Hello Hotels! Let Them "Steal" Your Pens - Particularly if You Offer Nice Custom Pens!
Updated: Jun 17
In the hospitality industry, every detail contributes to a guest's experience, from the comfort of the bed to the quality of the toiletries. But have you ever considered the power of a simple pen? Yes, that little writing instrument you leave in guest rooms. Not just any pen, but a high-quality, custom-branded pen. Encouraging guests to take your pens can actually be a brilliant marketing strategy that benefits your hotel in unexpected ways.
Custom pens are more than just functional items; they are powerful marketing tools. Here’s why letting your guests take your pens can be advantageous:
Brand Visibility
Daily Use: A pen is a practical item used daily. Each time a guest uses your pen, they are reminded of their stay at your hotel.
Extended Reach: As guests take these pens to various locations—workplaces, schools, meetings—your hotel’s name and logo travel with them, reaching a wider audience.
Positive Association
Quality Impressions: A well-designed, high-quality pen leaves a positive impression. Guests associate the elegance and functionality of the pen with your hotel, reinforcing the idea that your hotel values quality and attention to detail.
Subtle Reminders: A branded pen can subtly remind guests of the pleasant experiences they had at your hotel, making them more likely to return.
Cost-Effective Advertising:
Low Investment, High Return: Custom pens are relatively inexpensive to produce in bulk, making them a cost-effective marketing tool compared to other advertising methods.
Perpetual Promotion: Unlike advertisements that run for a limited time, pens have a long lifespan, providing continuous promotion.
Quality Is Key
To maximize the benefits, it’s important to invest in designing a pen that stands out. Here are some tips for creating the perfect custom pen:
Quality Materials: Opt for durable materials like metal or high-grade plastic. A sturdy, well-made pen is more likely to be used and appreciated.
Elegant Design: Choose a sleek, attractive design that reflects the sophistication of your hotel. Consider ergonomic designs that are comfortable to hold and use.
Brand Elements: Include your hotel’s logo, name, and perhaps a subtle tagline. Ensure the branding is clear but not overwhelming. Use colors that align with your hotel's branding to maintain a cohesive look.
Functional Features: Pens with additional features like styluses, highlighters, or laser pointers can add value and increase their appeal.
Location Location Location
Once you have your perfect pens, it’s time to make them accessible and encourage guests to take them home:
Strategic Placement: Place pens in key areas such as guest rooms, the front desk, conference rooms, and the hotel’s business center. Ensure that the pens are easily noticeable and accessible.
Subtle Prompts: Include a small note with the pen, inviting guests to take it as a complimentary gift. A friendly message like “Enjoy this pen as a token of your stay with us!” can be effective.
Special Occasions: Distribute branded pens during special events, conferences, and meetings held at your hotel. They make excellent takeaways that participants will use and keep.
Tracking
To understand the impact of your custom pen strategy, consider tracking the following metrics:
Guest Feedback: Include questions about the custom pens in post-stay surveys to gauge guest reactions and satisfaction.
Return Visits: Monitor whether there’s an increase in return visits or bookings from guests who have taken the pens.
Social Media Mentions: Encourage guests to share photos of their pens on social media using a specific hashtag. This can increase your hotel’s online visibility and engagement.
In the world of hospitality, it’s often the small details that leave the most lasting impressions. By providing high-quality, custom-branded pens and encouraging guests to take them, you’re not only offering a thoughtful, practical gift but also creating a powerful, cost-effective marketing tool. These pens travel far beyond the confines of your hotel, spreading brand awareness and fostering positive associations long after your guests have checked out. So, go ahead, let them steal your pens – it’s a strategy that writes itself!
Most Popular Types of Custom Merch (click on image to get more info)
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