Followers are currency. Is your hostel accepting it?
Travel blogging is hugely popular. Some of the most followed Instagram accounts are those of globetrotters, wanderlusts, and backpackers. So, if you have a hostel, this is one of the absolutely best promotion channels for you.
Travelers inspire other travelers. Social media is where they look for the info and ideas, and you need to approach your clients where they already are.
WHAT IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS?
Relying on OTAs is fine, people will see your hostels when they search for a place to stay in your destination, but replicating the great experiences their travel idols had, is what’s going to make them want to stay with you.
This is where social pay comes into the picture.
It costs you (almost) nothing, and it can do you a world of good. Simply by giving discounts, you can gain more visibility, interaction, and promotion, that will all pay off through attracting new guests to your property.
ALL EYES ON YOU
Having a big social media following is the same thing as being rich in Monopoly, cynics wold say. We couldn’t disagree more! It’s not about aiming the ones with 100K followers, it’s about approaching people who are active on social media, giving them some value for their efforts, and letting them be the spread the word about all the excellent services you are providing.
WHERE THERE IS WILL, THERE IS A WAY
How to do it?
First, set your goals. If you want visibility, scale the discount you are offering to the number of followers. Then, set the rules and make them clear and concise. For example, having 1000 followers means the traveler gets 30% discount on his stay, and all he/she should do, is post a picture of your property, tag you and use hashtags most convenient for you.
Big companies with huge marketing budgets are doing it.
The followers of Ryanair on Twitter have had the opportunity to buy Dublin-Copenhagen ticket for 50 cents. Luxury design hotel “Nordic Light” in Stockholm asks their guests to tag their website in a Facebook post or on Instagram, leaving it to the guest to craft the post with either negative or positive content. And they reward them.
WIN BIG
If you think about the mindset of hostel guests, social pay is an obvious option to explore. Just a few free nights is an investment in your business. If you play it smart, it’s a win-win both for you and your guests. The traveler gets a discount (everybody loves discounts!), and you get great word of mouth by real-life influencers. Their posts and photos are an actual currency in today’s world.
