There are some places that are so iconic that they warrant a picture, even if it’s the same one everyone else is taking. People take their own anyway because these places mean something to them. Some are destinations all on their own, like the Eiffel Tower or even Rainbow Row. All of them are part of something bigger; manifestations that sum up and perfectly represent the experience someone is having wherever they are. 

What does this have to do with your business?

Well, this idea can be leveraged by any business that has a physical place that serves customers.

In an age where everyone takes pictures of everything, we can use this little insight to help people along. We already know that of all the ways a brand can build trust with its customers, a referral from a friend or word of mouth marketing is still the quickest way. Making it easier for them to share their experience at your business means more exposure for you. 

Of course there are many ways to make it easier for customers to share their experiences, but how do you go about creating your version of an Insta-worthy place? Your very own Eiffel Tower? 

Whether intentionally or not, lots of places around town already have.

Firefly Distillery’s “Big Red” Firefly Truck

Can’t go to Firefly without getting a picture with their truck! Strategically placed right at the Distillery’s entrance, Big Red welcomes guests as soon as they walk in. The truck became such a fixture at the original distillery on Wadmalaw that it made the trip to North Charleston. Not only is it a perfectly restored Classic Ford truck with an eye-catching red paint job, but doesn’t it just make you think of all of those moonshiners runnin’ shine in the backwoods during Prohibition? 

Lewis Barbecue’s “All Hail the King” Mural

As masters of Texas-style barbecue and beef brisket, this mural immediately tells you what Lewis is all about. A giant bull’s head, complete with horns and a crown, is pictured between “All Hail” and “The King”, taking up the entire side of a building. It’s one of the first things you see pulling up to their spot and something about its design makes it clear that you’ve arrived and going to get exactly what you were looking for. One of my favorites!

Uptown Social’s “Social Butterfly” Mural

You’ve seen the Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings mural haven’t you? It’s become so popular it’s listed as a tourist attraction. Well, Uptown Social’s got their own version of a wings mural and half the pictures on Instagram taken there is of this mural or has it in the background. Two beautifully painted wings are separated by just the right amount of space for someone to stand between them and be transformed into a butterfly.  Even Bernie stopped by for a pic. For a bar and restaurant that was created to help social butterflies mingle, this Social Butterfly mural encourages interaction and is the perfect addition to their space. Basic? Maybe. Does it work? Absolutely.

Viva Tacos and Tequila’s VIVA Letters

Viva just opened at the end of November, but this installation of the “VIVA” letters is already becoming a favorite place for guests to pose. Four brightly colored and patterned letters sit right under the clock tower at Central Island Square on Daniel Island, just a few steps away from the restaurant’s front doors. They’re loud and colorful and the word they spell out translates to “live” or “long live!”, often used as part of a cheer or rally cry. “VIVA” is visible from the street and a great introduction to the vibrancy both in atmosphere and food you’ll experience once you get inside. 

These four examples have some things in common:

• They are all immediately noticeable.

• Their placement allows for people to go up and take a closer look (to take a photo with it, of course!). They invite attention and interaction.

• They surprise and delight. (“Cool, look at that!”)

• They are all relevant to their brands.

What can you create that checks off everything on this list?

It doesn’t have to be a mural or a car. In fact, it’s most likely not going to be a car unless you’re a car brand or Firefly. Maybe it’s a sign, a chalkboard, a flower wall, the way you display your merchandise, or something interesting you do with lighting fixtures.

So many possibilities!