---
title: "Special Series: Quick-Start Guide to Hospitality Social Media Marketing 05"
description: "KakaoTalk isn't just Korea's messenger—it's the marketing channel you can't afford to skip. With 40M users and near-total market penetration, Plus Friends turns chat into direct customer access."
published: 2019-05-06T00:00:00+00:00
author: "ONDA 편집팀"
category: "Insights"
image: "https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9e120a25ab3de7a74d822_62e76776ab6135f4df25b837_5e942a1c36c30b2b55e8c262_vol29_sns_cover-e1557717415504.jpeg"
canonical: https://global.onda.me/en/blog?slug=teugbyeolyeonjae-bbalri-baeweo-baro-silceonhaneun-sugso-sns-maketing-05
locale: en
---
# Special Series: Quick-Start Guide to Hospitality Social Media Marketing 05

![vol29_sns_cover](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9e120a25ab3de7a74d822_62e76776ab6135f4df25b837_5e942a1c36c30b2b55e8c262_vol29_sns_cover-e1557717415504.jpeg)

### **05. Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (2): KakaoTalk Plus Friends**

**Writer: ONDA Manager Somora**

### **Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (2): KakaoTalk Plus Friends**

Hello, Magazine ON readers! How was your April? The flowers have all fallen, and we've welcomed May with fresh green shoots everywhere. May is family month—holidays, great weather, and the season when booking rates start climbing.

Now's the time to ramp up promotion for the busy season ahead. Marketing matters more than ever, right? Today, in the second installment of our simple social media marketing series, we're diving into KakaoTalk Plus Friends.

I chose this platform second because you simply can't ignore the power of **KakaoTalk**. When I teach external seminars on social media marketing, I always ask the audience:

**_"Anyone here NOT using KakaoTalk? Raise your hand."_**

The result? Not a single hand. Doesn't matter where I am in Korea—100% of the room uses KakaoTalk. It's replaced SMS. It's replaced phone calls. KakaoTalk chat, KakaoTalk voice calls—it's completely universal.

Launched in March 2010, **KakaoTalk** became a hit by replacing expensive text messaging. Some say it drove smartphone adoption in Korea. Today, its dominance is staggering: over 600 million cumulative downloads, 90%+ messenger market share in Korea, and around 40 million domestic users. That's 80% of the entire population—from newborns to centenarians—using KakaoTalk. After merging with Daum in 2014, Kakao expanded into every industry and became a unicorn.

Naturally, KakaoTalk transformed digital marketing. Businesses and consumers could now connect directly through one app, reshaping marketing strategy. Customers find KakaoTalk more convenient than face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or web searches. Sensing this shift, Kakao launched an ambitious service for businesses in late 2011:

**KakaoTalk Plus Friends.**

### **What Is KakaoTalk Plus Friends?**

KakaoTalk Plus Friends is a free business hub inside KakaoTalk. Just like regular KakaoTalk, businesses can easily share information, news, and offers with customers. It's packed with features for business users:

**Posts** to publish property updates, **Messages** to deliver news and promotions, **Chat** for real-time customer conversations, **Statistics** to track performance at a glance, various **promotional tools** to grow your friend count, and a dedicated **admin mobile app**.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23ef885fb184f574001_62e76776ab6135040025b83c_5e942a1cf70fbbbc8d0fd6d4_sns_screenshot-01.png)

KakaoTalk business service: Plus Friends

### **Why Plus Friends Works**

Plus Friends has clear advantages. First, it **aggregates all your business content**—news, updates, announcements, promotions—into one visible space. You can create a business hub inside KakaoTalk and drive users to your website, app, or videos with a single button click.

Second, you can **publish posts in various formats**: photos, videos, card views, etc. Posts support likes and comments, so you get immediate feedback. They're also shareable, amplifying reach across other channels.

Third, **messages deliver 100%**. Push real-time alerts, announcements, events, discount coupons, and more directly to customers who've added you as a friend. Choose from wide, card, list, or standard message types. Target precisely to maximize engagement.

