Why Intent Marketing is Changing the Game for Hospitality Businesses

Marketing used to be about casting the widest net — putting your ad in front of as many people as possible and hoping the right ones saw it. But today, that approach is outdated.

Enter intent marketing.

Instead of guessing, intent marketing lets you reach people at the exact moment they show signals they’re ready to spend. And for restaurants, attractions, hotels, and venues, that timing makes all the difference.

What Intent Looks Like in Action

Here are a few real-world examples of intent signals:

• A traveler searches “things to do in Chicago this weekend.”

• A couple Googles “private dining for rehearsal dinners.”

• A visitor walking out the door asks a concierge for “ideas on what to do today”

• A local looks up “best happy hour River North.”

• An event planner types “corporate event venue for 75 people.”

These aren’t passive digital impressions — they’re people raising their hands. They’re actively deciding where to eat, what to see, or who to book.

Why It Matters for Hospitality Businesses

Intent-driven campaigns let you:

• Spend smarter by serving ads only to those already in buying mode.

• Get better ROI because you’re catching customers when they’re ready to decide.

• Drive more business — tourists, locals, and planners choose you in the moment instead of your competitor.

The Takeaway

Intent marketing is about connecting with people at the moment of decision. For Chicago’s hospitality businesses, it’s a smarter, more efficient way to grow — fewer wasted impressions, stronger digital marketing results, and more revenue opportunities.

👉 If you want to learn how intent marketing can help you capture more of Chicago’s visitors, locals, and event sales, reach out to your Ateema representative or email Sales@Ateema.com