In a Visual World, First Impressions Count
We live in an intensely visual society. The saying, "Monkey sees, monkey wants" might sound amusing, but its underlying truth cannot be ignored. Want tourists to see photos of your hotel and immediately click on the “book now” button? Preparation is key.
Why Visual Marketing is Essential
Think about the numerous “windows” (essentially, all your booking sources) that tourists engage with when searching for their ideal holiday hotel. This list includes your hotel website, Google Hotels, Booking.com, Expedia, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more. These digital hubs are the shopping malls where your potential guests make their choices.
Hence, being visually present online with inspiring images is crucial. Such photos should evoke thoughts like, "Oh my, I want to be there."
A study by Cornell's School of Hotel Administration tracked consumers during their purchasing decision-making phases. During the initial “browsing” phase, consumers primarily looked at the hotel's name and price, often overlooking other aspects. However, when they began the “deliberation” phase, their focus shifted to images and descriptions. Interestingly, hotel-provided images were sought after more than user-generated ones.
Considering Professional Photography?
If you’re contemplating hiring a professional photographer to capture your hotel’s essence, that's commendable! Here are some preparation tips:
- List Down “Points of Interest”: Think about what you'd like people to see about your hotel. Consider your target audience and note down these specifics. This will make it easier for the photographer to visualize and plan each shot.
- Diverse Photos are Crucial: Seek more than just room or bathroom photos. Capture breathtaking sunsets, architectural details, appetizing food, and more. Remember, these photos will be used beyond your website, including social media platforms. And who hasn’t seen how a simple heart-shaped foam on a cappuccino can become a social media sensation?
- Introduce Your Hotel's Brand to the Photographer: The photographer should understand your brand’s ethos, your target audience, and your values. This clarity ensures the photos align with your brand’s messaging.
- Set Aside Time for On-Site Exploration: Allow the photographer a day or two before the actual shoot to familiarize themselves with the location. This helps in identifying the best lighting and angles.
- Room Preparation: Have photos of at least one room of every type you offer. Ensure rooms have clean curtains, spotless linens, and overall, a welcoming ambiance. Remove potential clutter and any dated items. However, little branded consumables can be included.
- Preparation of Other Areas: Remember, you’re selling an experience, not just a room. Cover all areas of your hotel including the gym, reception, bar, spa, and even nearby attractions.
And a subjective tip: For the love of all things travel, please avoid those towel swans!
Display Your Photos Proudly
At Pynbooking, we offer a “gallery” to showcase your photos – a visually pleasing, mobile-friendly website with a booking engine. For more details, connect with a consultant and explore the possibilities.