Marriott has discovered Instagram, the popular photo-sharing app, and apparently thinks travelers can be convinced to book Marriott stays by clicking on images associated with hotel destinations.

That strategy requires, at a minimum, that prospective customers follow Marriott, in order to view those book-worthy photos. So, for a limited time, Marriott is offering bonus points for following the company on Instagram.

Offer Details

Through June 21, Marriott Rewards members can earn 500 bonus points for following @MarriottRewards on Instagram.

After following Marriott, members simply click the link in the bio and enter the email address associated with their Rewards accounts on the dedicated landing page to earn the bonus. Done! Time invested: less than 30 seconds.

Deal or No Deal

The 500-point reward is a modest one, but the time and energy required to earn that bonus are more modest still.

On a negative note: Per Marriott, bonus points earned via social media programs like Instagram do not count toward extending the life of your banked points.

Reader Reality Check

Are 500 points worth 30 seconds of your time?

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and almost that long writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

This article first appeared on SmarterTravel.com, where Tim is Editor-at-Large.