Social Media Day presents a vibrant opportunity for DMOs to engage their online communities, showcase their destinations through a social lens and attract tech-savvy travellers.
Here are some AI-generated tips on how to maximise the potential in your marketing calendar.
Pre-Social Media Day Buzz:
- Run "Insta-Worthy Getaway" Photo Contests: Encourage user-generated content by asking participants to share photos of their most Instagrammable travel experiences. Offer prizes like travel vouchers, photography tours or social media shoutouts.
- Partner with Social Media Influencers and Creators: Collaborate with local travel bloggers, photographers or video creators to host live tours, Q&A sessions or Instagram takeovers highlighting your destination's hidden gems, unique perspectives and social media hotspots.
- Develop "Story-Worthy Getaway Guides": Create online or printable guides featuring Instagrammable locations, photogenic trails, charming cafes with quirky backdrops and unique experiences perfect for capturing shareable moments. Include tips on lighting, angles and storytelling through visuals.
- Organize Virtual "Social Media Marketing for Travel Businesses" Workshops: Partner with social media experts to offer online workshops focusing on optimising travel content, engaging with audiences and leveraging social media trends for effective destination marketing.
Social Media Day Celebrations:
- Host Public "Hashtag Happy Hour" Events: Organise outdoor gatherings where visitors can connect, share travel stories and participate in social media challenges or scavenger hunts using your destination's hashtag. Create a fun and interactive atmosphere celebrating the power of online communities.
- Turn Up the "Social Factor": Partner with local businesses to offer special discounts or themed experiences on Social Media Day. Feature "Insta-Worthy Cocktails" at restaurants, hold selfie contests at landmark locations or offer free phone charging stations at tourist spots.
- Promote Instagrammable Tours and Activities: Highlight guided photography tours focused on capturing iconic landmarks, workshops on travel videography, or drone tours showcasing breathtaking landscapes. Cater to different skill levels and interests.
- Offer Special "Storyteller Escape" Travel Packages: Design travel packages featuring accommodation deals at hotels with stunning views or unique design elements, access to exclusive photo workshops or influencer collaborations, and personalised recommendations for capturing the most shareable moments. Cater to solo travellers, couples and groups of friends.
Post-Social Media Day Momentum:
- Share the Social Stories: Compile and share the best user-generated content from Social Media Day events on your social media channels and website. Showcase the stunning visuals, creative storytelling and the buzz created around your destination.
- Offer "Year-Round Storytelling Escape" Travel Packages: Design travel packages featuring photography workshops, videography lessons, or collaborations with local content creators. Help visitors capture their unique perspectives and share their experiences authentically.
- Run retargeting campaigns: Target users who engaged with pre-Social Media Day activities or viewed social media-related content with post-event promotions and special offers. Remind them of the engaging experiences at your destination and incentivise them to book their shareable escape.
- Continue the Social Connection: Throughout the year, maintain a strong social media presence. Use engaging visuals, respond to comments promptly, host interactive polls and contests and partner with local influencers to keep your destination top-of-mind for social media-savvy travellers.
Remember:
- Authenticity is Key: Showcase the genuine vibe and unique beauty of your destination through user-generated content and influencer collaborations. Avoid staged or overly polished visuals.
- Focus on Engagement: Create interactive experiences and challenges that encourage visitors to participate, share their stories and build a community around your destination.
- Embrace Trends and Creativity: Stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends and incorporate them into your marketing campaigns. Encourage playful use of hashtags, filters and creative formats.
- Go Beyond the Day: Social Media Day is a springboard to establish your DMO as a leader in social media travel marketing. Continuously engage your online community, provide shareable experiences and make your destination the perfect canvas for creating unforgettable stories.
By creatively leveraging Social Media Day, DMOs can amplify their reach, connect with a wider audience and attract travellers seeking to capture and share their adventures. So, grab your phone, crank up the creativity and let Social Media Day be the first step in welcoming visitors to a year-round journey of shareable experiences and vibrant online communities at your destination!