Fourth, **chat with customers in real-time**. Everyone uses KakaoTalk 1:1 chat. Business accounts let you set available hours, manage chat lists, add notes, and create auto-replies for common questions—making customer support smooth and efficient.

Fifth, **analytics show who your customers are**. Track friend count, post reactions, message clicks, and more. Detailed stats reveal where friends are coming from and which posts drive traffic. Use this data to refine your strategy.

Sixth, **promotion tools simplify marketing**. Generate home links, QR codes, and URLs that make adding friends effortless. Kakao's promotional asset creator even helps you design images with built-in text and editing tools—perfect for property owners who struggle with design.

Finally, **manage everything via mobile app**. You don't need to sit at a desk. The admin app lets you post, chat with customers, and run your Plus Friends account from anywhere.

Recently, Kakao added paid services like Biz Messages, Notification Talk, banner ads, and Consultation Talk. But today I'll skip those complex features and focus on **practical ways lodging businesses can use Plus Friends effectively**. For deeper details, check Kakao's official Plus Friends guide.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23df885fb184f573fe4_62e76776ab613560c925b838_5e942a1b241fd84c1d7dcf7e_e18489e185a5e18487e185b5e18489e185b3e18489e185a9e18480e185a2e18489e185a5-e18490e185b3e186a8e1848ce185b5e186bc_e18491e185a6e1848be185b5e1848ce185b5_08_e1848be185b5e18486e185b5e1848ce185b5.jpeg)

'Statistics' reveals your guest demographics and target audience at a glance

### **How to Actually Use Plus Friends**

To get value from Plus Friends, you need to set it up first. Registration and setup are covered in the official guide, so I'll skip that and show you how to leverage the core features.

### **1. Turn Your Guests Into Friends**

KakaoTalk delivers at 100%. Messages sent to friends arrive without fail—no rejections, no opt-outs. Unlike other platforms, you don't worry about reach or content volume. If guests who've stayed (or will stay) at your property become friends, they're already interested or satisfied—making it easy to drive repeat bookings.

The challenge? **Getting friends in the first place.** People guard their KakaoTalk space. They won't add you lightly. Here are two approaches to encourage friend adds:

##### **1) Online Promotion for Friend Adds**

Plus Friends provides a **link** under the Promote menu. When customers click it on mobile or web (your homepage, blog, social media), they land on your Plus Friends add page. QR codes and ID search also work. Once added, these friends receive your updates, announcements, and messages instantly.

A powerful tactic: **coupons**. Business accounts can issue coupons. Announce on your website or social media that anyone who adds your Plus Friends gets a room discount. Create the coupon, and when customers click the link to claim it, they're directed to your Smart Chat where they can download the coupon. You gain friends *and* nudge potential guests toward booking. Win-win.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23ef885fb184f57400b_62e76776ab6135428125b83b_5e942a1cf70fbb90720fd6d3_sns_screenshot-02.png)

Use 'Coupons' to drive Plus Friends growth

##### **2) Offline Direct Adds**

Offline, the easiest method is offering **an immediate benefit** for adding your Plus Friends—just like online. When guests check in or check out, mention it casually: add us on Plus Friends for a welcome drink, a gift card, snacks, or a discount on your next visit.

Also, use Kakao's promotional tools to put Plus Friends materials in visible spots around your property. Face-to-face interaction means guests are more likely to add you than online—and it's the best way to secure repeat bookings.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23ef885fb184f574004_62e76776ab61353e3625b842_5e942a1c73fd9d127e898837_sns_screenshot-03-1.png)

Various promotional tools for online and offline use

### **2. Respond to Guests Quickly and Accurately**

If a customer visits your website or blog, they probably have questions about booking or your property. How you respond determines whether interest converts to booking. Most property owners list a phone number for inquiries.

