel special
One of the goals of the service industry is to make your customers feel special. All of them would appreciate it if they were treated specially or pampered. New tools of customization provide you with the opportunity to deliver this service more easily. If you address your guests by their name and communicate with them individually in your e-mails to your guests and on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, you can easily make them feel special.
In 2014, you should put these recommendations into practice so that you can be prepared for the new season and secure a healthier position in the competition. Besides, the advanced features offered by HotelRunner and the peerless support it gives, HotelRunner will stand by you in facing the challenges lying ahead. Your elegant and customizable website, the virtual POS support, the platform enabling property content management and booking infrastructure together with the expert support team who will guide you in all of these will continue to be with you throughout the year 2014. Create your HotelRunner account now and enjoy the privilege of having all these features.
