Study: Optimized images increase hotel ad click-thrus

Intent Media studied how hotels advertising online increased click-thrus from an online travel site. After optimizing the images attached to the ads the average click-thru increased about 15%. In some cases CTRs increased 100%.

Other than optimizing the image, nothing was changed in the ad - pricing, descriptions, placement and ratings remained the same.

"We tested multiple images for the same hotels," said Richard Harris, CEO of Intent Media, "We knew we'd see some difference between the winners and losers, but the degree of difference surprised us. The impact this can have on a hotel's ability to be considered, and thus booked, is pretty significant. . .This data is pretty compelling and we're glad that our system is letting hotels gather this kind of learning. Understanding which image consumers best respond to is learning they can apply across their marketing and sales efforts."

Also of interest, the hotel company allowed Intent to study the interactions of actual consumers not just a focus group.

While this study was specific to hotel ads, correlations can be draw to retail ads, and some other categories. By optimizing images advertising can create a more relevant experience for the consumer.

Tags: ad click-thrus, CTR trends, hotel advertising, Intent Media, online advertising, travel marketing trends