They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is so true when it comes to marketing your hotel! We already know that online reviews impact bookings, but how do the images on a hotel listing do the same? Check out these helpful tips for including photos in your hotel listing.

1. Provide a Variety of Images

Photos are one of the most important features on any hotel listing. The average attention span of travelers is decreasing significantly, so it‰’s important to convey as much information about your hotel as quickly as possible ‰- that‰’s where images come into play.

According to a study by Cornell, guest experience factors are the most important when it comes to hotel selection. By providing photos of each part of your property, including the exterior, common areas, amenities and accommodations, you can essentially give potential guests a tour of your hotel. When searching for a hotel online, travelers will get their first impression of your hotel based on your photography.

Try comparing selling a hotel room to selling other products online. Can you imagine trying to purchase a new shirt online without being able to see a single photo? Even if each shirt were described in detail, you‰’d be reluctant to purchase it without seeing the product for yourself. That‰’s why including photos on your hotel listings can help sell your rooms to travelers.

2. Use High-Quality Images

It‰’s clear that travelers love to be able to imagine themselves enjoying the accommodations and amenities of each hotel they consider. By increasing the image quality on your hotel listings, you can help them do just that!

These days, everything seems to be available in high-definition. By posting images that are crisp and well lit, travelers will sense that you care about your image. Plus, the more a photo looks like real life, the better guests will be able to picture themselves staying with you. You should also ensure your image file sizes are optimized for mobile and web viewing; a recent Google study found that 43% of travelers search for hotels on multiple devices.

Not sure how to get high-quality images? For best results, use a DSLR camera, using large format settings ‰- or hire a professional. However, you don‰’t have to use a fancy camera to get good photos. Even a point-and-shoot digital camera or a smartphone can produce website-worthy pictures. The key to taking good photos on a phone is the lighting. Make sure the space you‰’re photographing has as much natural light as possible.

3. Manage Traveler Expectations

The last thing you want is to disappoint your guest by posting unrealistic images on your hotel listing. When it comes to hotel photos, focus on the features that make your property great rather than spending time trying to trick the camera lens. If a disappointed visitor shares an online review, potential guests might not consider your property. See examples of what not to do in your hotel marketing photos.

Of course, you should definitely post photos that highlight each area of your property, just ensure your images show visitors what it‰’s really like to stay with you. If you want to post an image of a rarely quiet beach or pool, post a helpful caption like, ‰ÛÏwe snapped this shot of our private beachfront just after sunrise!‰ That way, visitors will know when they can enjoy a similar experience.

Do you have other tips for including photos in hotel listings? Comment below!

Sources:
1. Anderson, Chris K. (2012). The Impact of Social Media on Lodging Performance, Cornell Hospitality Report, 12(15).
2. Google (2012). The New Multi-Screen World: Understanding Cross-Platform Consumer Behavior.