Your guests are not going to download your app unless you lead them to it. Just because apps are a new form of mobile marketing doesn’t mean they don’t need to be marketed.

There are numerous cost effective ways to market your app.

1. Reservation Confirmation email - Include a link and a QR code to download the app. If a user is opening their email from a
smartphone the link will take them to the app store -- and if they are opening from a desktop they can scan the QR code with their smart phone. You could also provide a landing page for mobile users trying to access your website that looks similar to this one, from Trip Advisor.
 
2. Check-in stuffer - Check-in stuffers are very effective marketing tools because your guest will immediately see them upon check in.

3. Offer Incentives - At your in-house restaurant or spa. Leave information about the hotel’s mobile app on the tables or in the waiting area and entice guest to download by offering a free appetizer at the restaurant or 15 extra minutes of massage for free at the spa.

4. Retractable Banner - You can put it anywhere: in the lobby, in the conference center, or even take it to a tradeshow. The flexibility of a retractable banner makes it a smart choice financially.

5. Email Marketing - Send an email campaign to former guests who have subscribed to you. If they took the time to ask to be included in email marketing then its very likely they are loyal and will download your app.

6. In-Room Tent Card - If placed in the right area, these can be hard to miss! Since these are bigger than the check-in stuffer you can provide similar information but more in depth.

7. Video on Flat Screen in the Lobby - Show your guest how the app works in a 30-90 second commercial that you can play continuously throughout the day. This can also be used on any of your social media sites

8. Room Key Card - This option requires a little more money and effort, but if your key cards are due for upgrading, why not include a QR code right on the room key? Check out this great example from Marriott.

9. On your Wi-Fi welcome screen - Include a QR code or link on the landing page that users registering for Wi-Fi land on. If a guest is using a tablet or smart phone they can automatically use the link to immerse themselves in your app. The QR code can be scanned by the guests’ smart phone if they are using a laptop or a computer in your business center.

10. Social Media - Your social savvy fans are likely to download so don’t forget to use Twitter, Facebook and your blog as part of your mobile app marketing. The possibilities with social media are endless. Here are a few ideas: use your video commercial as a video blog, create a custom Facebook tab with information about your app and provide a way to download it, or simply just ask your fans and followers to download your app.
 

If your hotel would like to learn more about what a hotel mobile app can do for you sign up for our webinar.