How to tell your "Green" story- as a hotel business

If you are a green or environmentally friendly establishment, you have plenty of opportunities to tout your green credentials in the right way to consumers who really care.

You also need to know,- what works and what doesn’t regarding your advertising target market

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a commitment to save the earth
• a will of becoming green establishment
• a creative mind
• a marketing strategy

1. 
   Street frontal view of the Usonain Inn

   Welcome your customers at your "GREEN" establishments with a brief introduction about your eco-friendly changes. Let them know what to expect.

2. 
   logo

   Implement and post "GREEN" policy at your establishment.
   Make it obvious by placing those Recycle bins in an easy to reach area and outdoor throughout the property. Facts speaks more then words. Use signage like: "Help US Stay GREEN" - by the A/C unit, - it will be a good reminder.

3. 
   newly remodeled bathroom

   Share your accomplishments with your patrons. Briefly describe New VS Old, like toilets flushing 1.6gal/use VS 4gal/use in the old days.
   Focus on optimistic stories and positive solutions. In times of economic uncertainty, consumers want to hear stories of hope and opportunities — what’s possible.

4. 
   Open communication

   Talk about your environmental commitment publicly and often to the consumers who value it the most.
   Public relations is one of the most effective strategies for educating the green consumer and telling your story.

5. 
   green and clean

   Go beyond awareness and show people how to get involved. People want to know how they can participate to help your efforts in helping the environment. Show them how your hotel or destination is getting involved, and what they can do to get involved, and how their participation or stay makes a difference. Recycle, shut off lights when away from the room for a longer period. They can leave behind magazines and other prints they don't need,- that you - the property owner, can recycle for them.

6. 
   value

   One thing you do need to know is that consumers are driven by values.
   If they are aware of your brand and believe your values and philosophies, then they’ll support you. The way they work is to first become aware of your progress, then find a way for them to fit into their personal at home, green lifestyle.

Tips & Warnings

• use a blog on your web side to inform your customers on the progress you make
• ask people for input on changes you have made
• let people be a little surprise by some changes
• do NOT get into a very lengthy introduction of your property and all changes

Resources

• Where History Meets the GREEN Future!
• Celebrate life, health and sustainability

[vallain]

on 12/30/2008 I hope other hotels take this advice and "go green" and use it to promote their services.

[1960texan]

on 12/15/2008 Great tips on passing on the "Green Lifestyle". Hope to visit your establishment one day.

[miasavc]

on 12/12/2008 Great tips! Thanks! ***** and recommendation!

[cadosh]

on 12/9/2008 thank you for stopping by! This is for sure a learning progress.

[QueenofMisc]

on 12/9/2008 Clearly I need to learn more about going green. I know it's a good thing. Good info.