How to Communicate Safety and Cleanliness to Potential Guests (Without Spending A Lot of Money)
In this new world we’re living in, the “build a hotel and they will come” plan unfortunately no longer works (did it ever really, though?). If your property has reopened or plans to reopen soon, it’s time to promote two amenities all guests expect to see – cleanliness and safety. Skim below for a few communication and promotion strategies.
Jam-Packed Events Are a Thing of the Past
Now isn’t the time to boast about a venue that can hold massive gatherings – crowded indoor spaces are the last thing businesses and potential guests want to hear during pandemic. Instead, emphasize your open-air outdoor event space (if you have it) and flexible seating arrangements that allow for optimal social distancing. Pay attention to the distance between chairs in photos and consider adjusting your old capacity chart numbers, especially on digital marketing materials, to reflect new distancing guidelines. Another pro tip: maintain positive relationships with your guests (they could be repeat visitors) by offering relaxed cancellation policies.
Keep Things Contactless
The more ways you can reduce or completely eliminate contact between guests and hotel staff, the better. Motion sensor sanitizing stations throughout your lobby make it easy for guests to keep clean without handling bottles or nozzles. Contactless check-in, an option that’s available at over 4,700 Hilton properties right now, allow guests to use their phones to book and enter their rooms (no more long front desk line).
Clean Touchpoints, Then Mark Them
Regularly cleaning commonly touched surfaces throughout your hotel and guest rooms is a no-brainer, but make sure it’s obvious to your guests. Place small table tents on counters, hang signs on doors and cover remotes with messages that indicate the space has been freshly cleaned prior to guests’ arrival. Small notes like these give guests peace of mind while staying at your hotel. If you’re in need of signage like this, send us an email. Regularly cleaned touchpoints can also be communicated to guests before they even arrive, with messages on your website or callouts added to your floor plans.
Overshare Details
In a COVID world, TMI is a good thing. Let potential guests know that you care about their health and wellbeing by sharing, then sharing again, your new cleaning policies and procedures. There’s hand sanitizer stations in the lobby? Take photos and post them on Instagram. Chairs are spaced six feet apart in all meeting spaces? Indicate that in your meeting planner guides. Surfaces are cleaned every hour? Design signs and post them on-property for all to see. Brands that are open about their adjusted procedures are the ones that will survive, and hopefully thrive, in this pandemic. Let us help you share your new procedures.
While most things have been uncertain during this pandemic, one thing isn’t: marketing is still necessary. Keep your potential guests in mind as you develop new messaging and materials that position your property as both safe and clean. Have questions about anything mentioned above? Reach out to our Director of Business Development, Jake VanDerkar.
