Instagram is currently one of the most popular platforms for social interaction on the web. You can use Instagram to promote your property to potential travellers in the following ways:
Tell some stories
Don't just post the room pictures you have on your website onto Instagram as well. Instagram is social, show people what it will be like when they visit. Take a photo of the farm gate and tell readers the history behind the land. Post a picture of the resident cat with her back-story. Show off why you are different to the guest house down the road. What makes you unique? What makes your spot special?
Think wider than just your yard.
Is there something your area is known for? Or should be? Remember, sell your destination instead of only just your establishment. When coming to stay over your guests will want to go out and explore. Use Instagram to show them what they can expect.
Go behind-the-scenes
A lot of things happen daily at a property the guests are not aware off. How about calling your cleaning staff together for a team pic? Or post a picture of the chef doing some prep for tomorrow's breakfast. Your gardener might also want to show off his latest prized blooms to the world. Give your followers a sense of what daily life is like running your business.
Always use hashtags when you post
Hashtags are used to classify things in the millions of posts on Instagram. A clever hashtag can make someone on Instagram stumble across your account without even knowing you exist. By adding #durbanaccommodation for instance, you can be found by users looking for exactly that. You can also create your own individual hashtag to use on all of your posts.
Engage with your followers and those you follow
Be sure to follow the accounts of similar businesses or attractions in your area. By knowing about a special a restaurant close by is running, you can pass that on to your guests. Like and comment on any interesting content in your feed, and try to respond people who comment on your posts.
Share pictures of events
It doesn't have to be a wedding or a conference. Maybe you just all got together to back the Bokke :).
Include your location in your posts
Once you chose a photograph to post onto Instagram, you will see the option to “Add Location” before sharing. Select your location and it will appear on the post under your account name. Adding the geotag will help people interested in your area find you and maybe even make a booking at your property.
