User-generated content (UGC) is one of the most powerful tools in modern marketing, especially for glamping businesses. UGC includes reviews, photos, videos and social media posts created by your guests, showcasing their genuine experiences at your site.
For glamping businesses, UGC goes beyond pretty pictures – it’s about building trust and fostering connections. Potential guests are more likely to book when they see authentic, unfiltered content from real people. User-generated content not only enhances your brand’s authenticity but also creates an engaging online presence that boosts bookings. In this blog, we’ll explore how to harness the full potential of UGC for your glamping site.
Why does UGC matter? Simply put, it builds trust and provides social proof. Seeing a glowing review or a stunning guest photo can be far more persuasive than a professional marketing campaign. User-generated content encourages organic promotion – when your happy customers share their experiences, they’re essentially endorsing your business to their network.
The statistics back this up:
In addition to attracting new guests, UGC supports customer retention. By celebrating and sharing content from past visitors, you strengthen their connection to your brand, making them more likely to return. User-generated content isn’t just content; it’s a strategy that turns satisfied guests into enthusiastic ambassadors for your glamping business.
Encouraging your guests to share their experiences can significantly boost your glamping site’s visibility and engagement. Here are some effective strategies to inspire customers to generate content:
Develop a memorable and brand-aligned hashtag, such as #MyGlampingRetreat, and include it on all your marketing materials, from brochures to confirmation emails. Make it visible around your site – on signage, welcome guides and even decor. A unique hashtag makes it easy to track guest posts and fosters a sense of community among visitors.
Sometimes a little incentive goes a long way. Offer discounts, small gifts or exclusive perks for guests who tag your glamping site in their social media posts. For example, a free hot drink or dessert at your on-site café for a tagged Instagram post could create a win–win scenario.
For glamping businesses, specific campaigns can harness User-generated content effectively. For example, you could run a contest for the “Best Glamping Photo”, offering a future-stay discount as a prize. Similarly, themed weeks – like “Pets at the Pod” or “Romantic Retreat Highlights” – can spark creative contributions while promoting key aspects of your site.
Post-stay emails are an excellent way to follow up with guests. Thank them for their visit and encourage them to leave a review or share their photos online. Include a direct link to your preferred review platform or your social media profiles to make the process effortless.
Design on-site photo opportunities that encourage sharing. This could include a beautifully lit firepit, a quirky “glamping selfie station”, or scenic picnic setups. By offering visually appealing spots, you’ll organically inspire guests to capture and share their experiences.
By making the sharing process easy, enjoyable and rewarding, you’ll turn your happy customers into enthusiastic content creators and loyal brand ambassadors.
Once your guests start sharing their glamping experiences, it’s essential to showcase their content strategically. Highlighting UGC across your platforms not only boosts engagement but also enhances your brand’s authenticity. Here’s how:
Social media platforms like Instagram are ideal for sharing tagged photos, reels and stories from guests. Regularly repost tagged content to your stories, giving credit to the original creator. This not only acknowledges your guests’ contributions but also encourages others to share their experiences. Create themed reels combining guest photos or short clips for a more dynamic presentation.
Glowing reviews and candid photos can transform your website into a trust-building tool. Dedicate a section on your homepage for customer testimonials and a photo gallery of guest experiences. Highlight specific reviews with quotes and images to add a personal touch.
Compile UGC into short videos or reels to use as promotional content. Pair guest photos with testimonials or quotes to create an engaging narrative that showcases the unique charm of your glamping site.
Before sharing customer content, ensure you have their explicit permission. This can be done by asking directly or including a clause in your post-stay communication, such as, “By tagging us, you grant permission for your photos to be featured”.
By using UGC thoughtfully and ethically, you’ll not only engage potential customers but also build deeper connections with your current guests.
Reviews play a pivotal role in influencing booking decisions for glamping sites. A positive review can tip the scales for potential guests deciding between you and a competitor, while a well-handled negative review can showcase your commitment to excellent customer service.
Reviews provide social proof, showing potential customers that others have enjoyed their stay. According to BrightLocal, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. For glamping sites, glowing reviews can emphasise unique features like serene locations, eco-friendly practices or exceptional amenities, helping guests imagine their perfect getaway.
To encourage reviews:
Engaging with reviews demonstrates that you value customer feedback. Thank guests for positive reviews, highlighting any specific praise they shared. For negative feedback, respond calmly and professionally. Apologise for their experience, explain any corrective measures, and invite them to contact you directly to resolve the issue. This transparency builds trust and shows future customers that you’re proactive in addressing concerns.
By managing reviews effectively, you can establish your glamping site as a trustworthy, customer-focused business, encouraging more bookings and fostering long-term guest loyalty.
By monitoring key metrics and leveraging the right tools, you can fine-tune your UGC strategies for optimal results.
Regularly review the data to identify trends and insights. For example, if posts featuring a particular type of UGC (e.g., guest photos of your luxury tents) generate higher engagement, focus on encouraging more of that content. Similarly, adjust your calls to action or hashtags if they aren’t driving enough participation. Check our our strategy guide here.
By analysing the impact of UGC, you can continuously refine your approach, ensuring it remains a powerful tool for boosting engagement, building trust and driving bookings.
User-generated content is a powerful way to connect with your audience, build trust and boost bookings for your glamping site. Start small by encouraging guests to share their experiences online and highlighting their content on your platforms. Over time, these efforts can grow into a robust strategy that strengthens your brand.
Ready to take your UGC strategy to the next level? Book a free marketing strategy session with Flame Marketing today, and let’s create a tailored plan to elevate your glamping business.
