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Jordan M Hollander
CEO @ Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
Jordan is the co-founder of Hotel Tech Report, the hotel industry's app store where millions of professionals discover tech tools to transform their businesses. He was previously on the Global Partnerships team at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Prior to his work with SPG, Jordan was Director of Business Development at MWT Hospitality and an equity analyst at Wells Capital Management. Jordan received his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management where he was a Zell Global Entrepreneurship Scholar and a Pritzker Group Venture Fellow.
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QUICK SUMMARY
Digital marketing is arguably the single biggest deciding factor between success and failure in hospitality but even properties with dedicated marketers have trouble keeping up with the latest trends. In the last few years new channels have emerged like Tiktok, new technologies have disrupted marketing like generative AI and there are constant advancements in consumer behavior and the tools to reach those consumers making it nearly impossible for one person at to keep up. Hotel digital marketing agencies provide a team of experts specializing in everything from SEO to metasearch and paid acquisition, web design, email marketing and everything in between. The difference between an average hospitality marketing agency and a great one could save thousands of dollars each month for your property in wasted ad spend.
We surveyed 1282 hoteliers across 74 countries to create this in-depth guide and help you find the best fit Hospitality Marketing Agency for your hotel. Inside you’ll find everything you need to know including product rankings, feature comparisons, price benchmarking, integration interoperability and more.
Hospitality Marketing Agency Shortlist
Here are 10 of the Best Hospitality Marketing Agencies that are covered in this in-depth guide:
Choosing the right Digital Marketing Agencies for your hotel depends on several variables some of which come down to personal preference but most of which come down to the characteristics of your property. Is your hotel a small property with limited budget? Or is your property a luxury resort with lots of outlets and high ADR? Below are HTR’s defined key personas based on common property characteristics that typically indicate similar product choices.
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Selecting a new hotel marketing agency is a massive decision and sometimes it's hard to figure out in a sales pitch whether you're talking to a top hospitality agency who can ramp your online presence or an amateur. Not only are retainers high but digital agencies are the stewards of your hotel's paid media budget (digital advertising). Agencies who are skilled at website design will drive increased RoaS with higher conversion rates and better messaging. Digital marketing services in hotels go beyond SEO, SEM (PPC) and web design though, a hospitality marketing agency should be effective with social media marketing, understand key e-commerce fundamentals, and deeply understand the latest industry specific trends like Google updates and metasearch bidding strategies. Hospitality brands will require completely different tactics and partners than independents who's digital marketing strategy must drive brand awareness from scratch to build trust with consumers.
Digital marketing agencies that specialize in hotels understand the great benefits of channel distribution, namely the diversification of budget and brand control that such a strategy gives. However, their goal is always direct bookings and limiting the number of large commissions being paid from clients to the OTAs.
Generally speaking, hotels should expect to pay between $4,000 - $18,000 for a new website that usually should be revamped every 18-24 months. Hotels should also expect to pay a retainer in the range of $1,000 - $10,000 per month for services such as SEO, SEM (paid advertising) and social media. These ranges are so wide because each scope put together for a property will be fully customized to their specific needs, and pricing models are able to adapt depending on those needs. Agencies usually discuss and discover the needs a property has then develop a custom proposal based on those objectives. Connect directly with agencies on Hotel Tech Report to get fully customized price quotes for your property.Even below this range, there are digital marketing companies that will charge a few hundred dollars a month, and they’ll “set and forget” activity. Properties will see a return, but ROI will unlikely increase. This level of engagement is fine for hotels that don’t concentrate much on leisure room night business or hotels that have corporate marketing teams handling most of their digital marketing efforts.
For a property looking to utilize a robust suite of services and technology - four weeks is a reasonable expectation. This gives time for proper discovery and for all campaigns to launch in the strongest manner possible. For those with lesser scopes, we can typically launch inside a few weeks.
How do I know when it’s time for my hotel to move onto a new digital agency? Independent hotels represent nearly 30% of the U.S. hotel room inventory and more than 85% of global hotel rooms. The segment has many unique challenges and opportunities. Failed engagements don’t drive improved KPIs and often neglect to deliver top-notch customer support. Agencies should be true partners offering coaching and learning for your marketing team - if you aren’t becoming a better marketer by working with your current agency - it may be time to consider what another agency can offer.
Hospitality digital marketing involves advertising, managing promotions, building an online reputation, and maintaining a presence for a hotel on digital channels, such as the hotel’s website, social media profiles, and search engines. The goal of a digital marketer is to connect the hotel with its target audience online.
A hotel marketing specialist is responsible for connecting the hotel with its target audience of potential and past guests. With a goal of increasing profitability, a hotel marketing specialist manages promotional campaigns and advertising in order to reach more potential guests while measuring and analyzing engagement and conversion rates.
On average, marketing agencies charge around $4000 per month - just for agency fees. Any actual marketing spend, like money spent on pay-per-click ads, is additional. Agency fees pay for marketing experts to manage this spend. Businesses can expect to allocate funds to advertising on Google Ads, social media ads, content marketing, and more.
