A simple guide on how hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in hospitality can use online marketing to get more bookings, attract more guests, and make more money. No confusing words—just easy tips that actually work.
Shirin Niasati
Author
Shirin Niasati is a Product Owner and Website Developer at Persisca Technologies, specializing in digital solutions.
Getting Started
The hospitality industry runs on people. Hotels, restaurants, and travel businesses need a steady flow of guests to keep going. But in today’s world, just having a great location and good service isn’t enough. Most people check the internet before deciding where to stay, eat, or visit. If your business doesn’t stand out online, you’re missing out on customers.
This guide breaks down how hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses can use online marketing to bring in more guests. No complicated strategies—just clear, simple steps that actually work.
1. Get a Website That Works
Your website is like your front desk. If it’s slow, confusing, or outdated, people will leave before booking a room or making a reservation. Here’s what you need:
- Fast loading speed – If your website takes more than a few seconds to load, people will leave.
- Clear booking buttons – Guests should see how to book a room or a table right away.
- Mobile-friendly design – Most people check websites from their phones. Make sure yours looks good on small screens.
- Good pictures – Show real, high-quality images of rooms, food, and the experience guests can expect.
A website that is easy to use will bring in more bookings.
2. Be Active on Social Media
People scroll through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok every day. If they see your hotel or restaurant looking fun and inviting, they might decide to visit. Here’s how to use social media right:
- Post high-quality pictures – Show rooms, food, events, and happy guests.
- Use short videos – A quick clip of a beautiful hotel view or a chef cooking can grab attention fast.
- Reply to comments and messages – If someone asks a question, answer quickly. It builds trust.
- Share deals and special events – Give people a reason to visit now, not later.
Being active online keeps your business in people’s minds.
3. Get Good Reviews and Show Them Off
Most people check reviews before booking a hotel or restaurant. If you have bad reviews (or none at all), people will pick your competitor instead. Here’s how to get more good reviews:
- Ask happy guests to leave a review – If someone says they had a great stay or loved the food, ask them to share it online.
- Make it easy – Give them a direct link to leave a review on Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp.
- Reply to all reviews – Thank people for good reviews and respond politely to bad ones. It shows you care.
Good reviews bring in more bookings.
4. Show Up on Google When People Search
When someone searches for “best hotel in Miami” or “top seafood restaurant near me,” you want your business to show up. Here’s how to make that happen:
- List your business on Google My Business – This helps your hotel or restaurant appear on Google Maps and search results.
- Use real words people search for – If you run a beachfront hotel, make sure your website says things like “ocean-view rooms in Miami.”
- Keep your information updated – Your address, phone number, and hours should always be correct.
If people can’t find you on Google, they won’t book with you.
5. Run Online Ads That Bring in Guests
Social media and Google ads can bring in bookings fast. But only if they are done right. Here’s what works best:
- Show ads to people who are already interested – If someone has searched for hotels in your area, your ad should show up for them.
- Use great pictures and videos – People will scroll past boring ads. Make sure yours stand out.
- Give a reason to book now – Discounts, limited-time deals, or exclusive perks work well.
Ads work best when they are clear, direct, and targeted at the right people.
6. Send Emails That Keep Guests Coming Back
A guest who stays once could stay again. Someone who eats at your restaurant might return. The trick is reminding them. Here’s how email marketing can help:
- Send thank-you emails – A quick message after their visit makes them feel appreciated.
- Share deals and upcoming events – Give them a reason to book again.
- Keep emails short and simple – No one wants to read a long email. Keep it to the point.
A good email can bring back past guests and turn them into regulars.
7. Work with Influencers and Travel Bloggers
People trust recommendations from real people more than ads. That’s why influencers and bloggers can help bring in more guests. Here’s how to work with them:
- Find influencers who match your brand – A travel blogger who reviews luxury hotels won’t work for a budget hostel.
- Give them a free stay or meal – In return, they post about their experience to their followers.
- Make sure they tag your business – This helps their audience find you easily.
The right influencer can bring in a flood of new guests.
8. Use Simple Loyalty Programs
People love rewards. If you give them a reason to come back, they will. Here’s how to set up a simple loyalty program:
- Give discounts for repeat visits – Stay three nights, get the fourth night cheaper.
- Offer rewards for referrals – If a guest brings a friend, give them a small reward.
- Make it easy – Complicated programs confuse people. Keep it simple.
Loyalty programs turn one-time guests into repeat customers.
9. Keep an Eye on What’s Working
Marketing is all about testing. Some things will work better than others. Here’s how to track what’s bringing in guests:
- Check your website traffic – Are people visiting your site but not booking? Maybe something is confusing.
- See which ads bring results – If an ad isn’t working, stop spending money on it.
- Ask guests how they found you – This helps you know where to focus your efforts.
The key is to do more of what works and stop what doesn’t.
Wrapping It Up
Getting more guests for your hotel or restaurant doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple website, good social media presence, great reviews, and smart ads can bring in more bookings. You don’t need to use fancy marketing words or confusing strategies—just focus on what makes sense for real people.
Start with one or two things from this list and build from there. The more visible your business is online, the more guests you’ll get.