Did you know that images play a 60% role in the decision-making when a potential guest is looking for a hotel online? In the hospitality industry, stunning images definitely help to create a great first impression. Do not let these bad practices affect your hotel image.
1. Combine new and old photos on your website
It confuses the guests and gives distrust. The same applies for OTA's. If you have already invested in new photos, update all the distribution channels.
2. Too many props in the photo
"Dressing" the rooms with items that are not included in the rate such as fruit baskets, wine glasses or other amenities can cause the guest to feel cheated and give opportunity to complaints and bad reviews. The rooms should always be photographed as the guest will find them.
3. Excessive retouching
It looks fake and people might think you have something to hide and will always wonder if they will find the place exactly as it looks in the photo.
4. Images processed in HDR (High Dynamic Range)
This style of photography sought to dramatically and strikingly highlight the color in the images and was widely used in social media, but now it looks outdated, fake and many hotel brands are banning it in their identity guidelines and lean towards more natural images with almost no retouching.
5. Poor framing
It is the typical mistake of using vertical photos in horizontal format or vice versa that is very common in the galleries inside the hotel's website, social networks and OTA's. The goal here is to always try to frame the images so they work well in any format.
6. Try to capture everything in one shot
Including too many elements in an image makes it look busy and people might lose interest. The best way to do it is to look for focal points that attract attention, for example, the view of the room, the tub inside the bathroom, an wide shot where you see the pool and the chairs, etc.
7. Using hotel guests instead of professional models.
It may sound like a good idea and guests may accept it in exchange for an upgrade or free cocktails at the pool, but you should also take in consideration that most people are not used to be in front of a camera and their discomfort is noticeable in the photos. If you're investing in a professional photographer, it pays off to work with professionals models as well.