Fees for marketing agents vary widely based on experience, location, and responsibility. In New York City, top-tier, full-service marketing agencies can cost over $600 per hour, while agencies in smaller markets charge closer to $300 per hour. It’s also possible to find less expensive freelancers online, though their areas of expertise might be limited to only social media ads or Google AdWords.
The OTAs are taking guests away from you and charging 15%+ commission on each booking. What digital marketing agencies do is make sure that your property is interacting with your guests throughout the entire booking journey and that these prospective guests are ultimately booking directly through your website. The channels and strategies involved in any agency's approach and are highly customized to each property. Using a blended approach to media distribution and channel distribution in addition to behavioral and personalization techniques both on and off website, a digital marketing agency should drive incremental direct bookings for your hotel. A specialized marketing agency in the hotel industry provides expertise in platforms like Google Hotel Ads and metasearch platforms like TripAdvisor where generic agencies are unlikely to specialize. A strong hotel marketing strategy must address travelers from the moment they query a search engine until the moment they convert on a hotel website and become a future guest. In the hospitality industry, acquisition costs are rising which makes it critical to run efficient marketing campaigns. Trusted and proven partners in the space will understand how to pull all necessarily levers that drive potential guests into and through your funnel from email marketing to influencer management. Online marketing is more complex than ever and great agencies will come to the table with marketing ideas that truly mold to your target hotel guests whether that's business travelers or leisure travelling millennials who might otherwise opt for AirBnB. Your agency doesn't need to be an expert at revenue management or loyalty programs but knowledge in those fields is what yields much better RoaS for hotels that work with specialized hotel marketing agencies.
If your hotel wants to grow its audience and reach more potential guests, then it may be worthwhile to work with a marketing agency, especially if your hotel cannot hire a full-time, in-house marketing manager. Agencies are experts in their field, so they offer a lot of value for businesses in need of their services.
Before actually hiring a marketing agency, it’s important to determine your needs and shop around for the right partner. While evaluating potential contenders, ask them about their experience, key performance indicators (KPIs), and their areas of specialty. Then, you can determine whether to hire the marketing agency on a part-time or contract basis.
When it comes to effective hotel online marketing strategies, there are several key approaches that hoteliers can implement to maximize their reach and drive direct bookings. Here are some of the most impactful strategies:
Social media marketing: Utilize popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to engage with potential guests, share compelling content, showcase the hotel's amenities and services, run targeted ads, and build brand awareness.
Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize the hotel website with relevant keywords, meta tags, and quality content to improve search rankings on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. This helps potential customers find the hotel when searching for accommodation options.
Content marketing: Create and distribute high-quality content, including blog posts, videos, and infographics, that resonates with the target audience. This positions the hotel as an industry expert, drives traffic to the website, and increases the likelihood of conversions.
Email marketing: Build an email list and regularly send targeted emails to potential and existing customers. Use personalized and engaging content to promote special offers, loyalty programs, and updates about the hotel.
Online reviews and reputation management: Encourage satisfied guests to leave positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Google, and OTAs. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show that the hotel values guest feedback and is committed to providing excellent service.
Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising: Implement targeted PPC campaigns on search engines and social media channels to increase online visibility and drive traffic to the hotel website. Set up campaigns that align with specific demographics, keywords, and locations to reach potential customers effectively.
Remarketing: Utilize remarketing techniques to reach potential guests who have previously visited the hotel website or shown interest in the property. This involves displaying targeted ads across different websites and platforms to re-engage these users and encourage them to book.
Virtual tour and visual content: Provide a virtual tour of the hotel rooms, amenities, and facilities on the website to give potential guests a vivid and immersive experience. Utilize high-quality images and videos to create an enticing visual representation of the hotel.
Influencer marketing: Collaborate with social media influencers or travel bloggers who have a substantial following and influence in the hospitality industry. Partnering with these influencers can increase brand exposure, attract new guests, and generate positive word-of-mouth.
Revenue management: Implement effective revenue management strategies to optimize pricing and availability based on market demand and customer segmentation. This helps maximize occupancy and revenue.
By incorporating these digital marketing strategies into a comprehensive marketing plan, hotels can enhance their online presence, increase brand awareness, and attract potential guests while driving direct bookings. Working with a digital marketing agency can provide additional expertise and support in executing successful hotel online marketing campaigns.
Running digital marketing for a hotel without the expertise of a top-rated marketing agency can be a challenging endeavor. The hospitality industry is highly competitive, and a well-crafted digital marketing strategy is crucial for standing out. Here's why hotels should consider partnering with an award-winning marketing agency:
Expertise in the Hospitality Industry: A specialized hotel marketing agency understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the hospitality sector. They offer tailored marketing solutions that resonate with the target audience, enhancing the guest experience and driving direct bookings.
