Uncovering the Secrets to Success: Who Your Competition Is in Hotel Floristry
Breaking into the world of hotel floristry can feel like an exciting yet daunting task. One key step to success is understanding who your competition is. By identifying the florists currently working with the hotels you want to target, you can gather valuable insights about what they offer and how you can stand out.
Let’s walk you through three actionable strategies to uncover who the hotel florists are in your market and how to use this knowledge to shape your approach.
1. Leverage Instagram Hashtags
Instagram is one of the best tools for discovering your competition. Begin by searching hashtags that are associated with your target hotels. For example, if you’re researching the Hilton Americas in Houston, try hashtags like:
- #HiltonHouston
- #HiltonAmericasHouston
- #HoustonHilton
Scroll through the posts, focusing on images of the lobby or hotel flowers. More often than not, the florist responsible for these displays will have tagged themselves or been tagged by others.
This method is an easy way to find out who your competition is and to start understanding their style, strengths, and engagement.
2. Dive Into the Hotel’s Tagged Photos
On a hotel’s Instagram account, there’s a tab where you can see all the photos they’ve been tagged in. This is a goldmine of information. Browse through these tagged posts, paying attention to any featuring flowers in the lobby or public spaces.
Click on the posts that stand out, and look at the original content creator. Is it a florist? If so, you’ve just identified a potential competitor. This strategy helps you see not only the work your competition is doing but also how they’re engaging with the hotel and its audience.
3. Go Straight to the Source
Sometimes, the best way to find out who your competition is, is by asking directly. Visit the hotel and request to speak to the general manager. During your conversation, express your interest in working with the hotel and ask if they currently have a florist on contract. If they do, find out:
- Who their florist is.
- How long the current contract will last.
- When they plan to accept new proposals.
This direct approach not only gives you clarity but also introduces you to the decision-makers who could potentially hire you. We created this blog with more insightful information on what to do when the hotel says they already have a florist for you.
Building Your Competitive Edge
Once you’ve identified your competitors, follow them on social media and pay attention to what they post. Observe their strengths and areas where they might be lacking. Use this information to create a database of your findings, which will help you craft a compelling proposal that highlights how you’re different—and better.
Why Knowing Your Competition Matters
Understanding who your competition is allows you to position yourself effectively. You’ll know what hotels are used to, what gaps you can fill, and how to highlight your unique strengths.
Already a florist and eager to expand into luxury hotels and create consistent income? Come join over 135 florists in the 7 Day Challenge! It’s packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.
Keep blooming, Franceska
PS: Did you know I have a bestselling book on working with hotels? It’s available on Amazon! Discover the “cliff-notes” of our group coaching program, the Hotel Florist Profit Method, where you can learn more about what flowers to use, design mechanics and more on this topic!
