Instagram is a highly effective marketing platform. A fantastic way to spread the word about your spa, Instagram can be used to raise brand awareness, attract new customers and keep existing guests coming back again and again.
Although you can pay to advertise on Instagram, if you make your location ‘Instagrammable’, you can use the platform to market your spa for free. Spas that offer unique views, luxurious interiors or experiences that are outside the norm encourage visitors to take and share photos. As many spa guests will have like-minded friends and family, this is a very effective way to boost brand awareness and attract more visitors to your spa.
So, is your spa beautiful, interesting or unique enough to make it irresistible to Instagrammers? And, if not, how can you make your space that little bit more photogenic?
What Makes A Spa Instagrammable
Before you can begin turning your spa into a social media sensation, you first need to identify what makes a space ‘Instagrammable’. In general, people are inspired to take and share photos when they’re somewhere that’s stylish, interesting or unique. Often, guests are showing off their location to their friends and family, so they want to take photos of places or experiences that are going to make others just a little bit jealous.
This works very well for marketing as the people viewing the photos will wish they were at the spa as well. This may encourage them to book a visit of their own and could increase the number of people visiting your spa.
Instagram Destinations
Often, the best way to encourage guests to take their phones out and snap a photo for Instagram is to create a ‘destination’ within your spa. Think of somewhere that offers a sensational view, a luxurious look or a cosy, welcoming setting and dress it so that it’s irresistible to Instagrammers. For example, you could place some stylish furniture next to a fireplace, create a beautiful and photogenic backdrop by adding a Himalayan salt panel or place a jacuzzi or infinity pool somewhere with exceptional views.
Bringing a little theatre to the space by adding beautiful trees or plants to the interior of your spa can help to create the perfect setting for a sumptuous Instagram post. If you have an outdoor area, building stylish seating spaces, investing in statement plants or turning some of your lawn into a meadow, can also be great ways to get on guests’ Instagram feeds.
Curate The Journey
Ideally, you should create mini experiences throughout your spa and curate your visitors’ journeys so that they are continuously encountering views or locations that are Instagram-worthy. The more photos your guests post, the more likely your spa is to be noticed and remembered by their friends and family.
Where possible, create spaces that are spacious enough for guests to take a group photo. This could be a luxurious group treatment space, a large jacuzzi with great views or another area that’s stylish, striking, and very photogenic.
As food and drink also make up a key part of your visitors’ experience at the spa, make sure the meals, juices, teas and snacks you serve are beautifully presented. Serving refreshments in a selfie-worthy location, or somewhere with a beautiful view, will also help to ensure these photos find their way onto Instagram feeds.
Lighting
If you want to encourage guests to take photos for Instagram, you need to ensure that the lighting in your spa is photo friendly. Visitors are very unlikely to post unflattering photos, so try to ensure your spa’s interior is flooded with natural light.
In areas that lack natural light, invest in soft, warm lighting that’s flattering and attractive in photos. Avoid stark overhead lights and fluorescent lights wherever possible as these can be very unflattering for both visitors and the spa itself.
Influence
Every iconic selfie was started by someone. In the case of starting a selfie trend for your own spa, consider offering a celebrity or influencer client a deal. If you have a well-known client, they will have a sizeable Instagram following, so on their arrival you can direct them to your chosen Instagram spot. If your Instagram spot is intuitive and inviting for selfies, you’ll find your spa popping up on Instagram feeds more and more. This is the ultimate free marketing approach!
Putting some time and energy into creating Instagrammable areas in your spa can pay dividends when it comes to attracting visitors and raising your brand profile. To learn more, get in touch with a member of our team today.
Image source: Canva
