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How to Get a Press Rate or Media Stay from a Hotel

I wanted to post this kind of blog to share my secrets in getting a free media stay from a hotel. Hopefully you’ll try it for yourself!

Being a travel blogger is never easy. It takes a lot of determination and sometimes even some questionable strategies to look for a low cost hotel, right? While it would be nice if you could always travel without spending too much money, that unfortunately isn’t the case. That’s why I’ve found this little way around it.

 

Many hotels are willing to provide you with a complimentary or heavily discounted stay in exchange for a blog post promoting the hotel. Not bad, right?

You will inevitably be turned down at one point or another, especially if the hotel is already covered in free publicity. But it can’t hurt to try, and that’s what this post is all about. To help you out with getting started, we’ve come up with a few tips that you can and should use if you want to receive travel discounts as a blogger.

E-mail Subject

You should be direct and to the point. Don’t say any wishy-washy words. Think of a strong subject that could easily catch the attention of the receiver (like a Marketing manager). Know what your goal is and what the email message should be out.


Ex.       Blog Inquiry: Featuring (Hotel Name) In A Digital Travel Magazine


The example above has a strong subject. The words “featuring” and “digital travel magazine” could really capture the receiver’s attention and get them to open the e-mail you sent, which is half the battle. Even if you consider yourself a regular old blogger, you are a travel writer. Keep in mind, however, that you can’t throw a blog up in a day and expepct this to work just so you get discounted hotel states. Your blog needs to appear professional, and so do you!

Don’t forget to write the hostel’s name so they will feel acknowledged and respected.

Salutation

Just so simple and easy! Research the company websites and look for the name of the Marketing Manager. If not found, you can address him/her like this.


Ex.        To the Marketing Manager: (Hotel Name)


Introduction

What could be the best way to start your message?

  • Present yourself

When sending e-mails to people you’ve never met or worked with before, presenting and saying something about yourself will make them more comfortable. Make it brief. Say something about why you are writing to them. Here’s an example:


I am Michael John, a travel blogger and I run the popular travel blog Chase Your Dreams. I am writing this to you today to secure a sponsored stay at your hotel in exchange for extra online exposure for your company. I am hoping to secure 3 nights and 4 days in your hotel from (date) to (date). As a popular travel blogger, I would like to talk to you about featuring your hotel on my website.


In securing for a free accommodation at a hotel, you must say “popular travel blog” so they find you interesting and professional. It would be the best chance to grab an opportunity for exposure and collaboration. Remember, be precise about the dates you are arriving to make it easy for them to check availability. But if they tell you that your date is not available, then it’s best if you adjust to their calendar.

Paragraph 1

Talk about the significance of your blog. Try to compare your blog to point out your importance and difference with others. Inform and educate the company about the articles you write. You can write this:


My Website 

Chase Your Dreams is my own website which focuses on empowering men and women to travel around the world without limitations, providing functional travel tips and inspiring travel bloggers and readers. This blog is a trusted source for travel tips and destination guides and is interesting and exciting in presenting beautiful destinations, locations and accommodations in every area I visit. I have reviewed a lot of hotels and b&b’s in different countries with the help of online resources. You can go to this link for my previous review (link). My website has a profound and devoted audience, which helped me enhance my expertise in social media.


Every detail you put there makes a difference when it’s read by the receiver of the message. Add something like “My own website” on top to make sure the Marketing Manager has a clear and precise idea of what you are doing. In this case, it would be great to provide a link/s to the previous reviews you made for other companies or hostels.

Paragraph 2

Do not reiterate everything you already stated in paragraph 1.

In the second paragraph, it’s your chance to talk about your social media expertise and experience. How many followers do you have? Is your audience interactive and open minded? Let them know that you can really give them something great and satisfying in the form of a blog or review in terms of this field. See example below:


What I Can Offer You:

In exchange for a sponsored stay, I can offer you some high quality advertising- word of mouth. You will be given:

A professionally written blog post that features high quality images dedicated solely to my time with you, including a link to your company or hostel’s website and social media pages;

  • Facebook videos, photos and status updates during my visit (20,000 + fans)
  • Tweets during my visit (20,000+ followers)
  • Instagram photos and videos during the visit
  • TripAdvisor Review (I am a Senior Reviewer)

Moreover, I can also use my social media presence on Facebook, YouTube, Google+, P interest and StumbleUpon.


Closing Paragraph

Well, this should be the last part. The last part must include your gratitude whether they finished reading the letter until the bottom or not. Just accept the fact that not all can finish reading it. This could be a good closing paragraph.


Thank you for spending time to read my proposal. I know your time is valuable and I greatly recognize and appreciate you for considering my inquiry. I look forward to hearing from you and further discussing how we can work together. Have a great day! 

Important Things to Remember:

  • Always provide a link to your website. Remember to put your blog name and link its URL to your recipient. A
  • Be mindful about copying/pasting. I know you’re sending same e-mail contents to all complimentary hotel stay transactions, and you should consider this one. That said, before sending an e-mail, review all the details, especially the subject and salutation parts. Remember, don’t feel as if you’re rushing to avoid possible errors and disappointments. For example: Imagine sending an email with “Hi Micheal!” as your salutation, but the name of your receiver is Sharon. Yikes. Review your content until your e-mail is ready to send.

Are you ready to send your first complimentary hotel stay e-mail? Good luck!

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Lifetailored has partnered with Creditcards.com for our coverage of credit card products. Lifetailored and Creditcards.com may receive a commission from card issuers Additional Disclosure: This site has affiliate links. We may be compensated when users make a purchase or register to a third party website. For more details read our privacy policy.

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