Social media is the best place to provide your guests with a visual experience of your property. If you have a solid social media presence, you can sometimes have more influence over travelers’ opinions than any review on an OTA site. The best time to start taking advantage of your social media is during the winter holidays, especially if this is normally a slow season at your property. Help travelers visualize themselves staying with you by actually showing them the experience they could have if they choose to book with you. Here are a few easy things you can try to help take your social media content to the next level this holiday season.

Create a photo opportunity

One thing can be sure around the holidays, people will want to take photos to share with their friends and family. Take advantage of this by creating a space at your property where guests are invited to take a photo that will look festive and fun. You can be as creative as you want with this, but it’s actually easier than you might think. If you already have a decorated tree or a patio with string lights, take a photo of the space and post it. Include a caption inviting your guests to share their own photos in the same place. Anything can be a photo opportunity from the right angle!  

Promote a holiday hashtag

The easiest way to get guests engaged with your social media sites is to create a hashtag for your property. When guests check-in, have your front desk agents tell them about the hashtag and ask them to use it if they take a photo during their stay. An example could be #HomewoodForTheHolidays or #HolidayInnTheHolidays. This will easily help you find the content that your guests are posting and will show future guests different views of your property during the holidays. The best thing about hashtags is that you can do this for any time of the year!

Host a holiday photo contest

Just like hashtags, photo contests can be used throughout the year. Ask your guests to share photos of themselves or things at the property, use your specific hashtag and then you and your team can choose the best one to win a prize. Sharing photos is quick and easy and guests normally won’t mind participating, especially if they could win something. Use this to your advantage! Partner with local shops and restaurants and create a gift package that could encourage them to come back and book with you again.

Share information about local holiday events or restaurant specials

If you don’t have time to take photos with your phone, another easy way to promote your property for the holidays is by sharing information about things happening in your area! If there is a local holiday festival happening or if your favorite restaurant is offering holiday specials, share it! Your guests will love to know what’s going on in the area during their stay. 

Post a festive group photo of your team!

Show your guests the smiling faces that will be taking care of them during the holidays. Taking a staff photo is an easy way to humanize your hotel on social media. Not only will this add a personal touch to your social sites, but it’s also a wonderful way to show appreciation for your employees.

If your property is too busy for you to take time to post on social media this holiday season, consider getting some assistance. Our team of social media specialists and content creators can help keep your guests engaged all year long. Visit our Social Media page to learn more.