Hey everyone. After a crazy summer, we have some extra time for side projects. We are doing our normal marketing- website, FB page, reviews, etc. but I'm curious to try some more 'outside the box' creative marketing. Does anyone have suggestions, either of things you have already tried or ideas you've yet to test but think could be successful? I'm open to all ideas- both offline and online. One unique (to some hostels) thing that we do is have a Couchsurfing profile. We take Couchsurfers on in winter, and offer them a night or two free if we have beds we won't sell anyway. They tend to be some of the most interesting and helpful travelers, which in turn helps to create great atmosphere in a less busy hostel. They also sometimes turn into paying guests if they want to extend. What are your thoughts on other ideas?
10 years
Does anyone do unique or creative discounts? We were thinking of doing one with passport stamps. For ex. 10+ stamps (different countries) = $2 off per night; 15+ = $3 off per night, or something like that. Our base rate right now is $35, so we thought of doing 35+ stamps = 1 free night as a fun promo. Most of our guests stay at least 3 nights, so maybe it would have to be with a minimum stay of 2 or 3 nights? Thoughts?
10 years
Your idea with couchsurfers is nice!
Not sure about the stamps, I guess you have to try it
10 years
My suggestion for off-season marketing is to create/promote content surrounding the idea of why visiting your city in the 'off season' is a good idea. If you have a hostel in San Francisco and the winters are slow, then use that time to tell potential travelers why they should be coming to your city around that time. Here are some blog ideas:
The idea is to get people excited to come to your city during that time by providing useful travel info.
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