In the last decades before technology and the master of hospitality photography has evolved, beautiful architectural images were enough to describe a space.
Today in our competitive market, hotels and resorts are looking to refine their visuals and to translate into revenue maker.
Our industry in perspective to others require high-knowledge in architectural photography, interior design with emphasis on hospitality industry and deep understanding in marketing and consumer behaviour to achieve the right type of images that sells.
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High-end Visuals that sells
By research 2/3 of internet users will choose hotels that have more attractive images.
American market research has discovered that in the US (New York, Los Angeles) and even Europe one of the three main criteria besides price and location is the visuals even before reviewing by other travelers.
While many properties think that any beautiful image is one that can yield the same results, is equivalent to saying any cook can create a chef’s meal.
Hotel Guests Photos
While you might be thinking that the next-door property is your main competitor, don’t forget that thousands of guests capture their own experience while visiting your property.
It is crucial to keep updating your images and to show the true quality of your space in those online reviews and booking websites.
Your guests won’t have any standards for photography, as they document the moment as they go, this can lead to reducing the appeal of your property, so keep in mind all those visuals that are been posted online and travel agencies.
Which hotel photographer should I choose?
Like every hiring process, you must start with a professional that has the adequate experience and portfolio to back it up.
See if their portfolio of luxury hotels and motels is the same level of quality.
See if they are trusted by other major brands and pre-approved to work with them.
One of the things new customers like to see with our studio is that we are approved by Hilton and their luxury brands worldwide, the same applies to other leading brands such as Hilton, MGM Resorts, Caesar’s Entertainment, and others.
Virtual Tours for Hotels
While a virtual tour is a great tool, it does not fit for luxury purposes as you want to create an experience nor take them to look at every screw and scratch in your property.
While the technology is amazing, there are very limited tools when it comes to commercial imagery and the ability to enhance or reduce what is and is not needed, also many people get “disoriented and dizzy” viewing those tours, especially the elderly.
How hotel can attract social influencers
Social media influencers like YouTubers, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTokers are looking for the same visual experience for their work/vacation needs.
As competition arises, Your imagery should reflect the same experience that the influencer’s audience is looking for.
By having top-notch imagery you can almost guarantee to attract more paying influencers to your property.
Images that tell a story
Your photos must not be only stunning, they should be also informative, hinting at the views, amenities, design, and experience all in one image.
Do you understand everything your property has to offer from one glance? if not, how should your guest?
Increase Hotel Average time On the website Page.
While images will increase the time of a potential guest on your website, leading to a higher ranking in the search engines, Don’t forget that Google can’t read images and it is crucial to add a proper title, tag, and information to describe each and every visual on your site.
In order to increase the return of customers to your website, make sure you keep refreshing your visuals and mixing them once every few months through all your website, pages, and listings.
Also, images will end up in the search engine “image” tab, allowing clients the find you based on a visual reverse search when they have seen your images elsewhere.
Different Views Different Photos
The biggest miss of our industry, Is that many hotels only photograph one set of views.
This means, if they have a “city view” and a “mountain view” for the same type of room, they will only capture one of them and showcase the room.
While many properties charge different rates for the type of room views, it is crucial to set up the expectation of your guest well before they arrive with the right type of images that emphasizes each and every view.
Even if the views are not breathtaking a skilled photographer will know how to turn a bad situation into a good one.
Also when the season changes drastically between winter and summer, we recommend having those magical visuals for each of the main seasons as each has its own charm.
Increase web traffic and ranking for your hotel
While images will increase the time of a potential guest on your website, leading to a higher ranking in the search engines, Don’t forget that Google can’t read images and it is crucial to add a proper title, tag, and information to describe each and every visual on your site.
In order to increase the return of customers to your website, make sure you keep refreshing your visuals and mixing them once every few months through all your website, pages, and listings.
Also, images will end up in the search engine “image” tab, allowing clients the find you based on a visual reverse search when they have seen your images elsewhere.
Taking your hotel to the next level
One of the things that make our studio special is our combined experience in different hospitality fields such as architecture and design, retail stores, restaurants and cafes, convention and venue places, lighting, and furniture.
Also as a frequent traveler both in the US, Europe, and the Middle East, we are constantly are been inspired by different levels of accommodations and working alongside brilliant marketing professionals worldwide.
In conclusion:
There is no such thing as a good spot in the middle, always strive to be second to none, and your photography partner should be the same, positioning you as an industry leader even if you are not a 5 start or a triple Dimond hotel.
- Look for consistency in their portfolio, making sure you will receive similar results when working with them.
- See which international hotels brands already approved and proofed them, to minimize unnecessary risk.
- Your visual partner can consult on how to approach each project based on their experience saving you time and maximizing the return.
- Keep updating your images every 6-12 months across all platforms, remember people are looking for a reason to choose you.
- Make sure the visuals represent as much information as possible and don’t forget to add descriptions and tags on your website.
