Boost Short Term Rental Bookings With Online Marketing!

If you own a short-term rental property whether it’s an Airbnb, vacation rental, or destination rental, leveraging the power of social media and online marketing can drastically boost your visibility and in turn, your bookings and revenue. In this blog post, we will explore our top tips for marketing your STR on Facebook and Instagram, as well as five ways to increase your Google ranking so your rental is seen by anyone searching for vacation rentals in your area. By implementing these strategies, you'll enhance your online presence and attract more guests to your property, which means more return on your investment!

10 Tips for Facebook Marketing

1. Create Stunning Visual Content

To capture the attention of potential guests, use high-quality images and videos of your property. Showcase the unique features of your rental, such as a breathtaking views, a cozy interior, or luxurious amenities like an in-ground pool or spa.

2. Engage with Your Audience

Regularly engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking questions, and running interactive polls or quizzes related to travel and local attractions. This helps build a community around your rental property.

3. Leverage Facebook Ads

Utilize Facebook's targeted advertising to reach potential guests based on their interests, demographics, and travel preferences. Promote special offers, discounts, or exclusive experiences to entice travelers to book your rental.

4. Share Guest Testimonials

Highlight positive reviews and testimonials from previous guests. This social proof can significantly influence potential guests’ decision-making process and build trust in your property.

5. Post Local Recommendations

Share insider tips, local businesses and attractions, and hidden gems in your area, and be sure to tag those accounts in your posts! By providing valuable information about nearby activities and experiences, you position your rental as the ideal base for an unforgettable getaway. And by tagging their accounts, you're increasing your reach!

6. Host Virtual Tours

Utilize Facebook Live or create captivating video tours of your rental property. This allows potential guests to experience your space virtually and can lead to increased interest and bookings.

7. Run Contests and Giveaways

Engage your audience by running contests or giveaways, such as a complimentary night's stay or a unique local experience like a wine tasting package or tickets to a local theater. Encourage users to like, share, and tag friends for a chance to win, increasing your property's visibility.

8. Collaborate with Local Businesses

Partner with local businesses, such as restaurants, tour operators, or event organizers, to cross-promote each other’s services. This can expand your reach and provide added value to your guests.

9. Utilize Facebook Groups

Join travel and vacation rental-related groups on Facebook and actively participate in discussions. Provide helpful advice, share your expertise, and subtly promote your rental when relevant and without being overtly salesy.

10. Use Booking Call-to-Action Buttons

Integrate direct booking buttons on your Facebook page. Make it effortless for potential guests to check availability and seamlessly book their stay without leaving the platform.

10 Tips for Instagram Marketing

1. Embrace Visual Storytelling

Instagram is a visual platform, so use it to tell the story of your rental. Post high-quality photos and short videos that showcase the unique features, atmosphere, and experiences offered at your property.

2. Curate an Aesthetic Feed

Maintain a consistent and visually appealing aesthetic in your Instagram feed. Use cohesive filters, brand colors, and themes that reflect the personality and ambiance of your short-term rental.

3. Utilize Instagram Stories and Reels

Engage your audience with behind-the-scenes content, local highlights, and guest testimonials through Instagram Stories and Reels. These features allow for creative and interactive ways to showcase your property and its surroundings.

4. Engage with User-Generated Content

Encourage guests to share their experiences at your rental by using a branded hashtag or tagging your account. Repost user-generated content to showcase authentic guest experiences and build credibility.

5. Incorporate Local Influencers

Collaborate with local influencers or travel bloggers to promote your rental. Their authentic recommendations and captivating posts can expose your property to a wider audience and generate interest.

6. Host Instagram Live Sessions

Organize live Q&A sessions, virtual tours, or local expert interviews on Instagram Live. This interactive approach allows you to directly engage with potential guests and provide valuable insights about your rental.

7. Use Captivating Captions

Craft compelling and informative captions that accompany your posts. Use storytelling and local insights to inspire travelers and convey the experience of staying at your rental.

8. Promote Seasonal Offers and Events

Highlight seasonal promotions, local events, or unique experiences that guests can enjoy during their stay. Create a sense of urgency by showcasing limited-time offers or exclusive packages.

9. Leverage Influencer Partnerships

Collaborate with travel influencers or lifestyle bloggers to showcase your property to their engaged audiences. Authentic endorsements from influencers can bolster your property’s appeal and attract new bookings.

10. Curate Top Relevant Hashtags

Research and curate a list of the most relevant, widely used hashtags for your area and vacation rental niche, and use at least 5-10 per Instagram post.

Bonus: 5 Ways to Increase Google Ranking

1. Optimize Your Website

Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and contains relevant keywords related to short-term rentals, Airbnb, vacation rentals, and destination rentals. Provide informative and engaging content to capture visitors’ interest. Keep your website current with monthly blog posts and updated customer reviews.

2. Focus on Local SEO

Optimize your website for local search by including location-specific keywords and creating content tailored to your area. This will help your rental property rank higher for local search queries related to accommodation and travel.

3. Create and Update A Google Business Page

Creating a Google Business page will allow searchers to easily locate your short term rental in their search queries and on Google Maps. Keep your profile fresh with weekly updates. Include your keywords and images in all updates!

4. Encourage Guest Reviews and Testimonials

Positive guest reviews not only influence potential guests but also signal to search engines that your rental property offers valuable and trustworthy content. Encourage guests to leave reviews on Google and other relevant platforms.

5. Create Local Content and Guides

Produce useful and engaging content about local attractions, activities, and events. By creating comprehensive guides, blog posts, and resources about your area, you can become a valuable source of information and improve your website’s search visibility.

In conclusion, effectively marketing your short-term rental on social media and optimizing your online presence for search engines can significantly impact your property’s success. By implementing these tips and strategies, you can elevate your brand, attract more guests, and ultimately increase your bookings.

Remember, the world of travel and hospitality is all about creating memorable experiences, and your online marketing efforts should reflect that. Stay upbeat, professional, and always showcase the unique value and charm of your short-term rental to entice travelers from around the globe.

If you need more hands-on marketing help with your short term rental property, CLICK HERE to contact us for a FREE consultation!