Ready to start your campground marketing automation, but want to do it right?
Marketing automation is a game-changer for outdoor hospitality owners looking to streamline operations, improve guest communication, and drive more bookings. However, if not implemented correctly, automation can create inefficiencies, alienate potential guests, and hurt your bottom line. Have questions about what we mean by campground marketing automation? Go back and read our articles from earlier this month here. Here are five campground marketing automation mistakes owners must avoid—and how to fix them.
1. Overlooking Personalization in Email Marketing
The Mistake: Many campground owners rely on generic, one-size-fits-all automated emails to communicate with past and potential guests. This approach can lead to disengagement and lower booking conversion rates.
The Fix: Use segmentation and personalization to tailor your emails based on guest behavior, booking history, and preferences. For example, instead of sending a blanket email to all past visitors, send personalized emails like:
- A ‘(First Name), We Miss You!’ email to past campers who haven’t booked in a year.
- A ‘Loyal Camper Discount Just for You, (First Name)’ for returning guests.
- Special offers based on previous campsite selections (e.g., lakeside, pet-friendly, or premium RV spots).
2. Failing to Automate Guest Follow-Ups and Reviews
The Mistake: Many campgrounds don’t follow up with guests after their stay, missing an opportunity to build loyalty and generate online reviews.
The Fix: Set up automated post-stay emails thanking guests for visiting and prompting them to leave a review on Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor (or your preferred review site). Consider offering a small incentive, like a discount on a future stay, to encourage reviews. Positive guest feedback boosts your campground’s credibility and attracts more campers.
3. Using the Wrong Chatbot or Ignoring Live Chat
The Mistake: Many campground websites either don’t use chat automation or rely on a poorly configured chatbot that frustrates potential guests.
The Fix: Implement an AI-driven chatbot that can answer frequently asked questions, such as:
- “What are your check-in/check-out times?”
- “Do you allow pets?”
- “Do you have full hookup RV sites?”
Pair this with a live chat option during business hours so a staff member can jump in when needed. A well-executed chatbot enhances the customer experience, reduces phone calls, and increases bookings.
4. Ignoring Abandoned Booking Recovery Emails
The Mistake: A potential guest starts to book a campsite but abandons the process halfway through. Without automation, these lost bookings go unnoticed.
The Fix: Set up abandoned cart emails to remind users to complete their bookings. Include:
- A friendly reminder about their selected dates and site type.
- A limited-time offer (e.g., 10% off if they book within 24 hours).
- A direct link to complete their reservation.
This simple automation can recover thousands of dollars in lost bookings. Tools like Hubspot can be great for setting this up.
5. Not Leveraging SMS and Push Notifications
The Mistake: Campgrounds relying solely on email for automated communication often see lower engagement, as emails may go unread or lost in inbox clutter.
The Fix: Incorporate SMS and push notifications for:
- Last-minute availability alerts (e.g., “A premium lakefront RV site just opened up for this weekend!”)
- Check-in reminders and keyless entry instructions.
- Weather and event updates to keep guests informed during their stay.
SMS has an estimated 98% open rate, making it one of the most effective marketing automation tools for campground owners. Compare this to email open rates, which, for the travel industry hovers around 34%, that is a HUGE increase!
Final Thoughts
Marketing automation can be a powerful tool for campground and RV park owners, but only when used correctly. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can maximize your automation efforts to improve guest experience, increase bookings, and streamline operations.
Need help optimizing your campground’s digital marketing strategy? Martrek Digital specializes in helping outdoor hospitality businesses like yours thrive online. Contact us today to book a free consultation!
📢 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more campground marketing tips!