But relying only on phone calls has limits. Busy owners managing operations and cleaning might miss calls or feel stressed by constant ringing. And some customers prefer not to call at all.

Plus Friends solves this. Use it to handle inquiries better and convert more guests to bookings.

##### **1) Write a Welcome Message**

Your **welcome message** is the first thing new friends see after adding you. You can attach an image (max ~720px × 630px) and write up to 200 characters. Use this space wisely.

I recommend including a brief welcome, basic property info, or booking details. Anyone adding you is already interested or curious. A strong first message builds positive sentiment and primes them for booking. It also helps customers provide accurate booking info for faster consultation.

ONDA's welcome message includes a thank-you, a one-line company intro, what we offer, and a guide to current posts. For lodging, include your location, address, phone number, booking process, and inquiry instructions.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23df885fb184f573ff7_62e76776ab61355c6825b839_5e942a1c639000c454d8b294_e18489e185b3e1848fe185b3e18485e185b5e186abe18489e185a3e186ba-2019-05-10-e1848be185a9e18492e185ae-2.06.48-e1557718291868.png)

The 'Welcome Message' shapes first impressions

##### **2) Answer Guest Inquiries in Real Time**

Making inquiries easier increases accessibility. That's what **chat consultation** does. Especially in hospitality—where most bookings happen on mobile—KakaoTalk chat is a major advantage. Customers can ask questions anytime, anywhere. If they've added you as a friend, the conversation continues. You can answer inquiries in real time and handle bookings directly via chat.

Fast replies build trust. Accurate info flows smoothly. Reservation and guest management become easier. The familiar, conversational 1:1 format creates rapport quickly.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23df885fb184f573ffa_62e76776ab6135a94f25b83a_5e942a1d333832eedd438de2_5-1.-1e18483e185a21e1848ee185a2e18490e185b5e186bc-e1848be185a8e18489e185b5-e1557718383117.png)

'Real-time 1:1 Chat' solves customer inquiries

##### **3) Set Up Auto-Messages**

But customers don't care if you're busy. They message at all hours. They ask the same questions over and over. That's where **auto-messages** come in. Auto-messages go to friends who write to you. You can set chat availability (e.g., Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM). Messages outside those hours don't alert you—they queue up in the admin panel. An auto-reply goes out instead. Since this happens when chat is unavailable, fill it with accurate property and booking info.

You can also use **Smart Chat**. Display up to 10 buttons at the bottom of the chat window for common questions or property intros. When customers tap a button, your pre-written message auto-sends.

This delivers property info with one click and eliminates repetitive typing.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23df885fb184f573ff4_62e76776ab61350dd225b83d_5e942a1d241fd8614c7dcff6_sns_screenshot-04.png)

Auto-message sending via 'Smart Chat'

### **3. Deliver Clear Information to Guests**

##### **1) Customize Action Buttons**

On your Plus Friends home, buttons prompt customer actions: 1:1 Chat, Add Friend, Learn More, etc. The **Learn More button** can link to your website, app, or booking page. You can rename it to "Visit Website," "Use App," or "Book Now." ONDA links to our homepage. If you have a website, link it. If you take real-time bookings via SNS or a booking widget, link that URL instead.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23ef885fb184f574011_62e76776ab61359ea125b83e_5e942a1e06600f888cdc7c65_6.-e18491e185b3e18485e185a9e18491e185b5e186af-e1848be185b2e18483e185a9-e18487e185a5e18490e185b3e186ab-e18489e185a5e186afe1848ce185a5e186bc-e1557718933890.png)

Add your real-time booking link to action buttons

##### **2) Fill Out Property Info Thoroughly**

Your Plus Friends home has a **News** tab for posts and an **Info** tab for property details. Fill out the Info tab diligently. When guests visit and tap Info, they should see your website, booking page, phone, location, email—all accurate. This increases conversion.

The Info tab also displays auto-message (quick chat) buttons so guests can find answers fast. To drive bookings, start with the basics: complete, accurate property information.

