INSTAGRAM WALLS: MEMORY MAKERS & MARKETING TOOLS — KEYS WOMAN MAGAZINE

Did you ever think that before you embark on your latest vacation or getaway you would Google, “Where are the most Instagrammable spots in…”? 

Yes, Instagrammable Walls (mural walls, colorful walls, texture walls) are now (and have been) a thing.

When visiting a new place, finding these eclectic, beautiful backdrops can be a great way to explore different neighborhoods around the destination and the local art that makes them interesting. In the Florida Keys, our “neighborhoods” are a little different. We have the luxury of a 110-mile chain of islands to explore and find amazing “Instagrammable” locations created by local artists and business owners. A few stops at picturesque places along the Keys offer a perfect way to break up the drive and visit all your bucket list spots in the Keys.

Now, thanks to social media, these walls can not only serve as backdrops for selfies, fashion and travel photos, but also can be a catalyst to help a business’s digital and social media presence grow. Let the online influencers do the work for you when they pose in front of your place, then post the image and pull in likes and engagement for you — literally right outside your door.

As a business owner, where should you start? First, make sure the spot’s appearance reflects whatever style or vibe you’re trying to convey.

The Vibe: A mural or graffiti art offers a custom look. Consider commissioning a local artist, student, gallery or arts consortium to create something that highlights your business, has value for visitors who will be snapping the photos, and connects with your community at large.  

#Hashtags: Thanks to hashtags, selfie takers can self-sort pictures from your business right from their phones. Consider including a suggested hashtag on the Instagram wall that will remind visitors to include it in their post. 

Location Tags: An Instagram tag is a specific location based on latitude and longitude of where your brand physically lives. Locations are displayed at the top of every Instagram post once they’re published, right underneath the username or the brand. Location tags are another great way to sort images and posts — and to show precisely where they were taken so others can easily find the same location.

The Florida Keys in general and its Overseas Highway specifically offers plenty of places and walls to capture your visit and make shareable memories.

Here are a few suggestions for your next frame-worthy photo op in the Keys:

KEY WEST

The Reach Resort
1435 Simonton St., Key West 

Aqua Bar & Nightclub 
711 Duval St. Key West

MARATHON

Marathon Veterinary Hospital 
5001 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, Mile Marker 50

Keys Cable Park at Grassy Flats 
59300 Overseas Hwy., Mile Marker 59

UPPER KEYS

Olive Morada Gift Shop
82245 Overseas Hwy., Mile Marker 82

HIstory of Diving Museum 
82990 Overseas Hwy., Mile Marker 82 

(Annie Briening is COO of Overseas Media Group, a locally owned digital marketing agency. Visit OMG at overseasmediagroup.com)

Annie Briening
Annie Briening moved to Key West 15 years ago from Philly and hasn’t looked back. She is a foodie at heart, always down to dive into a new dish with a great view… oh and don’t forget the wine! You can find her biking around town, on a boat, or hanging with her hubby and her sweet pup.