So, I’m finally understanding Twitter better and feel more positive about its impact. While in some ways similar to other social networks, Twitter is all about news and updates in real time. Forget the fluff, the smiling faces and the photo albums. It’s about pushing information and news to the public = your followers. I’ve been reading threads by hotel GMs if they should invest time in social media and opinions vary. The answer is: you have to do it right.
There’s no use being on Twitter, for instance, if you write an update once a week or once a month. You have to keep the news flow going with information. But, it’s so easy to become annoying by inundating your followers with useless updates just to Tweet something. The key is to strike a balance with generous, yet real information that can be useful. And adding tiny links are great in reinforcing the Tweet.
I’ve been fascinated with Twitter lately because what it is evolving into, and there is no end in sight. What’s equally interesting is that it’s still one of those social networks where the majority of people have either already mastered using, or have no idea how to use yet. Hotels appear to be in the segment of those who are undecided. I was particularly excited that the Hotel Heritage joined Twitter today (www.twitter.com/heritagebruges). Less than six months ago, the award winning Bruges hotel was interested in expanding its PR efforts to reflect new trends, and is now incorporating social media into its campaign. Already, the hotel has a fan base on Facebook that keeps growing. It takes time to build a good base on social networks. But, it works; past guests have reconnected, and the hotel has now found additional and more immediate ways to get messages delivered to members of its audience. And this is only the beginning.
I vote YES to Twitter when used efficiently by hotels!
Tags: pr twitter, social media PR, Twitter, Twitter and hotels
I have to admit that I was originally a bit skeptical on Twitter, but it does seem to have merits, especially on the hospitality PR business. I agree with you - as long as it is done right, there are many reasons why Twitter could be a great tool for any hotel’s PR.
Hi Didi!
Twitter is and will be in a near future one of the best and most direct communication channels between hotels and their clients.
We, at Tiara Hotels & Resorts, are the twitter leading chain in Portugal. We were the first chain to use it and we’ve managed to keep our posts regularly.
The “secret” (if there’s any) of using twitter in the right way is to be interesting.