How to Write Effective Guest Notifications/Announcements
Lead with value
From the first line of your message, make it clear what’s in it for your guest. Whether it’s a discount, promo code, or invite to your next event, they should immediately know what's in it for them. Think of the start of your message like the subject line of an email: this is your first impression. So, make it count.
Try this:
- Enjoy the perfect Happy Hour in the beautiful settings of our H Bar. Daily from 4 pm – 6 pm. More info [LINK]
- Join us to experience artisanal baking first-hand with our private baking classes. Save your spot [LINK]
Keep it short and clear
Keep your messages concise and to the point. The goal of messaging is to make your guests’ stay easier and your messages should reflect that. Choose one specific idea to focus on per message. For example, your message might be promoting a happy hour at your bar or a special SPA offer. Stick to that main message and avoid trying to pack multiple ideas into one text.
Try this:
- You’re invited to Sun Hotel’s VIP guests event on July 14th. [LINK]
- Enjoy our weekend SPA offer, book now, relax and unwind [LINK]
Include relevant links
When sending messages to guests, don't forget to include relevant app links. For instance, attach a booking link when sending personalized offers, or direct guests to the app's event listing for information on upcoming events. Make your announcements more effective by adding app links, bringing guests back to the app to discover more.
Try this:
- We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Reply if we can help, or download our app today [LINK]
- Don’t miss out on the excitement of the special night of live music in the H-Bar ! Sign up here [LINK]
Add a clear call-to-action
Don't leave your guests guessing about what to do next. Make sure your messages include a clear and concise call-to-action (CTA) that tells them exactly what you want them to do.
Use action-oriented language like "Claim Your Discount," or "Get offer" to make it clear what the next step is for your customer. As well, make sure these CTAs lead to mobile-friendly links that take guests right to your offer.
Try this:
- We’d like to welcome you to Sun Hotel with a 20% off your first SPA visit! Click to claim: [LINK]
Make it visually appealing
SMS is a visual format, so pay attention to how your message looks. A wall of text can be overwhelming and may cause readers to tune out. Break up your message with punctuation, capitalization, and line breaks to make it more digestible. You can also add text overlay on images to help clarify your offer.
Try this:
- We’re so happy you’re here. ✨Enjoy this $15 anniversary present. 🎁Valid until March 31st. [LINK]
Encourage two-way communication
Guests want to feel valued and heard by the hotels they choose to stay in. Including a reply option in your messages encourages two-way communication and opens the door for feedback or questions and provides you with an opportunity to respond directly to guests.
Try this:
- We’re all ears 👂Share your feedback on how your stay is going so far. REPLY now.
How to Write Inviting Content (Offers, Events, Activities)
Evoke Emotions
Appeal to the emotions of guests by highlighting the feelings they can expect to experience by taking up on your offer or participating in the activity you’re promoting. Whether it's relaxation, excitement, or a sense of luxury, evoke emotions through your choice of words and imagery.
Format Wisely
Format your content in a way that’s both easy to follow, read, and understand. Space where appropriate, use titles and headers, bold where necessary, incorporate appropriate margins, and choose a text and background color that is easy to read. Even if your content is great, it can’t be engaging if it is hard to read!
Use Compelling Visuals
Pictures are a great way to increase guest engagement and get readers hooked. By choosing powerful images, you may be able to convey an idea much easier than you could with just text.
Keep it Concise
While it's important to provide detailed information, avoid overwhelming guests with excessive content. Keep your offer/event/activity description concise and focused, highlighting the most compelling aspects while maintaining a clear and engaging narrative.
Make it About Your Guests
Repeat this to yourself: It’s not about me. Travelers, just like all other consumers, are selfish and only care about what’s in it for them. That’s why your content has to be benefit-driven. How will guests benefit if they take up on your offer?
Always Include Relevant CTA
Decide on what you are trying to achieve with that specific piece of content. What do you want your guests to do after reading your article? Make a booking? Sign up for an activity? At the end of each content piece, have a call to action telling readers what it is you want them to do, and give them the appropriate tools (such as a link) to do so.
Get the information out there
Print out leaflets with the information about the app with QR codes for easy app access. Our team can help you design the leaflets as well. Just reach out.
Add reservation link to the app to your confirmation emails (direct and OTAs). This way you will capture direct guest information well ahead of their stay and be able to communicate directly.
Links are in the format of: {{your_hotel_code}}.app.lasoxp.com/r/s/{{confirmation_ number}}/{{last_ name}}
Were {{confirmation_ number}} and {{last_ name}} would be replaced at runtime from the reservation system.
