The prevalent use of smart devices and the internet has changed many traditional brick-and-mortar businesses like hotels. A hotel’s online reputation is critical and will influence demand and sales revenue at the hotel. Online reputation management should be one of brand management’s core aspects.
A hotel’s online reputation will direct customers to your hotel as they will search for you online. The following are reasons why online reputation matters when running a hotel:
Social Proof
Social proof refers to a phenomenon where people are more likely to act when they see others do it. The majority of people will do some research online before visiting the hotel website or giving them a call to make a reservation. They will read reviews by others on the hotel website and third-party platforms like Yelp to judge a hotel. If your hotel’s online reputation is tarnished, they will not book a room at your hotel and vice-versa. Online customer reviews are directly related to demand and revenue. It would be best to manage your online reputation because you can gain more positive reviews and social proof. Being proactive is always better than waiting to react to something.
Brand Management
Your brand is what people know about your business, and these days, the internet is the leading platform for brand management. There are many platforms to use to manage your brand better. You need to ensure you have an excellent online reputation because it will directly influence how others see the brand, such as the Mondial Hotel. You can create a hotel brand synonymous with excellence using social media, digital marketing, and other strategies. If there is anything negative about your brand, you can change the narrative so your brand is seen in the most favorable light.
Increase Engagement
All hotels need to interact with their former and current customers to gain feedback about their stay. The feedback is meant to increase engagement between you and your customers. Receiving excellent insights about what customers want and expect can be easier. Owners can also use the increased level of engagement to conduct polls and surveys about ways to improve the hotel. A hotel’s engagement with its clients will directly affect its vacancies and revenue, which is why managing your online reputation is so significant.
Beat Competitors
Business is about competition, and the best hotel is that which can perform better than its competitors. Your hotel’s online reputation is vital because it gives you an opportunity to find out exactly what your competitors are doing. You can get information about how competitors are filling hotel vacancies and use some of their tactics to increase your hotel’s occupancy rates. You can also learn what more prominent and successful hotels do to improve their online reputation. If you don’t research your competitors, you are at a disadvantage for losing customers and revenue.
Building Credibility
Credibility is essential in business, especially in the hospitality industry, where a bad review can lose you a lot of business. Therefore, you should better manage your online reputation to build your credibility in front of your target audience. The more positive reviews from customers you have online, the more trust your customers will place in you because of your credibility. If your customers trust you, you should reward them by providing excellent service as that at the Mondial Hotel . Credibility also refers to trust from other parties like banks, which can provide you with credit without a hitch.
Attract Employees
You need the best staff working for your company, and your online reputation will significantly impact the people you attract. Job seekers will read reviews before applying for a job. You can get the best talent for your organization with a stellar online reputation. Your staff should be professionals as they are the foundation of a strong workforce. They will also help you provide your customers with impeccable service.
Every hotel should do everything possible to enhance its online reputation. There are many benefits, including those outlined above. The importance of online reputation will only increase and if you want more customers, revenue, and better staff, do your best to improve your online reputation.
