The New Rules of Hospitality Marketing: What’s Working in 2025
Remember when a good Yelp review and some Facebook posts were enough? Those days are long gone. The hospitality game has changed, and if you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind.
Let’s break down what’s actually working right now, no fluff:
Social Media: It’s Not Just About Pretty Pictures Anymore Sure, your food needs to look good on Instagram, but that’s bare minimum now. The real winners are creating experiences specifically for social sharing. We’re talking interactive moments, behind-the-scenes content that feels exclusive, and staff personalities becoming micro-influencers.
Quick example: One of our Detroit clients, a downtown cocktail bar, started letting their bartenders take over their TikTok account. The result? Their signature drink videos went viral, and now people come in asking for “that blue drink from TikTok” by name.
Digital-First Experience is Non-Negotiable
- Mobile ordering? Basic.
- Virtual wait lists? Expected.
- Personalized push notifications? Getting there.
- AI-powered reservation systems that remember guest preferences? Now we’re talking.
But here’s the twist – the tech needs to enhance the human experience, not replace it. The spots crushing it right now are using tech to free up their staff to be more personal, not less.
The New VIP Treatment VIP isn’t just about velvet ropes anymore. It’s about creating moments that make every guest feel like the main character. We’re seeing venues crush it with:
- Personalized welcome messages
- Birthday guests getting their names in lights
- Custom menu recommendations based on past visits
- Surprise and delight moments triggered by loyalty data
Real Talk: What’s Actually Moving the Needle
- Video content is king, but make it authentic. Raw, behind-the-scenes content often outperforms polished ads.
- User-generated content is your best friend. Encourage it, reward it, showcase it.
- Community involvement matters more than ever. Local partnerships and events create stories worth sharing.
The Biggest Mistake We’re Seeing Trying to be everywhere at once. Pick your platforms based on where your actual customers hang out, not where you think you should be.
Looking Ahead The future of hospitality marketing is personal, tech-enabled, and experience-driven. But don’t get it twisted – all the fancy tech in the world can’t save bad service or mediocre food.
Want to know if you’re on the right track? Ask yourself: “Would I share this on my personal social?” If the answer’s no, back to the drawing board.