Sophisticated Web Design and Development: In cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, London, and Philadelphia, where the competition is fierce, a compelling online presence is vital. A full-service marketing agency excels in web design and web development, ensuring that a hotel’s website not only reflects its brand but is also optimized for conversions and search engine optimization (SEO).
Advanced SEO and Content Marketing: With the majority of bookings starting with an online search, a strong presence on search engines is non-negotiable. Marketing experts skilled in SEO and content creation can significantly improve a hotel's visibility, attracting more traffic and potential guests.
Social Media Mastery: Social media marketing is pivotal in building brand awareness and engaging with guests. A digital marketing agency can manage your social media platforms, crafting messaging that resonates and implementing media strategies that align with the latest trends and algorithms.
Influencer and Content Marketing: Influencer marketing has become a cornerstone in the hospitality business, especially in trendsetting cities like New York, Miami, London, and Los Angeles. A marketing partner with connections to influencers can create impactful campaigns, enhancing brand awareness and reputation management.
Comprehensive Digital Marketing Services: A full-service digital marketing agency offers an array of services including email marketing, PPC (Pay-Per-Click) like Google Ads, and ecommerce solutions. This holistic approach ensures that all digital experiences are integrated and consistent, contributing to a cohesive brand image.
Targeted Marketing Efforts: Understanding and reaching the right target audience is crucial. Whether it’s a local market in the United Kingdom or an international clientele in major cities, a digital marketing agency uses data-driven strategies to attract and retain guests.
Analytics and Reporting: Digital marketing is not just about implementing strategies but also about analyzing their performance. A marketing company can provide detailed insights into how marketing campaigns are performing, helping hotels to understand their ROI and make informed decisions.
Reputation Management and Messaging: Maintaining a positive image is crucial in the hospitality industry. A marketing agency can monitor and enhance a hotel's reputation online, ensuring that reviews and guest feedback are managed professionally.
Customized Marketing Strategies: Finally, a digital marketing agency can develop a customized marketing plan that aligns with the hotel’s goals, budget, and specific market conditions, whether it's in bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles or more laid-back destinations like Miami or Philadelphia.
While hotels might attempt to manage their marketing efforts internally, the complexities and nuances of the hospitality industry, coupled with the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, make partnering with a digital marketing agency, especially one that specializes in hospitality, a prudent decision. The expertise, resources, and strategic approach of a marketing partner can lead to enhanced online presence, more efficient marketing campaigns, and ultimately, increased bookings and revenue.
The latest trends in hospitality digital marketing are shaping the way hospitality brands enhance their online presence and drive bookings. Hospitality marketing agencies, particularly those based in major cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and London, are at the forefront of implementing innovative marketing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the hospitality industry.
Social Media Marketing has become indispensable for hospitality businesses aiming to increase brand awareness and engage directly with their target audience. Influencer marketing, a subset of social media marketing, leverages influencers to promote hotels and experiences, thereby enhancing the guest experience through authentic messaging and content creation.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising, including Google Ads, are critical for making hospitality brands visible in search engine results, directing more direct bookings to their websites. An award-winning digital marketing agency specializing in hotel marketing leverages these tools to ensure high visibility and attract a targeted audience looking for hospitality experiences.
Website Design and Web Development are pivotal in creating digital experiences that captivate and convert visitors into guests. Full-service digital marketing agencies offer web design and development services that ensure hospitality websites are not only aesthetically pleasing but also user-friendly, optimized for conversions, and mobile-responsive.
Email Marketing continues to be an effective channel for hospitality marketing, allowing brands to reach out to their audience with personalized offers and updates, driving both brand loyalty and repeat bookings.
Content Marketing is another key strategy, with a focus on creating valuable content that informs, entertains, and engages potential guests. This includes blogging, video production, and the creation of infographics that highlight the unique selling points of a hospitality business.
Reputation Management is crucial for maintaining the integrity of hospitality brands online. Digital marketing services now include monitoring and enhancing the reputation of businesses on review platforms and social media, ensuring positive guest experiences are highlighted.
Ecommerce and Booking Optimization are becoming increasingly integrated into the digital marketing strategies of hospitality businesses. Ensuring that the booking process is seamless, secure, and user-friendly can significantly impact the volume of direct bookings.
In cities across the United States and the United Kingdom, such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and London, digital marketing agencies are partnering with hospitality brands to tailor marketing efforts, including SEO, PPC, social media marketing, and influencer marketing, to the specific needs of the industry. These agencies provide a full spectrum of digital marketing services, from content creation to web development, aimed at enhancing online presence, driving bookings, and improving the overall guest experience.
The latest trends in hospitality digital marketing focus on creating integrated digital marketing strategies that leverage social media, SEO, website design, and content marketing to build brand awareness, engage with the target audience, and drive direct bookings. Hospitality marketing agencies, with their team of marketing experts and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry, serve as vital partners in navigating the digital landscape and achieving marketing success.
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