If you run a motel, you’ve probably heard that “content marketing” is key to business. And it’s true: content can help travelers discover your property, build trust before they arrive and remind previous guests to book again.

However, most motel owners hesitate because they think it means posting daily on social media, filming complicated videos or writing endless blog posts that nobody ever reads. None of those is true.

The fact is, you can create simple, useful travel-related content that works for you long after it’s published. You don’t need to post every day or be on every platform. You just need to create the right kind of content: the kind that inspires travel, answers questions and positions your motel as the easy choice.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Create Local Travel Guides That Answer Real Traveler Questions

Travelers search for answers before they book:

“Where’s the best diner in town?”

“What’s the fastest route to the beach?”

“What can I do if it rains during my stay?”

By creating short, clear local guides, you become a trusted resource, not just a place to stay.

What to do:

• Write blogs like “48 Hours in Boulder” or “Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities Near Flagstaff.”

• Keep it simple, yet value-driven: a few paragraphs, photos and your best insider tips.

• Share the guide on your social media and link it in your booking confirmation emails.

Why it works: When you answer traveler’s questions, they trust you more. And they see booking with you as the start of their trip, not just the bed at the end of the day.

2. Post Seasonal and Event-Based Content

Your town has a rhythm: festivals, fairs, sports, college graduations and other ongoing gatherings. These events drive demand and your content should meet that demand head-on.

What to do:

• Publish a short post or social update highlighting event details, parking tips or how close your motel is to the venue.

• Pair it with an availability notice: “We’re a 6-minute walk from [event name]. Book your room before they’re all sold out!”

Why it works: Guests love convenience. If your content shows them you’re the easy choice during a busy weekend, they’ll book fast, especially when you make the connection for them.

3. Share “Insider” Local Content That Chains Can’t

Big brands can’t share personal and interesting stories about your town. But you can. And those stories make you memorable.

What to do:

• Highlight a local shop owner, musician or festival vendor you love.

• Post about a nearby hidden gem or scenic spot only the locals know.

• Share a “staff favorites” list: best breakfast, best hike or best coffee.

Why it works: Travelers want to feel like they’re part of something local. By showing your connection to the area, you make your motel the gateway to an authentic experience.

4. Reuse and Repurpose Content Across Platforms

One of the biggest mistakes motel owners make is thinking they need to create something new for every platform. Instead, you can leverage one piece of content across multiple platforms to save time and see what sticks.

What to do:

• Write a blog post about “5 Must-See Spots Near Orlando” then break it into separate Facebook posts.

• Take your seasonal event post and then convert it into an email you send to prior guests.

• Use your local guide and then print it as a one-page handout for the front desk to hand out.

Why it works: Repurposing saves time and keeps your message consistent. Plus, travelers often need to see something more than once before they act. By thinking strategically, you can use one asset many times.

5. Use Photos as Content (No Pro Camera Required)

Travelers book with their eyes first. A quick, well-framed phone photo can be just as powerful as a professional shoot. In fact, authentic, less-polished content is working better than ever before these days.

What to do:

• Share sunrise or sunset shots from your property.

• Take candid photos of your staff welcoming guests.

• Feature happy (and consenting) traveling enjoying your amenities.

Why it works: Photos get attention faster than text, and they’re easy to share. Over time, they paint a visual story of your motel that’s far more compelling than a generic OTA listing.

6. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

A few pieces of good, evergreen content will bring in more bookings than a constant stream of throwaway posts. In other words, less is more (if you do it right.)

What to do:

• Aim for two solid blog posts per month.

• Update older guides so they stay relevant.

• Post on social once or twice a week with photos, tips or availability updates.

Why it works: Quality content builds authority, gets shared more often and works longer. You can spend less time posting and more time running your business while your content keeps attracting travelers.

Be a Travel Resource, Not Just “Another” Motel

When travelers see you as part of the trip, they tend to remember you. By crafting content that answers their questions, excites them about the destination and makes booking easy, you’ll get more guests without spending hours chasing trends.

At Slamdot, our expert team creates a “done-for-you” content marketing engine based on the latest strategies and trends. We’re able to handle every aspect from strategy to creation and tracking metrics. If you’re a motel that’s been looking to grow using proven digital marketing but is unsure where to start, we’d love to help.

Contact our team today for a free audit today!

See More Helpful Tips