Promoting your Airbnb listing can be both exciting and challenging. On one hand, you can’t wait to show off your property, while on the other, you don’t know where to start.
One of the best places to begin your promotional campaign is Instagram. Perhaps the biggest social network on the planet, with billions of daily users, Instagram is a great way to reach potential guests.
Instagram is primarily a photo and video-sharing app, so it is perfectly suited to creating an attractive promotional campaign for your Airbnb listing. That said, having an effective strategy is paramount to your campaign’s success.
Let’s explore effective strategies to promote your Airbnb on Instagram and boost your rental business.
Setting up your Airbnb Instagram account
Creating an Instagram account for your Airbnb is not that difficult. You probably already have a personal Instagram account, and if you do, you will feel right at home creating one for your property.
Here is how you can get started:
Creating an account for your Airbnb on Instagram
Start with the basics: creating an official Instagram profile for your Airbnb. This means separating your personal life from your business. Consider Instagram your sales point where people can come and have a glimpse at your Airbnb and get a feel for what you have to offer.
To create an account on Instagram, just download the app on your smartphone, create an account using your email address or phone number, and then select a username relevant to your Airbnb brand. If you have a personal Instagram account, this will be a cakewalk for you.
Optimizing your Instagram bio
Your Instagram bio is the first thing a person sees when they enter your account; consider it the doormat of your Instagram account. It is the very first thing that your potential guests will notice. Ensure that it is as inviting and appealing as possible.
Your bio should be catchy and contain what makes your Airbnb listing unique. Add relevant information like your location, special features, and the link to your Airbnb profile. Also, don’t forget to sprinkle the occasional emoji or two to make your bio look more appealing.
Creating engaging content for your Airbnb Instagram feed
Now, with your profile ready, it’s time to create your first few posts. You want your posts to be appealing but not exaggerated.
Give a virtual tour of your Airbnb listing with photos and videos
Your photos and videos are how you will attract visitors to your profile. Make sure that you post high-quality photos and videos. Instagram allows you to share beautiful pictures that make your Airbnb come alive.
Ensure that you take pictures of your property in the best light possible, and ensure every room, special features, and any extras are captured. While you can capture professional-looking photos with your smartphone, hiring a professional is also a good idea. Your photos should look crisp and clear and showcase your Airbnb rental in the best possible light.
Writing captivating captions for Instagram marketing
People say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the right caption can improve the reach of your photos and videos. Use Instagram captions to tell a story about your Airbnb, share interesting details, or offer tips for exploring the area. Do not forget to tag and use proper keywords and hashtags to boost your post’s reach.
For instance, use #Airbnb, #VacationRental, and #Travel so people can follow your page or account.
Utilizing Instagram stories and highlights
Stories and highlights are the best features for promoting your Airbnb on Instagram. Here is how you can use these to promote your rental:
How to use Instagram stories to promote your Airbnb
Instagram Stories is a perfect opportunity to engage with your audience in real time. Use stories to show around your Airbnb, your maintenance process, or feature reviews from your clients. Stories will disappear after a day, but you can archive them in a Highlight, which is featured on the profile permanently.
Using highlights to market your Airbnb
Save your favorite Instagram posts under the Instagram Stories Highlights to ensure they do not get lost. You can have different Highlights for different aspects of your Airbnb like, “Meet Your Airbnb Host,” “Guests’ Feedback,” and “Things To Do Around Your Place.”
Engaging with your new followers
Once you get traction on your Airbnb Instagram account, you should consider interacting with your audience. Here are a few tips on how you can go about doing that:
Interacting with your target audience
Instagram algorithm likes active accounts with a lot of engagement. Engage users by replying to the comments and questions and even expressing gratitude to your previous guests.
Engaging with your audience on Instagram makes them feel a part of a community and builds trust. Don’t forget to follow other relevant accounts and interact with their content.
Use your Instagram to collaborate with influencers & market your vacation rental business
The concept of influencer marketing is highly effective for expanding your customer base. Identify relevant social media influencers who will resonate with your brand’s image and whose audience is similar to your target market.
Ask them to post content that includes your Airbnb, whether it is a stay review or a photo shoot, or even if you want them to mention your Airbnb in their Stories. It will attract new followers and potential guests to the pages and, consequently, to your business.
Use hashtags when you post on Instagram
Hashtags are necessary to make your posts more discoverable by users. They make your content searchable and let you reach people who might be interested in your content. The best practice is to use as many as 30 hashtags per post, combining trending and targeted tags to get more views.
Creating a hashtag strategy
Ensure that you incorporate general hashtags that are related to travel and other specific hashtags that relate to your geographical location or your property. Encourage your guests to tag your business when sharing their experiences.
It is a great way to show off your reviews and make your guests feel like a part of a community.
Running Instagram ads to boost your Airbnb listing
While you can reach a lot of people organically, you might need some additional help from time to time. Many Airbnb hosts with a business account use ads to boost their Airbnb listing views.
Setting up and managing Instagram ads as an Airbnb host
Use the Facebook Ads Manager to create targeted ad campaigns that reach potential guests based on their interests, location, and behavior. Design ads that showcase the best aspects of your Airbnb, including high-quality photos and compelling captions.
Analyzing your Instagram post performance
Simply creating an Instagram account will not yield the results you want. You must analyze your Instagram strategy and make the necessary adjustments.
Tracking engagement and growth with Instagram users
It is important to review your Instagram campaign’s performance from time to time using Instagram metrics. Analyze the number of likes, comments, shares, and new followers received.
Utilize this data to improve your content plan and see what information resonates with your audience.
Conclusion
Promoting your Airbnb on Instagram is a smart way to connect with potential guests and boost your rental business. When you set up a dedicated Instagram account, create engaging content, utilize Instagram Stories, engage with your audience, collaborate with influencers, and use hashtags effectively, you can increase your Airbnb listing’s visibility and attract more bookings.
Remember, Instagram is a powerful tool, and with the right strategies, you can make your Airbnb stand out in a crowded market.
