Visitors as Storytellers
Let your visitors tell the story — their voices travel further than yours ever could.
Word-of-mouth has always been powerful, but in today’s digital world, your visitors’ voices travel faster and wider than ever before. A review, a photo, or a simple recommendation on social media can reach hundreds of potential visitors instantly. These stories feel authentic, and authenticity builds trust.
When every business in Lynton & Lynmouth encourages and amplifies visitor storytelling, together we create a vibrant tapestry of real experiences. That collective buzz builds our reputation, raises visibility, and draws in visitors who come because they’ve connected with something genuine.
Through the Visitor Lens
Think about what feels worth sharing from their perspective, not just yours. A quirky café corner, a dog-friendly welcome bowl, a mural backdrop, or a dramatic “loo with a view” can be more shareable than a polished sign. The small, authentic touches are often the ones that become the story.
Cafés & Tearooms
Invite photos of cream teas, latte art, or favourite ice-cream flavours. Maybe, keep a simple sign with your Instagram handle or hashtag on the counter.
Pubs & Restaurants
A fireside pint, a plate of locally sourced food, or a special cocktail makes a natural story. Share tagged posts back with a thank-you.
Attractions & Experiences
Visitors love to capture the “wow” moment: the view, the plate, the ice-cream, the adventure, the unexpected detail. Set up small “photo points” that frame the best shots.
Retail Shops & Makers
A customer who learns the story behind a handmade product is far more likely to show it off online. Share the maker’s tale, and they’ll retell it for you.
Accommodation
Guests already take photos of where they stay. A welcome hamper, stylish nook, or framed window view becomes the backdrop to their storytelling.
How to do it well
Make it easy – Display social handles, hashtags, or QR codes where they can’t be missed.
Invite gently – Ask with warmth: “We’d love to see your photos — tag us if you’d like!”
Reward engagement – Feature visitor posts on your own feed, or run a playful “photo of the month.”
Encourage variety – Family picnics, couples’ getaways, solo hikers — each voice appeals to different audiences.
Handle negatives well – Not every story will be glowing. Respond with grace and care. A professional, human reply can turn criticism into a moment of trust.
Energy, Enthusiasm & Passion
The most shareable stories happen when visitors feel warmth and connection. A genuine smile, a spark of enthusiasm, a sense of passion for what you do — these qualities radiate into every photo, post, and review. A perfunctory or tired interaction risks becoming that story instead.
The Critical Mass of Stories
The more voices, the louder the signal — visitor stories build Critical Mass too:
Plenty to share – A steady flow of visitor posts shows there’s always something happening.
Interesting variety – Different styles, moods, and angles keep curiosity alive.
Everyone benefits – A visitor drawn in by a photo of a scone may stay for the cliff railway, a local shop, or a coastal walk. One story leads to another.
Destination Identity
While each business benefits individually, shared hashtags and common threads tie all the stories together. Imagine every café, shop, and attraction encouraging #VisitLyntonLynmouth or #BetterNotBusier — suddenly we have a living, breathing gallery of experiences that belongs to everyone.
The Bigger Picture
When visitors become storytellers, they don’t just promote your business. They amplify the whole destination. A single photo or review can ripple out, drawing people who value authenticity and want to discover what’s behind the story.
Harnessing visitor voices supports our shared goal: Better, Not Busier. More authentic stories mean more visitors who come here because they genuinely connect with the experience, not just because of a one-off advert.
