Getting past guests to follow your social channels is one of the smartest long-term plays you can make. Once they follow you, they're reminded of your properties over time, they can share your content with their networks, and you stay top of mind for future bookings. But getting that initial follow is harder than it should be.
The challenge is that a plain text message with a social media link doesn't inspire action. There's no preview, no visual appeal, just a URL that guests have to trust enough to click. Most won't bother.
Rich Communication Services (RCS) solves this by rendering social links beautifully inside the message thread. When you share an Instagram or Facebook link via RCS, guests see a rich preview with your branding, images, and a clear call to action. The message feels polished and professional, and the likelihood of a click goes up significantly.
The best time to send this message is two to four weeks after checkout, when the guest's experience is still fresh but they're not overwhelmed with post-stay communications. You can include a photo from their stay, a button that says "Follow Us for More," and a link to your Instagram or Facebook page. The personalization and aesthetics make the ask feel natural, not pushy.
RCS also brings trust signals that plain SMS can't match. Your logo appears at the top of the message, along with verified check marks that confirm the message is really from you. Guests are more likely to engage with a message that looks professional and feels secure.
Once guests follow you, the relationship continues. They see your posts, they're reminded of their stay, and when they're ready to book again, you're the first property they think of. That's the power of staying connected. Learn more about the messaging upgrade nobody told you about.
Topics: question=How do I get past guests to follow my property on social media? • intent=marketing and guest retention
