When we launched Ferncrest we didn’t have the luxury of a vast social media following (yet) or an extensive marketing budget at our disposal. Yet, the remarkable outcome of our first season, where we achieved 100% direct bookings, stands as a testament to the incredible influence of social media.
This experience underscored for us that a strategic focus on social media isn’t just an option; it’s the most effective tool to amplify exposure and attract guests to your property. Join us as we explore the strategies that propelled Ferncrest’s success and how you can replicate these tactics to elevate your own glamping venture!
The Power of Personal Storytelling
Our Journey: At Ferncrest, our approach has been anything but traditional. Instead of solely focusing on the glampground, we decided to take a more personal route. Through our separate Instagram profile, @findingpromisedland, we’ve not just marketed a destination; we’ve shared a journey. This account, with over 500k followers across Facebook and Instagram in less than a year, serves as a window into our world – our family, the ups and downs of running a glampground, and the beauty of the land we call home.
Your Strategy: Consider creating a narrative that goes beyond your property. Share your journey, the real-life challenges and victories. This authenticity fosters a deeper connection with your audience and drives genuine interest and traffic to your business.
Organic and Real Engagement
Our Approach: Our strategy at Ferncrest has been to keep it real. We’ve shied away from overly produced or edited content. Instead, we focus on organic, relatable stories that resonate with our audience on a human level. This raw and genuine approach has led to millions of views and an incredibly engaged community.
Your Strategy: Embrace the unpolished, real moments. Show your audience the behind-the-scenes – the work that goes into creating the perfect glamping experience. This builds trust and a sense of belonging among your followers.
Humanizing the Brand
Our Experience: Through @findingpromisedland, we’ve not just marketed a glamping site; we’ve humanized our brand. We share stories about our family, our experiences in building and running Ferncrest, and the many faces that make our glampground special. This personal touch has been instrumental in driving bookings.
Your Strategy: Humanize your brand. Share stories of the people behind the scenes, the guests who visit, and the unique experiences that your site offers. Let your audience see the heart and soul of your glampground.
Visual Storytelling vs. Polished Imagery
Our Realization: In the realm of hospitality marketing, the focus often lies on showcasing beautiful imagery and the finished product. However, our success has shown that true social media impact lies in storytelling. It’s not just about showing pretty things; it’s about showing real things.
Your Strategy: Balance is key. While high-quality images are important, complement them with stories that add depth and context. Show your audience the journey, not just the destination.
In Conclusion…
Our story at Ferncrest, vividly narrated through @findingpromisedland, illustrates that the essence of social media success in the glamping industry lies in authentic storytelling. By sharing our real experiences, challenges, and joys, we’ve created a bond with our audience that transcends traditional marketing tactics.
And because every story matters in this incredible glamping adventure, we’d love you to share yours with us! Respond to us here with what you are working on – we’d love to hear from you!
Happy Glamping and Authentic Storytelling!
Brian & Joanna Linton
