Exclusive Feature: Is Instagram the new preferred social media site for brands?

The photo uploading site with fun filters and sharing components is fast becoming the popular favorite for travelers, giving brands a reason to spread the inspiration, as well.

L2 Think Tank says brands on Instagram may be getting the most bang for each post. The digital marketing organization found Instagram had a 1.53% interaction rate, where Twitter and Facebook only had .04% and .10%, respectively. 

Nearly nine in 10 of the brands polled by L2 Think Tank had both an Instagram and a Facebook account. Surprised? You shouldn't be.

Photography is what inspires travelers. It provides a glimpse into what other people are experiencing and what can be. It's the ultimate form of wanderlust. So it's no surprise that Instagram, a site where anyone can make their photos look even more glamorous and inspiring than in real life, is making waves in the travel industry.

The audience for Instagram is still dominated by consumers, but brands are rapidly setting up Instagram pages in an effort to showcase their favorite shots, and share their guests' photos.  If you're new to the Instagram game, here are just a couple tips I've thrown together to get you started:

• Brands should keep their pages public, not private. Guests searching for your photos will have an easier time finding them.  
• Use filters to add ambiance to your photos. For example, add perspective to your outdoor deck by setting it in a different light, or turn a color photo into black-and-white for a vintage look.  
• Regram photos of your hotels/resorts that your guests post. If a guest takes the time to showcase the beauty they're experiencing at your hotel/resort, then it's worth you acknowledging. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What might be just some sand and seashells to you is another person's favorite memory from a trip they've planned for a while.
• Use hashtags the same way you would on Twitter. Hashtags on Instagram work the same way and help boost your photo presence in search and trend reports.

This is strictly an exclusive feature, reprints of this article in any shape or form without prior written approval from 4Hoteliers.com is not permitted.

Melanie Nayer is a hotel reviewer and expert on luxury travel around the world. She has covered all aspects of hotels including corporate restructures, re-branding initiatives, historical aspects and the best of the best in luxury hotels around the world.

Melanie writes a weekly exclusive column for 4Hoteliers.com

'Exclusive Features' brings Exclusive Sponsorship ~ Contact Us for more...