Think you’ve got it all – fine food, fine linens, fine staff – but somehow your business is just not getting the positive attention you think it deserves? It’s time to up your hospitality PR game so that you can truly showcase what you have to offer and start bringing in the customers at a level you know you deserve…
1. Get Social (Without Being a Cliché)
Yes, yes, everyone says, “Use social media!” But instead of just posting that “Happy Monday!” photo of your lobby for the thousandth time, think more creatively. Offer a behind-the-scenes look at your chef’s attempts at latte art (even if they’re terrible). Live-stream a mini virtual tour of your rooms. Host a Q&A with your spa manager who knows all the secrets to unwinding after a stressful week. People crave authenticity, humor, and a peek behind the curtain. Give it to ’em.
2. Partner With Local Heroes
If you think PR is all about screaming your own name, think again. The real PR magic happens when you team up with others. Connect with nearby businesses—bakeries, breweries, even that quirky indie bookstore down the street. Team up to run joint promotions, events, or giveaways. Guests love discovering local gems, and your brand wins brownie points for championing the community. Voila, you’ve gone from just another hotel to a friendly neighbor.
3. Leverage the Power of Influencers (Real Ones, Please)
Influencers aren’t just twenty-somethings posing with green smoothies on Instagram (though that can work, too). Look for travel bloggers, adventure vloggers, or business event planners who align with your brand’s vibe. Give them a reason to fall in love with your place. A complimentary weekend stay, a curated city guide, or a cheeky gift basket might do the trick. Once they sing your praises, their followers might just become your next loyal guests.
4. Build a Kick-Butt Media Kit
Reporters are busy people. If you want to snag some media coverage, don’t make them hunt down all the deets. Put together a sleek media kit that includes high-quality images, background info, customer testimonials, and a few quick “hotel marketing tips” they can quote. Make it as easy as pie for journalists to feature you, and they will.
5. Make Customer Feedback Your Secret Sauce
Think of guest reviews as free PR gold. If someone leaves a glowing review on Yelp or Google, share it on your channels (with permission, of course!). Encourage guests to share their experiences—good, bad, and hilarious. Respond to issues promptly and kindly. Show everyone that you’re human, you care, and you’re willing to fix things. Authenticity is your PR best friend.
In short: Improving PR for your hospitality business doesn’t have to mean boring press releases or awkwardly forced selfies. Get creative, show off your personality, lift up your neighbors, and let your guests tell your story for you. With a little effort, you can move from invisible wallflower to the talk of the town—just the kind of PR glow-up your business deserves. And remember, a strong foundation, often built with the help of a reliable hospitality recruitment agency to secure your excellent staff, is always the best starting point for any successful PR endeavor.
