When it comes to success on Instagram, staying on top of the trends is a necessity.
That being said, we all know how fleeting trends can be. One day a certain hashtag is on top of the charts, and the next day it’s non-existent. So, how do you know which Instagram trends are most important to follow, even outside of the hashtags you use, to continue to stay relevant?
Create Eyecandy
Instagram is all about the visual. Luckily, getting stunning photos is as simple as having a phone with a good camera and a great editing app. Chances are, your hotel already offers all the beautiful decor and visual experiences; Instagram is about sharing them.
If you need a little inspiration, scroll through Instagram’s discovery, feed or search relevant decor hashtags like #housetour or #finditstyleit. Once you have an idea of what catches users eyes, borrow from the examples.
Be an Individual
The boutique hotel, Urban Cowboy Bed and Breakfast has created a massive following by doing something entirely different. Their intimate shots and skin-revealing photos have amassed a following so large the property is usually booked up.
Think about the aspects of your hotel that could be interesting. How can you create an experience that sets you apart from what everyone else is doing? So much of content creation is about positioning yourself into a niche that no one else is touching on. Do that, and you’ll see success.
Create a Cohesive Theme
If you’ve been on Instagram for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard about themes. They’re unique photos that still possess something that ties them all together. Whether that’s a color scheme, a filter, or an editing technique.
Having a theme creates cohesion and helps to build your brand visual. For seasoned Instagram users, feeds that have a theme often draw the eye more than those that don’t. It says something about the curation that went into creating the content itself, and it keeps users coming back to see what you’ll do next.
Create Your Own Hashtag
Even if you have a small following, it’s better to have a hashtag earlier, rather than later. It’s something that can change seasonally or remain consistent. But more importantly, it’s an excellent way to create engagement with your guests.
Put your hashtag on everything from key cards to dinner menus, and encourage your guests to share their experiences with the various social channels. Not only does this make it easier for you to find guests posting about you on Instagram, but it’s a great way to get your brand name included in the discovery feed.
Harness The Power of the Micro-Influencer
Generally, these Influencers have less than 2,000 followers but high engagement on their posts. People are listening to what they have to say, but they’re not so huge that they’re going to cost you a lot of money.
Influencers at this level might even be happy to post about your hotel in exchange for a free night or two. When you’re still in the beginning stages of growing your brand on Instagram, saddled with a small budget, this demographic can make a difference.
Whatever you do, always stay true to your brand voice. Instagram is about authenticity. If you can master that, the hotel Instagram trends will work for you.
