Creating Instagram-worthy Environments

Businesses like restaurants and hotels are always looking for new ways to attract customers and drive profits. Today, creating an Instagram-worthy setting can help attract new guests and even travel and food influencers. Make sure that cleanliness is a high priority to encourage the best-looking snapshots on social media and avoid lapses in expectations between what followers see online and experience in person.

The Rise of Influencers

According to a study from the Association of National Advertisers and PQ Media, the influencer marketing business is set to increase from $81B in 2016 to $101B by 2020. When the power of influencers is properly harnessed, it can result in big returns for businesses that choose to work with them. In fact, the right influencers can be 11 times more valuable than traditional digital ads.

In addition to reaching targeted audiences and building brand awareness through a trusted voice, the right influencers help to increase foot traffic to your business. Some companies receive so many requests for collaborations that they are developing formal influencer applications to more easily manage these messages.

Must Haves for Social Media Success

To make a lasting impression on powerful influencers and the influx of patrons who will visit once your business is tagged in an influencer's social media post, you must provide the following:

• Clean floors: The first thing that many people notice upon entering a business is the floors. And yes, brightly patterned carpet and intricate tilework can even garner interest on Instagram. Consider installing entrance matting to capture dirt and moisture being tracked in on guests? shoes. Then, commit to a consistent floor care schedule that includes vacuuming, in addition to cleaning and polishing for hard surfaces like tile and concrete. Clean spills quickly to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents and avoid hard-to-remove stains. Floor maintenance not only keeps these surfaces picture-perfect but also extends the lifespan of floors, which helps you avoid disruptive and expensive replacement.
• Well-kept restrooms: Think that guests don't take photos in your restroom? The "mirror selfie" and "bathroom selfie" hashtags on Instagram have nearly 8 million combined mentions. From selfies that showcase your restroom in the background to intentional photos of unique designs, guests aren't afraid to use their phones in restrooms. Regularly check to make sure that essentials are in stock and that toilets aren't clogged, trash cans aren't overflowing and floors aren't covered in spills or trash. Clean bathrooms from top to bottom with the appropriate disinfectants and surface cleaners to keep every surface sparkling.
• Spotless dining areas: According to a 2017 survey, 69% of millennials take a photo or video of their food before eating. Imagine if your business is promoted in a social media post but the dishware or dining area is dirty. Consider an Internet of Things-connected system to ensure that your dishwashing machines are meeting compliance parameters to keep dishes, utensils and glasses clean. Additionally, frequently wipe down surfaces like tables, chairs and dining counters so that crumbs, spills and sticky residues are wiped up and don't negatively impact your brand.

The Right Image

Presenting the right image to patrons is essential for capturing their attention when they walk into your business, impressing them throughout their visit and encouraging them to share their experience with others, from friends and family to followers on social media. Behind the scenes, it's important to proactively and continuously communicate to your employees and hygiene partner(s) your organization's cleanliness goals and have everyone take ownership of them. When everyone feels accountable for cleanliness, you can better maintain cleanliness and hygiene to provide a picture-perfect environment to every guest.

Diversey prides itself on always offering its customers Service Excellence, industry expertise, accountability, transparency and clear communication. For more information about solutions for your restaurant or hotel, contact your Diversey representative to learn more about how we can take your business to Insta-worthy heights.