Capture and Inspire Travelers with Instagram

Picture this: you’re sitting on the beach in Saint Tropez, drink in hand, and you snap a photo of the gorgeous sunset. What’s next? Sharing it with friends and family on Instagram! For thousands of travelers, uploading photos to social media has become second nature. From the minute they step off the plane, each moment of their adventure is carefully documented and shared with their followers. In fact, it has become such commonplace that Jetsetter (2015) reported 60% of travelers upload their photos directly to social media while on vacation.

Travel brands have tapped into travelers love for sharing their experience and use Instagram as a way to inspire their next adventure. With over 400 million users worldwide, it’s hard to ignore the sheer power of Instagram. A highly visual platform, Instagram offers brands the ability to share their story through photographs and video clips. According to Miss Travel (2015), 48% of Instagram users use the application for researching travel destinations. This makes it the perfect outlet for travel brands to reach out directly to their core target audience and share their brand’s message. But what’s the secret to having a successful Instagram that inspires travelers to get up and go? Here are three helpful tips to assist you in getting started!

Create Moments that Inspire Action

Every traveler is looking for a unique experience. Some want to explore the rugged outdoor terrain, while others merely wish to enjoy the local flavor of freshly prepared cuisine. That’s why it’s important to do your research and show them how your destination offers the ability for them to expand their horizon and try something new.

Share Past Travelers Experience

Travelers are already posting their vacation photos to social media, so why not share their content with your audience? Using branded hashtags to compile user-generated content allows you to showcase traveler’s most recent adventures and build a loyal following of brand advocates. Plus, viewers are more likely to respond to photos taken by a real-life traveler and view them as a trusted source.

Highlight Every Aspect of Your Destination

Photos of sunsets and mountain landscapes are nice, but don’t forget to show off other aspects of your brand. Stand out from your competitors by showcasing aspects from a resident’s perspective and capture candid moments between travelers and local employees as they happen.

Sources:

Jetsetter (2015) –

Miss Travel (2015) – http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/263167/instagram-the-place-to-be-for-travel-brands.html