In the world of hospitality, a picture truly is worth a thousand words—and potentially thousands in revenue. In today’s digital age, your property’s online presence is often the first impression potential guests will have. And that impression? It’s heavily influenced by the quality of your photographs. Bad photography can not only deter guests but also diminish the trust and allure of your establishment. Read how bad photos impact hotel revenue.
Imagine spending hours crafting the perfect guest experience only to lose out on bookings because your photos fail to capture your property’s true beauty. It’s a harsh reality that many accommodation providers face. But the good news? You have the power to turn this around. By enhancing your photography, you can highlight what makes your property unique and irresistible.
Dive into this guide to discover how high-quality images can transform your online presence, attract more guests, and ultimately boost your bookings. Don’t let poor photos hold you back—let’s make every shot count!
How bad photos can impact more than hotel revenue.
The results of a recent survey done by Eviivo are fascinating and show how essential photography is. The study proved that 82% of British guests are put off by bad photos. Furthermore, 1 in 3 believe a bad photo means they can expect bad service.
The researchers went even further to prove their point by teaming up with an interior designer, Sophie Robinson, to compare her photos to the ones taken by an inexperienced photographer, of the same room, without any changes made to it, other than moving items around.
According to Sophie Robinson: “The way you style your photographs can make all the difference to the impression that they give your prospective guests.”
Top Tips to improve your photography
- To make the bed look more luxurious and comfy, turn down the top of the duvet in front of the pillows, and tuck in neatly.
- Add a small vase with a couple of fresh flowers to make a room look fresh and clean.
- When styling the bed, make it look really inviting by adding a few scatter cushions.
- Get as much natural daylight into the room as possible or if the room doesn’t have enough natural light, use the lamps to create a cosy glow.
- Remove the extras like the bin or heater before taking the photo.
- Photograph your rooms on a cloudy day as this avoids bright white streaks of sunlight bleaching out areas of your photograph and creating sharp shadows.
- Before you take your photos make sure your rooms look their absolute best. Spick and span with smear free mirrors and taps, freshly laundered pressed bed linen, and every surface polished and gleaming.
In the end, the quality of photos used in your marketing can really impact your revenue. Poor-quality images can deter potential guests, leading to lower booking rates and a diminished reputation. In the highly competitive hospitality industry, visually appealing and professionally taken photos (even if it is just by you: READ: How to take great photographs) are not just a luxury but a necessity. They serve as a critical touchpoint for guests, often forming their first impression of your guest house, hotel or Bed & Breakfast.
READ: What you need to know to use Instagram effectively
[With thanks to eviivo.com.]