Boost Short-Term Rental Bookings with an Instagram Account
In the realm of today’s digital landscape, scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and other social media platforms has become an integral part of our daily lives. But did you know that your potential short-term rental (STR) guests are doing the same? So, why not leverage this social media frenzy to your advantage? Don’t solely rely on the algorithms of booking platforms like Airbnb; instead, take control and build your own organic audience through an Instagram account. In this article, we’ll uncover the power of Instagram for increasing STR bookings and provide you with actionable strategies to succeed.
Make a Business Account
When you’re setting up your STR’s Instagram account, opt for a “business” account. This choice provides you with valuable business features such as contact information and your STR’s address, enhancing travelers’ ability to find and engage with you. A well-crafted bio is essential within the 150-character limit. Describe your remarkable rental, incorporating relevant hashtags, and ensure you link to your booking site in the URL field, whether it’s a standalone website or an Airbnb/Vrbo listing.
Post Regularly and Embrace Reels
Consistency is key on Instagram. Your objective is to captivate potential guests with captivating videos and images of your exceptional STR. Showcase the joy current guests are experiencing and emphasize what sets your property apart from the competition. Creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) should be your goal. For improved visibility in your followers’ feeds, focus on posting reels. Unlike stories and feed posts, reels are designed to reach a broader audience, helping you acquire new followers and expand your reach.
Utilize Hashtags Strategically
Select 10 to 12 relevant hashtags for each post to enhance its reach. Rotate these hashtags to prevent your posts from being flagged as spam. While you can draw inspiration from your competitors’ hashtags, creating a custom hashtag for your STR is an excellent idea. Consistently use it in your posts and bio to strengthen your brand identity.
Harness User-Generated Content (UGC)
When guests tag your account in photos they’ve taken on your property, you strike gold. This UGC serves as genuine evidence of guests enjoying their time at your place, and it’s the most authentic form of advertisement to convince future guests to book. Repost these tagged posts on your stories to make your guests feel valued. Respond to their original posts with gratitude, fostering a positive relationship.
Share Glowing Reviews
While you don’t want your Instagram to feel like an ongoing advertisement, sharing stellar reviews occasionally can work wonders. Pair these testimonials with appealing images of your STR or the highlighted amenity for maximum impact.
Showcase Local Gems
Provide your future guests with a taste of what your area has to offer. Share videos of charming cafes, serene parks, and delightful restaurants nearby. Tag these businesses in your posts, and you might find them returning the favor by tagging you in their content.
Spark Engagement with Questions
Engagement is crucial for Instagram’s algorithm. When your audience engages with your content, it signals to Instagram that your posts are valuable. Encourage interaction by posing questions in your posts. Ask for opinions on decisions related to your STR, such as which amenity to add next. This approach not only boosts engagement but also creates a sense of community.
Conclusion
Incorporating Instagram into your short-term rental marketing strategy is a smart move. This platform enables you to connect with potential guests on a personal level, showcasing the experience your property offers. By following these strategies and investing a few hours each week, you can cultivate a thriving organic audience that will help boost your bookings and create a lasting impact in the competitive hospitality industry. So, take the plunge into Instagram and start reaping the rewards of a robust social media presence for your short-term rental business.