You have a lot of choices when it comes to marketing your AirBnb. While you might be drawn to the potential virality of TikTok, or love the searchability that comes with Pinterest, there is one clear winner when it comes to social media platform: Instagram. In this post we’re diving into why Instagram is the best choice, and how to utilize it strategically to build a community around your vacation rental.
Why Your AirBnb Should Have an Instagram
Instagram is a powerful tool for hosts looking to get more bookings for their listing. The visual nature of the platform caters to potential guests looking for a sense of what they’ll get when they stay at a property (it’s why you’ll see every hotel you’d want to visit on Instagram!) As Sked Social says in this article,
Given that Airbnb users fall into the range of 18-30 year-olds, Instagram is an optimal channel to showcase their listings, and even more so, their Experiences. Combined with the visual aspect of the channel, there’s really no better place to showcase FOMO-inducing getaways than Instagram.
Through comments and DMs, those potential visitors can get to know you and your property on a personal level – making it more likely they will book!
While it may feel like TikTok has surpassed Instagram in effectiveness for marketing your business (and reach has undoubtedly gone down as the platform becomes more competitive), travel remains a high-performing niche. Don’t miss out on the chance to attract attention to your property by skipping Instagram.
How do I promote my AirBnb listing on Instagram?
The first way to promote your AirBnb listing on Instagram is to create content. Post photos and videos of your property, the surrounding community, and guest experience to show off what it would be like for someone to come stay at your vacation rental. Don’t forget about utilizing stories – particularly if a guest shares one during their stay that you can repost!
I also recommend incorporating engagement into your vacation rental marketing strategy. Look for hashtags and larger accounts in the same area as you, and engage with the people following them – as it’s likely they’d be interested in your property too! Interact with businesses in the local community, to increase your visibility and boost connections. And don’t forget about responding to comments & DM’s that you receive!
Finally,
Vacation Rental Marketing Tips, Tricks & Mistakes
You know Instagram is a great platform for vacation rental marketing. But how do you do it well? Here are some of my go-to tips and tricks – as well as mistakes you definitely don’t want to make! – to set you up for success.
What types of content should you post on your AirBnb’s Instagram?
Sharing photos and videos of your property highlighting what guests can enjoy during their stay is the obvious choice. But don’t feel restricted to only sharing content about your property! You can include tips about the area, potential vacation itineraries, and spotlights on local businesses.
And don’t forget – your content doesn’t have to be limited to what goes on your feed! Stories are incredibly powerful for nurturing your existing audience. Use these to show off the day to day, repost guest’s stories, and incorporate more information about the surrounding community.
My #1 Hack: Score social proof + engage guests with this simple addition
Have a particularly Instagrammable AirBnb? Add a cute sign to your property with a unique hashtag for your property and a reminder to guests to post photos and stories of their stay.
What vacation rental marketing mistakes do you need to avoid?
The biggest mistake would be not marketing your property at all!But once you’ve got your Instagram up and running, you’ll want to avoid these 4 mistakes, including putting links in your caption (the biggest one I see hosts make!)
Beyond these mistakes, don’t be afraid of content that “flops” or that your effort is taking some time to pay off. Social media is an experiment you need to undertake for the long haul.
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