beyond sunsets and food: creative content for destination marketing orgs on instagram
DESCRIPTION
You know Instagram is THE platform for killer travel content. So why so many food and sunset photos? Sure they're deliciously pretty. And they get plenty of hearts. But they don't set your destination apart. It's time to up your Instagram game. I break it down for you.TRANSCRIPT
Beyond Sunsets and Food
4 Creative Content Themes for DMOs on
Instagram loves sunset photos.
(so tranquil)
Instagram also loves food photos.
(supremely delicious)
BUT
Instagram loves food and sunset photos a bit too much.
It’s time to add some flair to your Instagram feed.
Here’s how.
Start with themes that travelers love.
Distinct hotels.Local experiences.
Secret finds. Weekend trips.
Use hashtags to frame your themes.
Distinct hotels Local experiences Secret finds Weekend trips
#MySleepStyle#LocalLove
#MyHiddenCity#WeekendEscapes
Pair hashtags with photos that celebrate your
themes.
Treehouses for grownups. Treehouse Central has 16 different treehouses to sleep in. #MySleepStyle #hotel #instatravel #forest #naturelover #familyfun #northwest #treehouses
visitmycity
Fake copy, real image // credit @lizzi-giaritelli
Check out this secret view from the rooftop bar at Relax! in the Belmont neighborhood. Hurry up and visit before the cold sets in. #MyHiddenCity #rooftopbar
visitmycity
Fake copy, real image // credit @_mar_i_am
Build mini-stories around each
theme.
Cheers to the weekend! We’ll be sampling vintage wines at Happy Glass Vineyards on Saturday. Come join us! #WeekendEscapes #washington #wine
visitmycity
Fake copy, real image // credit @visitseattle
The Hotel de Fancy has hosted kings, queens, ambassadors, and even US presidents! Spend a night here and you’ll leave feeling like royalty. #MySleepStyle #hotels #visitVT #vermont #royalty #royals #palace #luxury
visitmycity
Fake copy, real image //credit @fourseasons
Fall is finally here and we can’t get enough of our farmer’s market. Bring on the pumpkins and apples! #LocalLove #fall #autumn #visitNH #farmersmarket
visitmycity
Fake copy, real image//credit @yourbeavercountry
Give recommendations based on themes.
Work those thighs! Visiting cyclists should ride the Waterfront Trail for 17 miles of car free bliss. #MyHiddenCity #cycling #bike #bikepath #bikelove
visitmycity
Fake copy, real image // credit @visitseattle
We’re pretty lucky to have these views in our state. Pack a picnic and head up Hwy 1 this weekend. #WeekendEscapes #california #hiking
visitmycity
Fake copy, real image // credit @berryskip
Encourage fans to share their stories with your themed
hastags.
Love this shot from @msvintage_25 during Vintage Madness, our annual vintage shopping #festival this past weekend. Tag your favorite places with #LocalLove to be featured! #vintagestyle #vintage #vintageshopping
visitmycity
Fake copy, real image // credit @whatsvintage
Follow Instagram accounts that post
clever content for more ideas.
@visitseattle@travelportland
@montreal @australia@visitphilly
#nailedit
High-five your marketing team for an Instagram content plan beyond
food and sunsets.
Want more content marketing magic?
4 Ways for Travel Brands to Impress with HyperlapseAnatomy of an Instagram Contest: Tag a Photo, Win a Tour
I make niche travel brands look mighty fine online.
www.nicollemerrill.com/blog
@pdxnicolle
// Image credit for cover and slides 2,3, and 5: http://www.photoeverywhere.co.uk