Thought leadership

Why social media marketing isn’t enough

Loyalty
by
Zoey Cramer
Marketing Specialist
last updated on
4/1/2025

If your hotel's Instagram posts aren't landing like they used to, you're not alone. Social platforms are saturated, inboxes are overflowing, and travelers are tuning out anything that feels like a sales pitch. The old playbook "post more, blast emails, repeat" isn't cutting it anymore. The brands that are winning today aren't louder. They are more intentional. It's not about chasing reach. It's about creating resonance.


Social Media: Real Over Perfect


People don't want perfectly curated hotel feeds, they want to see real moments. A chef sharing their favorite local bakery. A housekeeper's morning playlist. A spontaneous guest reaction to your pool view. Authenticity is the new currency. With AI content flooding feeds, being human is your edge.


Email: From Offers to Emotion


Most hotel emails still sound like digital flyers. But inboxes are personal, and your emails should be, too. Forget the "Summer Deal!" subject lines. Instead, create welcome journeys, share local guides, or surprise guests with thoughtful touches like a playlist or a return guest perk. When you stop selling and start connecting, email becomes your quiet powerhouse.


What Actually Works


Successful hoteliers are:


Aligning brand stories across social, email, and web. Embracing user-generated content and micro-influencers for credibility. Personalizing without being creepy


Leading with values, not discounts:


In short? They're showing up in a way that feels human, not transactional.


The Bottom Line


Hospitality has always been about connection. Your marketing should be, too. In a world tired of the scroll, it's not about being everywhere. It's about being memorable where it matters. Tell better stories, share real moments, and give people a reason to care long before and long after their stay

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