How to Get Guests to Share Photos on Social Media: 5 Proven Strategies to Amplify Your Brand

In today’s crowded outdoor hospitality market, real stories from real guests cut through the noise. When you get guests to share photos on social media, you tap into genuine enthusiasm that feels far more credible than any staged campaign. This article will walk you through five simple, organic social media strategies to encourage your guests to snap, tag and share—and show you how to turn those images into powerful marketing assets.

And, if you have not already read our earlier posts about social media marketing to help you get started, go back and read those here: 

https://martrekdigital.com/8-best-practices-for-organic-social-media-for-campgrounds/

https://martrekdigital.com/creating-viral-campground-videos-to-attract-campers/

The Power of Guest Photos

Human nature aligns with social media in the sense that people like to see themselves and imagine themselves in an experience or environment before they get there. This goes for more than just camping, it goes for all things in life. So, its natural to think about this when you are thinking about your posts on your organic social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. 

1. Social Proof in Action
   Guests trust fellow guests more than polished ads. A photo of a smiling family roasting marshmallows around your fire pit speaks volumes about the experience you deliver.

2. Cost‑Effective Content Creation
   Rather than spending hours and dollars on professional photo shoots, you can leverage user generated content already happening on your property.

3. Increased Engagement and Reach
   Every time someone shares a photo tagging your location or hashtag, you gain exposure to their network—expanding your reach organically across new potential guests.

(Keyword reminder: to get guests to share photos on social media, focus on authenticity and ease of sharing.)

Strategy 1: Create a Memorable Branded Hashtag

A great way to encourage people to share, and also to be able to find who is sharing content and experiences related to your brand is branded hashtags. When someone uses your hashtag and tags you, it will show up in your mentions and tags, and/or you can search for it in your social media channels search feature, and find everyone that has used that term. Going for simple, easy hashtags and/or creating a new one each year so people catch on our great ways to reach your audience and build a following. 

1. Keep It Short and Sweet
   Aim for something under 20 characters that’s easy to spell. For example, #CampBrightFalls or #YourCampground2025

2. Make It On Brand
   Tie your hashtag into your campground’s name, slogan or unique feature. This makes it instantly recognizable and memorable.

3. Promote It Everywhere
   • Pre‑Arrival Emails – Include your branded hashtag in booking confirmations and welcome packets.

   • On‑Site Signage – Place signs at the office, cabins, and main gathering spots. A simple prompt like “Share your adventure with #CampBrightFalls” goes a long way.

   • Website and Booking Pages – Feature the hashtag on your homepage and reservation confirmation pages.

Pro Tip: Offer a small incentive—like a free s’mores kit—to guests who use your hashtag within 24 hours of checking in. Tell them to stop by the office and show their post to staff to redeem. 

Strategy 2: Run Photo Contests and Challenges

Contests and challenges are a perfect way to get guests to share photos on social media in season and off season, especially if you are a campground that closes for the winter months. We have seen campgrounds get super creative, like “guess how much snow” and “submit a photo with your tie dye from tie dye day” etc. that gain a ton of traction online. 

1. Choose a Fun Theme
   Ideas include:
   
   • Sunset Selfie contest for the best evening shot

   • Campsite Setup challenge showing creative camp layouts

   • Best Tie Dye T-Shirt Design having guests share photos or videos of themselves in their custom tie-dye shirts they made onsite

2. Set Clear Rules
   • Participants must follow your account

   • They must tag your handle and use your hashtag, giving permission for you to share their image and enter you into the contest

   • Entries close on a specific date

3. Offer Enticing Prizes
   Consider:
   
   • A one‑night free stay or discount code for their next stay with you
   • Branded swag (hats, water bottles)
   • Free gift from your store when they are onsite, think ice cream sundaes, firewood bundles, etc. that are easy to do and low cost, but valuable to guests
   • A feature in your email newsletter

4. Showcase Winners
   Share winning photos on your main feed, or asking guests to vote and participate int he contest are great ways to build stories and your website gallery. This recognition motivates future participation and helps you get guests to share photos on social media again and again.

Strategy 3: Provide On‑Site Prompts and Photo‑Friendly Spots

1. Design Instagrammable Backdrops
   Build an archway of local flowers or a branded frame that reads “I’m Camping at Camp Bright Falls.”

2. Use Directional Prompts
   Simple signs or footprints painted on paths leading to viewpoints encourage photos. For example, “Step here for your campfire photo moment.”

3. Map Your Photo Hotspots
   Include a “Photo Map” in your welcome guide or mobile app that highlights top three spots to snap and share. This turns every guest into a local guide for your brand.

Strategy 4: Leverage Digital Touchpoints

1. Pre‑Stay Reminders
   Send a text or email:
   “Can’t wait to see your photos! Don’t forget to tag us and use #CampBrightFalls when you arrive.”
   
   
2. In‑Stay Story Templates
   Create easy‑to‑use Instagram and Facebook story graphics. Provide guests with swipe‑up links or QR codes that auto‑add your branded sticker and hashtag.

3. Post‑Stay Follow‑Up
   24 hours after checkout, email guests:
   “Loved having you! Share your favorite photo from your stay and tag us for a chance to be featured.”
   

These nudges make sharing second nature and help you get guests to share photos on social media without being pushy.

Strategy 5: Engage, Showcase and Credit Guest Content

1. Reshare with Style
   
   • Always tag the original guest account
     
   • Write a caption that adds context (for example, “Sarah and family spotted a deer at dawn—thank you for sharing, @SarahCamp!”)

2. Build a UGC Gallery
   Embed a live social feed on your website featuring photos that use your hashtag. This gallery becomes social proof for site visitors.

3. Incorporate Testimonials
   Ask guests to include a short quote with their photo entry. Overlay it on the image to create a mini‑testimonial graphic you can use in ads or email headers.
   

Legal and Privacy Considerations

• Obtain Permissions
  Include a checkbox in contest entry forms granting you the right to republish submitted photos.

• FTC Compliance
  Clearly disclose any incentives. Use language like, “Prize awarded by Camp Bright Falls. No purchase necessary.”
  

Adhering to these guidelines ensures you can freely use guest content without legal concerns.

Measuring Success and Optimizing

1. Track Your Hashtag
   Use tools like Sprout Social or native Instagram analytics to monitor how often your hashtag is used.

2. Engagement Metrics
   Look at likes, comments and shares on reshared guest posts to gauge audience sentiment.

3. Content Volume Over Time
   Set a baseline for how many guest photos you see each month. Aim to increase that number by 10–20% with each new strategy.

4. Iterate Based on Data
   If photo contests drive the most entries, run them quarterly. If on‑site prompts fall flat, refresh your design or placement.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Encouraging your community to share real moments is one of the most powerful organic social media tactics you can deploy. By implementing these five strategies, you’ll not only get guests to share photos on social media—you’ll build a library of authentic, trust‑building content and spark a cycle of engagement that fuels bookings and brand loyalty.

Ready to put these ideas into action?
Contact our team to help you implement, or set up a strategy session to get started!