Imagine this: Your guests actively market your hotel for free, bringing in new customers without you spending a dime on ads. Sounds too good to be true?
That’s exactly what The Haven Abuja, a 15-room boutique hotel, achieved by mastering user-generated content (UGC). In just 6 months, they:
✔ Got 1,000+ guest-generated photos/videos
✔ Increased direct bookings by 70%
✔ Became Abuja’s most Instagrammed budget hotel
Here’s their exact UGC strategy—and how you can copy it.
Why UGC Beats Traditional Marketing in Nigeria
– 84% of travelers trust UGC over hotel ads (Source: Nielsen)
– Posts with guests’ faces get 3X more engagement
– Free content that never expires
Yet, 90% of Nigerian hotels don’t systemize UGC collection.
Step 1: Create “Instagrammable” Moments (That Guests Can’t Resist Sharing)
The Haven’s Tricks:
✅ Signature Photo Spots:
– A neon “Abuja Nights” wall in the lobby
– Rooftop swing with city views
– Themed rooms (e.g., “Retro Nigeria” suite with vintage décor)
✅ Share-Worthy Experiences:
– Surprise birthday setups (free if tagged)
– Local breakfast trays styled for photos
– “Gold” check-in keys for Instagram reels
📸 Key Insight: Guests want to look cool online—give them the tools.
Step 2: The “Tag & Get Rewarded” System
Instead of just asking for tags, The Haven incentivized UGC:
🎁 Tiered Rewards:
– Tag 1 post = Free dessert
– Tag 3 posts = 10% next stay
– Feature on our page = Free upgrade
📌 Pro Tip: Print reward instructions on key cards, Wi-Fi passwords, and bathroom mirrors.
Step 3: Turn Guests Into Co-Creators
Their Viral Campaigns:
📢 “Show us your best HavenAbuja shot—we’ll repost the top 3 weekly!”
📢 “Film a 10-sec room tour for a chance to win a free night!”
🔥 Genius Move: They stitched guest clips into a viral “A Day at The Haven” reel (250K+ views).
Step 4: Repurpose UGC Everywhere
Where They Used Guest Content:
– Website slider (Replaced stock photos)
– Google Business Profile (Added 87 guest photos)
– Email campaigns (“See what Kunle loved about his stay!”)
– Facebook ads (Cheaper than professional shoots)
💡 Big Win: A guest’s proposal video got featured on Pulse Nigeria—bringing in 200+ inquiries.
Your 30-Day UGC Blueprint 1️⃣ Design 2 photo spots (Even a mural works).
2️⃣ Launch a “Tag Us” reward (Start with free drinks).
3️⃣ Repost 1 UGC daily (Tag guests—they’ll reshare).
📢 Want Our Free UGC Reward Menu Template? DM “UGC” now!
🔔 Follow @HotelsAndPlaces for more growth hacks!
