3 Tips to Make Your Resort Instagram-Worthy

How to encourage owners and guests to share their stay on social media, especially Instagram.

In the age of Instagram, the right look for a property can not only help generate attention in the form of owners’ and guests’ social media posts but also help drive travelers to eat at an on-site restaurant or even decide to book. But it can be challenging to know where to begin, especially if you’re starting from scratch. Adrienne Callandrello, director of social media at RCI, shares tips for how to style your resort for social sharing.

Keep a polished property

Thanks to smartphones, nearly every guest is armed with a camera, for better or worse. “An image is worth a thousand words so it’s important to keep in mind that every guest experience can be shared on social media in an instant—even the negative or not so great,” Callandrello says. Establish best practices to ensure the property is in top shape, perhaps by increasing cleaning frequency or making a thorough checklist for housekeeping and grounds crews. Callandrello recommends looking at your resort through the eyes of a first-time guest and asking yourself if she would be impressed with the landscaping, rooms, amenities and friendliness of the staff.

Create photo opportunities

“Think of places where a couple, family or someone who wants to take a selfie can have a beautiful backdrop,” Callandrello says. A brightly colored wall or mural, a flower garden or even an oversized chair in the lobby can provide a moment for your guests to share on Instagram. Create these photo ops throughout the property so there’s greater variety in social posts and to show off the full range of amenities. Callandrello recommends also having locations that work well for group shots for those great family photos that everyone loves to share. On busy nights, consider having staff nearby to help take photos of guests.

Start small

Before springing for custom furniture or a large-scale garden wall, use inexpensive tricks to invite owners to create a post. One simple way: lighting. “Lighting that allows for attractive photos indoors increases appeal and allows for even more photo opportunities,” Callandrello says. “People love to share images of food or cocktails, so make sure dining and lounge areas have lighting that is perfect for posting.” Also consider putting signs with a hashtag and your resort’s social media handle in high-traffic areas to encourage sharing. Even a welcome card or message with a small treat that’s placed in the room upon arrival can make a difference. “People love to walk into their room and feel welcomed, and many times a guest will take a photo and share this moment. It’s the little things that have the biggest impression.”

Image credit: iStockphoto