How a 23 room hotel reached 133K Instagram followers in one year
See how Hotel Villa Honegg achieved social media success.
Major hotel groups around the world have successfully built up loyal followings on Instagram. Take Four Seasons for example with 619k, and Marriott with 270K. More resources, dedicated social media teams, and numerous properties could account for their success combined with huge audiences and established brand presence.
So how does a small boutique hotel with only 23 rooms have more than 133K followers on Instagram?
Historical Swiss boutique hotel — Hotel Villa Honegg — is enjoying social media success with loyal followers and high engagement rates. To benchmark their success this small hotel has over 40,000 more followers than 10 property large luxury hotel group Peninsula Hotels (with 90.9K), and not too far behind 31 destination hotel group AMAN (with 166k).
So what’s the story?
Joining with their first post in only February 2015, the hotel leverages its stunningly photogenic location in the Alps to entice guests on its Instagram account. Ok you’re thinking — but don’t we all do that?
Of course. In fact, the properties real success came from a clever little boost over a year later.
In October 2016, popular Brazilian travel blogger @loucosporviagem posted an Instagram video post on her feed. The post featured her enjoying Honegg’s superior infinity pool and the breathtaking views of the autumnal Swiss Alps that came with it. This went viral with over 60,000 views and hundreds of tags resulting in a rapid increase in followers.
These followers were shown the hotels incredible location — who wouldn’t want to stay there? It’s now tricky to get a room there as its booked up more than a year in advance.
Tip: Looking to increase Instagram followers?
Before you think about getting involved with influencers make sure you know the best features of your hotel like Hotel Villa Honegg does and push these USPs to entice guests. To check which features your own guests love most, click on your hotel ‘check-in’ feature to view your ‘top posts’.
These posts will allow you to see what guests are enjoying so you can tailor your marketing strategy. Villa Honegg’s below show most guests featuring the infinity pool or general view.
