10 Types Of Tweets That Work Best For Hotels

If you’re running out of things to tweet about, then we have some ideas for you...

1) Respond to questions, comments and mentions.
For many hotels, Twitter still remains a service and conversational medium. The majority of content should be @replies to people talking about your hotels, your brand, or your area. Responses to yoru followers build relationships and show that it’s not all about pushing commercial messages.

2) Retweeting positive feedback.
Retweeting positive messages from customers will act as salespeople for your brand. You don’t need to share every comment, but the occasional recommendation as a retweet will show you that acknowledge advocates and appreciate their comments.

3) Retweeting other resources.
This helps you curate what is cool while giving credit to the source. You could always tweet links directly, but retweeting other content will help build important relationships by raising their own Twitter profile. Plus, retweets introduce your followers to new sources of information.

4) Sharing recommendations.
This strategy helps build a brand personality. Lifestyle information can be very popular on Twitter, so define the image you are building and then share information and recommendations around this.

5) Spotlighting media mentions.
If your hotel get mentioned in the media, pass that information along to your Twitter followers. Highlighting stories on Twitter can amplify the coverage by providing an opportunity for additional exposure through retweets and viral word of mouth.

6) Ask questions.
Twitter can act as a 24/7 virtual focus group, and can be a powerful way to do market research. Next time you have a question - or would like to get a second opinion – ask your followers what they think. Eg a menu change, what they think of the new paint colour for your renovations etc

7) Running contests.
Some of the best contests leverage the power of questions to increase participation. Eg ask your followers to submit their favourite thing about the location/area.

8) Offering real-time information.
Twitter is by design a real-time media format, and this can be very helpful when up-to-the-minute information is required. We see this often in breaking news situations: Twitter becomes the best source for knowing what is happening right now.

In the context of hotels and hospitality, it is possible to use this real-time medium eg if there is a storm or bad weather. By following and acting quickly on a news event, you can help stranded travellers. It can also work well for events, sharing timely tips for attendees.

9) Sharing personal thoughts.
Depending on the voice and style you want to communicate in your Twitter account, it may be appropriate to include personal thoughts in your hotels’ Twitter stream. Typically this approach works best for small hotels where the owner also acts as the public spokesperson. Eg instead of just promoting your hotel services and promotions, you can include links and resources on topics you’re interested in, such as food, travel, design etc. It brings a personality to your brand.

10) Staff recruitment.
Twitter can be a valuable way to recruit talented team members. You can use Twitter to offer career advice, CV tips, and guidance to potential applicants.

For more information about social media marketing, speak to one of the marketing consultants at TA Fastrack today on 07 3040 3588.

Turn Front Desk Clerks Into Front Desk Salespersons

Despite the continuous increased focus on improving revenue management processes at most hotels these days, more often than not the job of working the front desk is still viewed as primarily being an operational position.


While many hotels and hotel companies have focused training efforts on hospitality and guest-service efficiency, few have provided the more comprehensive sales training that the position calls for. Whatever sales training that has been presented has typically focused on reservations sales techniques for converting inquiry calls, which is certainly a step in the right direction. However, at most properties the front desk team faces myriad sales opportunities each day. Depending on your property's location, brand, and market segment, here are some opportunities your front desk salespeople might encounter daily, along with corresponding training techniques for your next departmental meeting.

Capturing more walk-in business

Create a positive first impression by initiating contact and welcoming the guest when they enter the lobby. Rather than quoting only the lowest rate and sending them back out to the car to make an "either-or" decision, instead create a "which should I chose?" decision-making scenario by offering two or three room types and/or rate options. Reiterate benefits. Embellish descriptions of features that are relevant.

Securing "move-overs" from disgruntled guests currently staying at other hotels in the area

Hotels located in dense markets such as Interstate exit ramps or near metropolitan convention centres might often encounter "move-over" opportunities when guests of nearby properties stop by to check rates and availability. Train your team to present your hotel's unique advantages and to avoid negative remarks about the competition. Rather than saying what the other hotel doesn't have or doesn't do, focus on the advantages your property has to offer with statements such as:

"What's unique about us is..."

Up-selling effectively during registration

With so many guests booking either online or via third parties, the registration process might represent the best time of all to up-sell to higher-rated accommodations. After reassuring the guest that the option they booked is still a good choice, gauge the guest's interest with questions such as:

"Did your travel agent have a chance to mention our concierge floor?" or "Are you familiar with our suites?"

Present the upgraded options as being a unique opportunity: "We've had some of our executive king rooms open up this evening..." Personalize the benefits: "As a guest on level you would receive full access to..."

How Would Your Customers Rate Your Service?

Rendering exceptional customer service is both a responsibility and a smart business decision; unfortunately, far too many salespeople view customer service as an administrative burden that takes them away from making a sale.


The truth is, providing quality customer service presents tremendous opportunities for cross-selling, up selling and generating additional referrals. Dick Cavett once said, "It's a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn't want to hear." If your clients were given a customer satisfaction survey, how would they rate the level of service they are receiving from you?

Customer feedback consistently points to the fact that the little things make a big difference. Quality customer service is typically defined in terms of attention to detail and responsiveness. Not surprisingly, the top two customer complaints with regards to customer expectations are unreturned phone calls and a failure to keep promises and commitments.

Successful salespeople place great value on developing lifetime relationships with their customers and always "go the extra mile" when providing service. In today's competitive marketplace, they are aware that their customers are aggressively prospected and their loyalty cannot be taken for granted.


Could you use a few more referrals? "Go the extra mile" when providing service and turn the customers you serve into advocates to help you promote your business. Your referrals and follow on business are in direct proportion to the quality and quantity of service you render on a daily basis.


When a customer begins a relationship with you, he or she brings to the table specific expectations. These expectations are primarily based on their past experiences as well as their perceptions of you, your product, and your company. It's critically important to take the time to ask open-ended questions and clarify what your customer expects. If they have false or unrealistic expectations, be clear with them upfront on the process and work with them to manage outcomes and set reasonable timelines.


How can you be sure that you customers are satisfied with your service? Just ask them. When it comes to customer service, perception is reality. Service is not defined by what you think it is, but rather how your customers perceive its value. Knowing more about your customer's needs and expectations will allow you to customize the service you provide. If you don't already have a customer service feedback system in place, establish one to monitor how your customers perceive the service you provide.


When it comes to impressing your customers, it's the personal touch that really makes the difference. Stay in contact and keep good records. Take the time to jot down notes from meetings and phone calls making certain to record all relevant information. Maintain a written record of service.


This is especially helpful when clients are reassigned. It's a good idea to setup a suspense system to track important contact dates such as client review calls and birthdays. Consider sending a personal note or an article of interest every six months.


Relationship building and follow on service are critical components for promoting both customer retention and revenue growth. Salespeople that fail to implement an effective customer service program actually do a disservice to their customers and unknowingly, leave the back door open to their competitors.


If you do it right, sales and service blend seamlessly and you will exceed your customers' expectations!