### **4. Showcase Your Property's Appeal**

##### **1) Create Announcements and Event Content**

Finally, don't let visitors leave disappointed. Show off your property's charm.

One key feature is **Posts**. Post formats include photo, video, link, and card view. Photo posts work best as square card-news-style images. Card view supports scrolling and links—great for detailed info.

Use posts to announce events (discounts, multi-night deals), share important notices, and provide guides to nearby attractions, restaurants, and directions.

These posts can be attached to messages and sent to all your friends. Consistently creating and sending content is a great way to drive repeat visits.

ONDA posts about regular training sessions, seminars, magazine releases, and holiday closures. When you confirm a guest's booking and send check-in instructions, attach a relevant post to make communication smoother.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23ef885fb184f574014_62e76776ab61353b3425b841_5e942a1eb499e54840df363c_8-3.e18489e185a1e1848ce185b5e186abe18492e185a7e186bc-e1557719029743.png)

Photo post example

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23ef885fb184f574018_62e76776ab613520b825b83f_5e942a1e639000846cd8b296_8.-5e1848fe185a1e18483e185b3e18487e185b2e18492e185a7e186bc-e18489e185a1e186bce18489e185a6e18491e185a6e1848be185b5e1848ce185b5-e1557719050411.png)

Card view post example

##### **2) Promote Your Property with Group Messages**

As mentioned, Plus Friends lets you **send group messages** to everyone who's added you. Previously free, it's now paid: ₩15 per regular message, ₩20 per targeted message. Pre-charge your wallet and costs deduct automatically. You can attach posts, target specific demographics (gender, age, region), and it's cheaper than SMS.

Since KakaoTalk is a chat service, you're only charged for the initial message. If a customer replies and the conversation continues, responses are free. Compared to one-way SMS, two-way KakaoTalk chat is far better for conversions.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a8b23ef885fb184f57400e_62e76776ab613530ca25b840_5e942a1e73fd9d1f6d898838_e18489e185b3e1848fe185b3e18485e185b5e186abe18489e185a3e186ba-2019-05-10-e1848be185a9e18492e185ae-3.12.26-e1557718829867.png)

'Group Message' feature delivers useful info to guests

##### **3) Deliver Useful Information**

Soho 259, a hostel in Sokcho, creates group chats before guests arrive to facilitate communication. They target confirmed guests and send info about nearby attractions, transit, and restaurants in advance—earning positive responses. Think about how you can showcase your property's charm and build a strong image.

### **Wrap-Up**

Today we explored **KakaoTalk Plus Friends**, the second platform in our simple social media marketing series. Even without large-scale messaging, paid services, or big corporate budgets, you can successfully promote your property using Plus Friends' built-in features. Market your property easily using familiar KakaoTalk. Even if you don't use it for marketing, it's invaluable as a communication and customer service channel.

Next time, we'll look at Kakao Brunch—a platform with a slightly different character—and discuss how to use it for marketing. Stay healthy through the seasonal changes, and see you in the next issue. Thank you.

**\[Series Index\]**

[2019.01 What Even Is Social Media Marketing?](https://onda.me/magazine/25/post/2011)
[2019.02 Why Do Social Media Marketing? Success Strategies](https://onda.me/magazine/26/post/2107)
[2019.03 Understanding Social Media Marketing Channels](https://onda.me/magazine/27/post/2216)
[2019.04 Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (1): Facebook](https://onda.me/magazine/28/post/2270)
**2019.05 Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (2): KakaoTalk Plus Friends**
2019.06 Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (3): Kakao Brunch
2019.07 Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (4): Naver Cafe
2019.08 Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (5): Naver Modoo
2019.09 Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (6): Naver Blog
2019.10 Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (7): Instagram
2019.11 Simple Social Media Marketing for Hotels (8): YouTube
2019.12 Additional Marketing Tips: Naver Smart Place

## [**View Full Magazine <<**](http://bit.ly/magazineon29)