How to Market Your Hotel on Instagram Like a Real PRO
Hotels looking to attract their audience will find Instagram an essential marketing tool. With its focus on visuals and storytelling,Instagram provides hotels with an opportunity to showcase their unique qualities, build brand loyalty, and even inspire bookings. For hotels ready to take the plunge, this guide by our hotel marketing solution outlines top Instagram strategies for hotel marketing to succeed.
Article Summary:
- Understanding Instagram’s Potential for Hotel Marketing
- Creating an Authentic Hotel Brand on Instagram
- Hotel Content Strategies for Instagram Hotel Success
- User-Generated Content and Guest Experiences
- Expanding Reach Through Collaborations
- Paid Advertising Options on Instagram for Hotels
- Tracking and Improving Instagram Marketing Performance
- Our Final Take on Hotel Marketing on Instagram
Key Takeaways
- Instagram helps hotels engage with younger audiences through visually appealing content.
- Hotels can grow their reach by using Stories, Reels, and influencer collaborations.
- User-generated content boosts credibility and encourages organic sharing.
Understanding Instagram’s Potential
Growth of Travel Content on Instagram
Instagram has long been a hub for travel inspiration, and its popularity has only increased with its focus on images and videos. Travelers look to Instagram and other platforms like TikTok for recommendations on destinations, hotels, and activities. Hotels that can tap into this trend with quality content stand to gain significant visibility among users actively planning trips.
Audience Demographics on Instagram
Instagram’s user base skews toward Millennials and Gen Z, making it perfect for hotels targeting younger travellers who value experiences and shareable moments. Engaging with this audience on Instagram builds brand loyalty and increases the chances of securing bookings from an audience ready to explore new destinations.
Creating an Authentic Hotel Brand on Instagram
Build a Relatable Brand Persona
Instagram thrives on authenticity and personality. Hotels can benefit by showing a more human side—introducing staff, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, or telling stories about the hotel’s history. Posts that showcase the charm and personality of your team, unique hotel features, or fun anecdotes create a connection with potential guests.
Maintain a Consistent Visual Style
A cohesive visual style is essential for standing out on Instagram. Use a consistent colour palette, filters, and layout style to create a professional, appealing feed. The goal is for viewers to instantly recognize your posts as they scroll through their feeds.
Craft an Engaging Bio and Profile
Your hotel’s profile should include a clear, engaging bio that highlights key attributes and provides a link to your booking page or special offers. This direct link acts as a crucial call-to-action (CTA), encouraging profile visitors to book directly.
Proven Content Strategies that Drive Success
Leverage High-Quality Visual Content
Invest in professional photography and videos that showcase rooms, dining experiences, views, and unique amenities. Carousel posts are ideal for telling a complete story, such as showcasing a suite from multiple angles or a guest’s journey through their stay.
Create Stories and Highlights
Instagram Stories are perfect for showcasing real-time experiences. Use them to feature quick tours, event coverage, and guest testimonials. Story Highlights can keep key content visible beyond the typical 24-hour window, organized into categories like “Rooms,” “Dining,” or “Events.”
Embrace Reels for Engagement
Reels are Instagram’s answer to short, engaging videos. Hotels can use Reels to share quick tours, staff introductions, or showcase fun local spots. These short videos often get boosted in Instagram’s algorithm, providing a great way to reach a broader audience.
Use Interactive Features
Polls, Q&A stickers, and countdowns in Stories invite interaction. Hosting contests where followers tag friends or share posts increases reach and builds anticipation for future content.
User-Generated Content and Guest Experiences
Repost Guest Content for Authenticity
User-generated content (UGC) offers genuine insight into guest experiences. Share guest photos and tag them, giving potential visitors a glimpse of real stays. This approach builds trust and shows that your hotel values its community, and should definitely be included in your content marketing strategy.
Encourage Guests to Share
Offer incentives for guests to share their experiences on Instagram, such as a contest entry for the best tagged photo. This not only encourages more posts but enriches your UGC library.
Host Live Events
Instagram Live can be used to showcase events, like concerts at the hotel or Q&A sessions with the concierge. Live videos create urgency and can make viewers feel part of the event, even remotely.
For more details on how to implement UGC into your marketing strategy check out our article: UGC For Hotels: How to Leverage User-Generated Content in Your Hotel.
Expanding Reach Through Collaborations
Influencer Marketing for Hotels on Instagram
Collaborating with influencers who align with your brand can extend your hotel’s reach. Choose influencers whose followers match your target market and who share high-quality, engaging content. Whether it’s a stay review or a guided property tour, influencers can provide the credibility needed to attract new guests.
Choosing the Right Influencer
Pick influencers whose style matches your hotel’s aesthetic and who have a history of interacting with their audience. A luxury influencer may be ideal for upscale resorts, while a lifestyle blogger could be better for boutique hotels.
Creating Win-Win Partnerships
Collaborate on campaigns where influencers can offer exclusive promotions or share unique experiences they had at your hotel. These partnerships feel organic and increase your visibility.
Paid Advertising Options on Instagram for Hotels
Sponsored Posts and Carousel Ads
Investing in sponsored posts can put your hotel in front of a wider, targeted audience. Carousel ads are great for showing a variety of hotel aspects—rooms, dining, amenities, or event spaces. Pair these visuals with a clear CTA that directs users to book or visit your profile.
Targeted Stories Ads
Stories ads are another way to promote offers or special packages. These short, fullscreen ads grab attention and are perfect for time-sensitive promotions.
Utilizing Analytics for Ad Performance
Track KPIs like engagement, impressions, and click-through rates to fine-tune your campaigns and maximize ROI. Adjust strategies based on what works best with your target audience.
For tips on integrating social media strategies with your hotel’s brand, read WIWT’s guide to hotel social media marketing.
Tracking and Improving Instagram Marketing Performance
Review Instagram Insights
Business profiles on Instagram have access to Insights, which provide data on follower demographics, post engagement, and reach. Regularly review these analytics to understand which content resonates and where improvements can be made.
Adapt and Experiment
Try different types of posts—Reels, Stories, and Lives—to see what gains the most traction. Monitor when your followers are most active and adjust your posting schedule to maximize visibility.
Stay Updated with Instagram Trends
Keep an eye on emerging trends and new features. Following industry leaders and hashtags can help your hotel stay relevant and appealing to potential guests.
Final Word
Instagram offers a powerful way for hotels to connect with a visually driven audience eager for travel inspiration. By using a mix of high-quality content, engagement tactics, and strategic partnerships, your hotel can boost its presence, build brand loyalty, and drive more bookings. Start implementing these Instagram strategies by WIWT today to make your hotel shine in a competitive digital landscape.
