The importance of brand image in the hospitality sector

The importance of brand image in the hospitality sector

If you’re looking to deliver an exceptional service, you must first concentrate on how your brand looks to the public. Brand awareness is one of the most significant factors that contribute to the successful running of a business. You want to make a great first impression that will last if you have aims to increase your consumer base and become a thought-leader in your sector.

Your staff are the face of your brand and you need to make sure that it’s well represented. Through team building activities to teaming up with a corporate clothing supplier, there’s so much you can do to improve current processes.

Especially in hospitality, there’s always room for improvement around your own staff and how this could lead to customer retention.

A relationship with your customers

So much so, 76% of adults in the UK have said that the relationship brands have with consumers is more important than the actual product. Although you should also be prioritising the quality of your products (to reduce returns and negative reviews), you should be constantly reviewing your current customer service methods and continually think of ways that you can improve the overall service.

If you operate in the hospitality sector, it’s always crucial that you continuously make improvements around the level of customer service you offer — making each visit from a holidaymaker somewhat unique. According to one study, 80% of businesses already believe that they deliver a superior service to their consumers – but only 8% of shoppers actually agree with this statement.

If the first time a customer interacts with your brand is good, they’re more likely to become loyal — first impressions count. Not only that, but if you’re looking to increase your consumer acquisition rates – this is a good avenue to go down. 84% of people make a purchase because of a referral; so if your first impression is worthwhile, it could lead to additional business.

The way forward for your business

Uniforms are almost a tradition in the hospitality sector and is something that should continue to prosper. You need to ensure that your employees are identifiable to customers and this can only be achieved by designing a uniform that stands out; while catering to each type of individual that works for you (considering religions etc).

As well as this, uniforms represent your business – so you must design them in the correct way and prioritise employee comfort to ensure you receive the best delivery from them.

As new technologies and new methods of customer service come into play, you should begin skill development activities. This should- cover ways that they interact with consumers of all kind (race, religion, disability) and offer the most efficient service possible to show that you’re a reputable brand. On top of this training, you should also make your staff aware of any new products or services that you begin to offer so that they can give customers all of the information that they require.

Never underestimate the power of great customer service — get it right first time.