What storytelling is and how to use it to promote your hotel
Storytelling may seem like a very different expression, but know that it refers to something that is part of everyone’s life. In English, “tell” means to narrate or recount, and “story” means history. So storytelling is nothing more than the good old technique of telling stories!
This technique is used in literature, cinema, theater and also in many people’s homes – who has grandparents or parents who are real storytellers?
More recently, storytelling has also been used as a marketing tool, as it has a high level of engagement. A story has the power to draw the public’s attention and bring them closer to the brand.
Your hotel or hostel can – and should – use this technique to attract the attention of your customers and strengthen your relationship with guests.
You know that expression “My life would make a movie”? Then the day-to-day running of your establishment can also make for good stories!
With this in mind, we’ve listed below some suggestions on how to use storytelling to promote your business. Follow along, think about this possibility, plan the execution of this idea and then watch the results emerge. You won’t regret it!
Tell the story of your hotel or hostel
When we tell someone our story, we are creating a connection with them, revealing where we come from, where we are from. In the same way, by telling the story of your hotel or hostel, you are strengthening the bonds between your brand and your audience.
So take care to tell (personally and also in your communication and marketing activities) how the hotel came to be, who founded it, how it has developed over time, etc.
This will help customers get to know your business better and feel more comfortable staying there. Trust is the basis of everything!
Tell your guests' stories
Knowing what other guests have experienced in your hotel or hostel can also be a decisive factor in choosing your audience. You don’t necessarily have to ask the guests themselves to tell the story.
You could, for example, do a video reenactment with actors, preserving the identity of the guests.
A marriage proposal, an unforgettable honeymoon, a weekend with the family – all these stories can enchant your audience and attract many guests wanting to build similar memories.
Tell the local story
The history of the region where your hotel is located can also be very interesting for attracting public attention. Telling the story of the city, the neighborhood, the people who are part of the municipality shows that your brand values tradition and local life.
In this way, people will be attracted to the stories of the region and will want to stay in a hotel or inn that values local customs. This action will delight guests who like to experience the day-to-day life of the place they are visiting.
But how to tell these stories?
If you like the ideas mentioned above but don’t know how to put them into practice, follow these tips:
- Try to use different categories of media to tell a story: texts, images, videos. All this is necessary to engage the public.
- Choose the platforms that will be used to tell the stories. You can create a YouTube channel, tell the stories on a blog or even create a specific web page for this content.
- Don’t forget that a story requires a narrative – in other words, it needs to have a beginning, middle and end. Much more than just text, a story must have elements that involve the reader.
- In your story, think about who the main characters will be, what the climax of the plot will be and what message it should convey.
- Involve the staff of your hotel or hostel in the development of the actions that will tell your stories. Often, people you wouldn’t think could contribute to this activity hold the best stories.
- Hire professionals or a specialized company (such as journalists or communication agencies) to develop an effective strategy for building and disseminating your story.
- So, are you excited about telling the stories of your hotel or hostel? We’re betting that much of what you, your staff and your guests experience on a daily basis could make for good storytelling.