Stacey Manoharan, Social Media Manager/Producer For Luxury Properties, Reveals 5 Tricks Of The Trade

SINGAPORE, SG–Stacey Manoharan is a respected Social Media Manager/Producer and the creative force behind some of the most iconic images of luxury resorts in the South Pacific and Asia. A master content creator, talent manager, and influencer campaign manager, she has been elevating the online recognition of premium brands for more than ten years.

Her notable accomplishments include working with the Maldives Tourism Board to increase the post-COVID tourism rates at Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi. Stacey has also photographed and made videos for Soori Bali, Sri Panwa, and Mandarin Oriental. Her work has drawn thousands of followers on her personal and professional Instagram channels.

Below, Stacey offers suggestions for how other social media managers can collaborate more effectively with hotels, emphasizing that every detail can mean the difference between campaigns that flop and those that are magic.

1. Before Approaching Resorts or High-end Hotels, Focus on Assembling a Compelling Media Kit

Stacey explains that any luxury property will expect to see a portfolio of quality photos and videos from previous projects. “That leads to the elephant in the room: how to get that content when you don’t know who will hire you,” she says. “When you are first starting out, it can be very helpful to book an Airbnb or smaller hotel for a night to produce the content you need, which then all goes into that media kit the bigger resorts want to see.”

IMAGE: STACEY MANOHARAN, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/PRODUCER

In her early days as a Social Media Manager/Producer, that is exactly what Stacey did. She booked multiple stays at small properties across the South Pacific, working hard to take professional photos and videos at each one. Before long, she had an impressive portfolio to show higher-end hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental and was hired for larger projects.

2. Conduct Targeted Research of Hotels and Effective Outreach.

The Internet has made the world a lot smaller, and savvy social media managers have valuable opportunities to connect with brands on the other side of the globe. “At a minimum, follow and engage with hotels that you admire on social media, but be sure that your appreciation of their content is authentic,” Stacey advises. “Your goal is to be genuine in your outreach and never over the top.”

Stacey always prioritizes engagement with resorts and hotels, focusing on their amenities, the quality of their online content, and any events they might have. She also uses their official websites to find contact information or reaches out via direct messages for marketing contacts.

3. In emails, be concise and avoid generic messages.

Customized communications are a must when approaching hotels, as is getting to the point quickly. “Try to see your email through the eyes of the recipient, who might read through hundreds of messages in just one day,” Stacey recommends. “Never be general – if you are just copying and pasting the same message into your emails to hotels, you can forget about getting a response.”

Instead, social media managers should personalize their emails, highlighting specific features that they love about each hotel. Also crucial is the value that they can deliver for the property. “A prime example was my approach to Soori Bali, as I explicitly communicated the unique value I could bring through my content,” Stacey says. “I discussed specific aspects of their hotel that I was passionate about and showed a well-thought-out plan for content creation. I got the job.”

4. Visit hotels during the week to be the most productive.

Stacey explains that hotels are normally busier on the weekends, so social media managers will have a better chance of being hired if they propose weekdays for their visits. This may also be beneficial if they would like to take pictures of popular excursions, local restaurants, or other attractions in the area. With fewer crowds, social media professionals will be able to move more quickly from shoot to shoot and ultimately accomplish more in less time.

5. Increase visibility by tagging other hotels in social media posts.

“No matter how successful you become as a social media manager/producer, you never stop networking or marketing yourself,” says Stacey. “The first priority is to create unforgettable online content. The second priority is to make sure the right people see it. In the case of luxury properties, that includes both potential guests and the managers. Have a system for who you will tag in your posts, why, and how often. With time, this will build your online profile and cultivate your reputation as a social media manager.”

Some final insights for social media professionals who would like to work with hotels

Stacey says that the trend in hotel collaborations is shifting towards more immersive, video-based content, particularly with the rising popularity of TikTok and other platforms that favor point-of-view (POV) and talking videos.

“This type of content tends to engage viewers more deeply and is gaining significant traction,” she believes. “So, it is well-worth taking the time to deepen your skills and master it. Last, always retain your humility and passion for your work. Remember: you are the unseen hero that captures everything that is incredible about a property and lets everyone else in on the secret. At the end of the day, your hard work could lead to hundreds of thousands of online views for the hotel, and that is something to be proud of.”

About Stacey Manoharan

Stacey Manoharan is a versatile professional in social media marketing, content creation, and influencer partnerships. With a background as a content creator, talent manager, and influencer campaign manager, Stacey possesses a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She stands out with her keen eye for design, analytical skills, and lasting professional relationships. For more information about Stacey, please visit https://www.instagram.com/staceymanoharan/ or contact: Stacey Manoharan – stacey@justcollab.co

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