10 Things to Look for When Hiring A Digital Marketing Agency For Your Hotel

With a property set in a prime location, unique architecture and interior design, and exceptional amenities and experiences, you might think your hotel business already has everything it takes to attract guests. Your brand is known in your local area, and you rely heavily on your loyal patrons’ word-of-mouth marketing. You have dedicated staff, handling your social media, Google My Business listing, and profile on review sites. 

But despite all these, you still find yourself struggling to fill vacant rooms even in peak seasons. Want to know why? 

Unfortunately, these aren’t enough to stand out in today’s competitive and digital-driven hospitality landscape —-  you also need to build a strong online presence and implement effective digital marketing strategies to keep your business afloat. Navigating the complex world of digital marketing while running your business, however, isn’t a walk in the park, even for tech-savvy hoteliers. 

That’s where working with a digital marketing agency comes in. 

Digital Marketing Agency for Hotels

Want to set your hotel business apart in the eyes of your guests? Hiring the right digital marketing agency can significantly impact your hotel’s success. While it may be considered an added expense, investing in your digital marketing can give you numerous short-term and long-term benefits that outweigh the costs. Outsourcing can even be a more cost-effective choice compared to hiring an in-house digital marketing team or navigating everything on your own, 

Digital marketing is essential to increase traffic to your official hotel website and in turn increase bookings. Here are some of the top strategies these agencies execute:

• Paid search

• Metasearch

• Email marketing

• Remarketing

• Social media campaigns

• Book direct campaigns

• Blogs and content marketing

• Search engine optimsation (SEO)

Digital marketing agencies come in many sizes and expertise, so it’s crucial to make an informed decision when selecting the best partner. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when hiring a digital marketing agency for your hotel business.

1. What is the agency’s expertise or line of specialisation? 

One of the first factors to consider is the agency’s expertise and specialization. Not all digital marketing agencies are created equal, and some may specialize in specific industries or services. 

For your hotel business, it’s essential to choose an agency that has experience and a proven track record in the hospitality sector. This hotel digital marketing agency in Dublin, for instance, has worked with over 50 hotels across Europe. They understand the importance of securing direct bookings, reducing OTA commission, keeping up with travel trends, and other unique challenges of running a hotel.

2. What are the services they offer?

Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of services, including website design, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and more.

Before hiring an agency, define your specific goals and objectives. Then, ensure the agency offers a comprehensive suite of services that align with your goals. A multi-channel approach is often the most effective strategy to reach a broader audience.

3. Can they provide case studies and portfolio?

Review the agency’s case studies and portfolio to assess their previous work and success stories. If they’re confident enough, you can find these resources published on their website. 

Look for evidence of their ability to drive measurable results, such as increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, and improved ROI. Pay attention to projects in the hotel and hospitality industry to gauge their relevance and proficiency.

4. How about client references and reviews?

Ask the agency for client references and seek out online reviews and testimonials. Hearing from past and current clients can provide valuable insights into the agency’s working style, communication, and overall satisfaction. Additionally, consider reaching out to other hoteliers or industry peers for recommendations.

5. Do they use up-to-date practices and tools?  

The digital marketing landscape is ever-evolving, with new algorithms, trends, and platforms emerging regularly. Ensure the agency you hire is committed to staying updated with the latest industry developments. They should be proactive in adapting strategies to these changes to keep their hotel business ahead of the competition.

In addition, ask about the digital marketing tools and technologies they use. Advanced tools can provide valuable insights and automation capabilities, helping to optimize campaigns and improve results. A technologically proficient agency can often deliver more efficient and data-driven campaigns.

6. How can the strategy be customised and tailored to your brand? 

Your hotel business is unique, and your digital marketing strategy should reflect that. Avoid agencies that offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, look for an agency that takes the time to understand your specific goals, target audience, and market position. They should develop a customized strategy tailored to your business needs and objectives.

7. Ask about communication processes and reporting

Effective communication is crucial when working with a digital marketing agency. Inquire about their communication processes, including how often they will provide updates and reports. Transparent reporting and regular communication will help you track progress and make informed decisions

8. Do they use ethical practices? 

Lastly, ensure that the agency follows ethical and white-hat digital marketing practices. Unethical tactics can harm your hotel’s online reputation and lead to penalties from search engines like Google. Ask about their approach to SEO, content creation, and link-building to ensure compliance with industry standards.

9. Does the pricing live up to benefits? 

While cost is a significant factor, it’s essential to strike a balance between your budget and the agency’s capabilities. Be wary of agencies that offer significantly lower prices than the market average, as this could indicate a lack of experience or subpar service. 

On the other hand, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better results. Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs and ensure that there are no hidden fees.

10. Consider building a long-term partnership

Consider your relationship with the agency as a long-term partnership. Digital marketing is an ongoing effort, and consistent, strategic efforts yield the best results. Ensure the agency is committed to long-term success and is not just looking for a short-term project.

Remember that the digital marketing agency you choose should be a partner in your journey toward achieving your hotel’s online marketing objectives. By carefully considering these aforementioned factors and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and helps you stay competitive in the fast-paced digital landscape. 

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a web content writer during the day and a foodie, musician, coffee connoisseur, and cat mom when her day shift is over. She enjoys sharing her insights about blogging, web design, SEO, and other forms of digital marketing. To know more about digital marketing, check out the blogs of SPRINT DIGITAL Agency Dublin.

About Author