Hotels Know the Power of Text Message Marketing

A growing number of hotel chains are expanding their customer outreach efforts with a little help from text message marketing.

Whether it's spreading the word about last-minute deals or discounts on rooms, hotels of all kinds are going mobile.

With hotel hospitality in mind, here are just a few ways hotels just like yours are turning to text messaging for their marketing needs:

Reserving Success Using Text Message Marketing

Just about every traveler on the planet has one thing in common: they take their mobile devices with them wherever they go.

As a result, more and more hotel chains are using text message marketing to spread the word about the great deals their hotels have to offer.

With that said, there's no better place to look at hotel test message marketing than in the hospitality capital of the world: Las Vegas!

Among those turning to it:

• Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino offers loyalty programs to guests at their Vegas hotel as well as their other chains across the world. The hotel promotes its loyalty program via SMS by messaging recipients merchandise deals, hotel discounts, and other loyalty offers.

• Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino - By opting in to its A-List Player's Club Membership, Planet Hollywood rewards its online subscribers with mobile deals including free stays and casino game play money.

• MGM Mirage - In order to increase customer satisfaction, the MGM Mirage uses text message marketing to offer real-time coupons and promotions to all of its guests. The hotel also tracks guest history so that it can text pertinent, customized promotions to its customers. 

Now that you have some real-world examples in mind, this article looks at some specific ways you can give your hotel marketing a boost with text messages...

Mobile Contests

If you're looking for a good way to promote your hotel, then consider having a mobile contest for your guests. Text message contests are a great way to get guests involved with your mobile marketing campaigns.

When it comes to mobile contests, your hotel needs to offer incentives that are worth your guests' time. This could include anything from a free night stay to accommodation upgrades.

As for the contest itself, you can ask your mobile subscribers to share their favorite travel stories or photos and then vote for the best.

Last-Minute Promotions

Text message marketing can also help your hotel fill empty rooms during the slow season.

By sending your subscribers text updates on room deals based on availability, you'll grab the attention of guests who are looking for a last-minute getaway.

Considering vacant rooms won't make you any money anyways, make sure your offer deep discounts to get those last-minute travelers interested.

Text Message Confirmations

Text messaging is also an effective way for your hotel to send reservation confirmations and reminders.

This may not sound like marketing, but you can attach separate deals along with these text confirmations.

Whether it's a room upgrade or package deal for local attractions, text message confirmations will give your hotel a great place to start marketing.

When you're ready to take your hotel's marketing to new heights, keep in mind the text message pointers above.