Let’s think about this for a minute. Finally, hotels have stepped up their social networking efforts. We applaud those who have taken that step. But, with what mindset and expectations do hotel create their fan page?
Like all things new, Facebook is still growing and evolving, albeit at a much slower pace than the past couple of years. In 2009, more and more businesses are determining that a presence on Facebook is a “must” for their mainstream marketing. I have to agree with that approach. However, defining the space around the Facebook page and what it can actually do is a different story.
It’s necessary to make your Facebook page engaging, with photos, comments, updates, fun specials, interesting facts that relate to your hotel, and make it welcoming enough for fans to participate. I doubt that a ton of reservations will come out of Facebook just because a page has a lot of fans. But, I do think that the viral component of Facebook is very effective and gets the hotel’s name and message out there faster, and with the credibility of the network of people who are fans.
Does the fact that a boutique hotel has a Facebook page influence my decision to book? Not much. Am I impressed that the boutique hotel has a Facebook page? Absolutely!
Nourish the page. You have nothing to lose and fans to gain.