In this jam-packed edition we’ll be covering everything from the latest Instagram features to the impact of AI on loyalty programs
Welcome to the latest edition of the Hospitality Highlights weekly newsletter where we serve up the hottest news and trends for Hotels, Restaurants, and F&B brands.
In this jam-packed edition we’ll be covering everything from the latest Instagram features to the impact of AI on loyalty programs.
We’ll also take a closer look at Google’s new Discovery ads features, Google Travel’s Instagram-like Story feature, and their latest April 2023 reviews update.
So grab a cup of coffee, and relax as we take you through the latest industry updates and upcoming trends.
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Industry Insights
Instagram now allows up to 5 “links in bio”
Instagram now allows up to five links in profile bios, including links to other social platforms. This move could entice creators back to the platform, which has lagged behind TikTok’s restrictions on clickable links in bios. Brands now have the opportunity to increase traffic to their ordering partners, websites, and other platforms, promoting their brand, products, and services to potential customers.
Will AI define the loyalty programs of the future?
AI is transforming the digital landscape by enabling businesses to personalise the customer experience, anticipate customer behaviour and preferences, and incorporate gamification elements. Brands that use AI can create a better customer experience with customised and targeted loyalty programs, leading to increased customer loyalty.
Expedia Integrates ChatGPT Into Mobile Travel App
Expedia has integrated ChatGPT into its mobile travel app, allowing users to explore activities and ask travel planning questions. The AI integration is still in the early stages, but it can recommend hotels and save conversations for future reference. The full-service capabilities will soon arrive in beta mode, acting like a virtual travel agent that can recommend flights and hotels.
3 New Google Discovery Ads Features
Google has announced three new features for its Discovery Ads, which are designed to help advertisers reach new customers through personalised ad placements. The first feature is called “custom audiences,” which enables advertisers to target users based on their interactions with your website or app. The second feature is “performance max,” which uses machine learning to optimise ad delivery across all of Google’s ad networks. The final feature is “lead form extensions,” which allows advertisers to capture leads directly from their ads. These new features are expected to give advertisers more control over their ad campaigns and help them reach their target audiences more effectively.
Google Releases April 2023 Reviews Update
Google has released a new update for its Reviews feature, which includes several changes aimed at improving the user experience. The update includes new review filters, the ability to sort reviews by relevance, and the addition of review highlights, which summarise the most important information from reviews. Google has also made changes to the way it displays review snippets in search results, making them more helpful and informative. These updates are expected to make it easier for users to find the information they need and make more informed decisions about the businesses they interact with.
Google Travel’s New Instagram-Like Story Feature for Hotel Search
Google Travel has added a new Instagram-like “Story” feature for hotel searches. This feature allows users to view a series of images and videos showcasing a hotel’s amenities, location, and surroundings. The feature is currently available for select hotels and will be expanded to more properties in the future. This addition aims to enhance the user experience and provide travelers with more immersive and informative content when researching and booking accommodations.
#AskDawnGribble
Each week, I answer a key question and provide expert tips and advice to help you stay ahead of the game.
What Are Some Tips to Increase the Visibility of Your Business on Social Media?
Increasing your business’s visibility on social media requires a strategic approach across multiple platforms. Here are some tips to help you stand out on social.
1. Claim your profiles on each platform to protect your brand and signpost to your active accounts.
2. Take a video-first approach. Videos are more engaging and often perform better than static images.
3. Balance authentic and styled content. Authentic content helps build trust, while styled content creates a professional image.
4. Treat social media as a two-way conversation. Engage with your followers, answer their questions, and respond to their comments.
5. Use social listening to be proactive. Monitor conversations about your brand, competitors, and industry to identify opportunities to engage with potential customers.
6. Be consistent with posting. Set a schedule and stick to it to keep your followers engaged and build momentum. Batch content production in advance.
7. Run A/B tests to see which copy and imagery works best. Test different approaches to see what resonates with your audience.
8. Map your content to specific goals. For example, aim to increase your reach by 10% in 30 days.
9. Use style and communication guidelines to ensure that your tone and voice are consistent across all platforms.
10. Design for mobile. The majority of social media users access the platforms from their mobile devices, so make sure your content is optimised for smaller screens.
By following these tips, you can increase your visibility on social media and reach more potential customers.
Marketing Tips
How Restaurants and Hotels Can Use Instagram Reels
Showcase signature dishes and drinks in a visually appealing way, using music and creative editing to make them look irresistible.
Give a behind-the-scenes tour of the venue, highlighting the decor, ambiance, and unique features that set it apart from other establishments.
Demonstrate the cooking process for a popular dish or drink, sharing tips and tricks that viewers can try at home.
Highlight special events, promotions, or seasonal offerings, such as holiday menus, themed parties, or live music performances.
Engage with the audience by asking for feedback, running contests, or featuring user-generated content that showcases the venue in a positive light.
Surprising Statistics
Did you know that there are 3.48 billion digital video viewers worldwide?
Yet only 14% of restaurants have a YouTube presence.Video and Connected TVs are excellent opportunities for venues that want to increase brand awareness and recall.
That’s a wrap! we hope you found our newsletter informative and valuable.
Here’s to Your Success
Last Updated on 8 December 2023 by Dawn Gribble
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