In today’s digital-first world, the hospitality industry faces unprecedented challenges in attracting and converting potential guests. With travelers increasingly turning to online platforms for research and bookings, resorts and hotels must adapt their marketing strategies to stay competitive. Enter Facebook Ads—a game-changer in the realm of digital marketing.
During a recent episode of Performance Talks, Raina Moskowitz, Etsy’s Chief Operating and Marketing Officer, emphasized the importance of leveraging Facebook and Instagram to keep brands top of mind with customers. One compelling case study that highlights the transformative power of FB Ads is the success story of Ortner's Resort, a luxury destination that partnered with ADDITIVE, a hotel marketing and sales automation agency. By leveraging Facebook Ads lead ads, ADDITIVE was able to significantly increase qualified leads, booking inquiries, and final bookings for Ortner's Resort. The results were staggering: a 3.7X increase in qualified leads, a 62% decrease in cost per lead, and a 2X increase in final bookings.
This blog delves into how Facebook Ads, particularly lead ads, revolutionized Ortner's Resort’s marketing strategy, offering measurable ROI and cost efficiency. Whether you’re a resort owner, a marketing professional, or simply curious about the power of digital advertising, this story provides valuable insights into the future of hospitality marketing.
The hospitality industry is notoriously competitive. Resorts and hotels are constantly vying for the attention of potential guests, and the challenge of converting interest into bookings is more daunting than ever. Ortner's Resort faced this very issue. Despite its luxurious offerings and prime location, the resort struggled to generate qualified leads and convert them into bookings.
The problem was twofold: first, attracting the right audience—travelers genuinely interested in a luxury resort experience—and second, nurturing those leads through the customer journey to secure a booking. Traditional marketing methods, such as website-linked ads, were no longer sufficient. The cost per conversion was high, and the return on investment (ROI) was not meeting expectations.
ADDITIVE’s goal was clear: to increase the number of qualified leads, booking inquiries, and final bookings while minimizing the cost per conversion. The agency recognized that a new approach was needed—one that could effectively target and engage potential guests while optimizing the lead-to-booking process.
ADDITIVE’s solution was to integrate FB Ads lead ads into Ortner's Resort’s existing marketing strategy. Facebook Ads lead ads are designed to capture user information directly within the platform, making it easier for potential customers to express interest without leaving the app. This seamless experience is particularly effective in the hospitality industry, where reducing friction in the booking process is crucial.
The ad creative was meticulously designed to appeal to Ortner's Resort’s target audience. It featured stunning images of the resort, highlighting its luxurious amenities and serene environment. To incentivize engagement, the ad offered a €30 voucher for anyone who signed up to receive more details. The form was prefilled with the user’s name and email address, making it incredibly easy to submit.
ADDITIVE also implemented a two-step lead nurturing process. After capturing leads through the FB Ads, the agency followed up with personalized communication to guide potential guests through the booking process. This approach ensured that leads were not only captured but also effectively nurtured to conversion.
To measure the effectiveness of this strategy, ADDITIVE conducted a multi-cell A/B test. The test compared the performance of FB Ads lead ads with traditional website-linked ads. The results were clear: Facebook Ads lead ads outperformed traditional ads in every metric, from lead generation to final bookings.
The A/B test revealed the undeniable success of Facebook Ads lead ads for Ortner's Resort. Between November 3–17, 2022, campaigns with lead ads saw a 3.7X increase in qualified leads compared to ads that linked to the website. The cost per lead decreased by 62%, and lead inquiries increased by 3X. Most impressively, final bookings doubled, demonstrating the effectiveness of this strategy in driving real business results.
These metrics underscore the efficiency and effectiveness of Facebook Ads in hospitality marketing. By reducing the cost per lead and increasing the number of qualified leads and bookings, Facebook Ads offer a compelling solution for resorts and hotels looking to optimize their marketing spend.
By leveraging Topkee’s TAG technology, the campaign was able to precisely target and segment audiences, ensuring that the right message reached the right audience. Additionally, the use of TTO marketing tools allowed for seamless creative content customization and continuous optimization, keeping the ads fresh and engaging throughout the campaign.
The success of Ortner's Resort’s Facebook Ads campaign provides valuable insights for the wider hospitality industry. When implementing Facebook Ads for resorts or hotels, several best practices can significantly enhance campaign performance. First, focus on creative optimization. Use high - quality images and videos that highlight your property’s unique features, along with clear calls - to - action (CTAs) and incentives like discounts. This helps capture audience attention and drive engagement. Second, utilize Facebook’s advanced targeting options. Employ broad targeting to increase reach and frequency control to prevent ad fatigue. Create custom audiences based on user behavior and interests to ensure your ads reach potential guests. Third, prioritize measurement and testing. Conduct A/B testing on different ad creatives, CTAs, and targeting strategies. Use Facebook’s measurement tools to track key metrics, enabling data - driven decision - making. Finally, leverage AI and automation. Meta’s AI - powered automated ad optimization tools can enhance campaign effectiveness by optimizing ad delivery, targeting the right audience, and maximizing return on investment (ROI).
For example, Topkee’s TTO marketing tools enable businesses to segment audiences and tailor creative content based on specific audience lists, ensuring relevance and freshness. Regularly update creatives to combat fatigue, using tools like TM tracking modules to monitor performance and make data-driven adjustments. Facebook’s measurement tools, combined with Topkee’s TTO tracking modules, provide granular insights into traffic channels, media types, and creative performance. This data-driven approach allows for continuous optimization, ensuring campaigns remain aligned with business goals.
The success of Ortner's Resort’s Facebook Ads campaign demonstrates the transformative potential of digital advertising in the hospitality industry. By leveraging FB Ads lead ads, ADDITIVE was able to significantly increase qualified leads, booking inquiries, and final bookings while reducing the cost per conversion.
This case study offers valuable insights for resorts and hotels looking to elevate their marketing strategies. Facebook Ads provide a cost-effective, measurable, and highly efficient way to attract and convert potential guests. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, embracing digital advertising is no longer optional—it’s essential.
If you’re ready to transform your resort’s marketing strategy, consider partnering with a professional agency like ADDITIVE to harness the power of Facebook Ads. With the right approach, you can achieve similar success and take your business to new heights.