Instagram for your Vacation Rental Business | The Dos and Don’ts

Looking to increase your vacation rental bookings and reach a wider audience

With over 1.63 billion active users as of April 2023 and 500 million of them logging in daily, Instagram stands out as one of the top six most-visited websites globally. This platform is a treasure trove of potential guests, each scrolling in search of their next getaway.

Imagine your stunning properties catching their eye – breathtaking photos and captivating videos showcasing them in all their glory. But Instagram goes beyond pretty pictures. It’s a platform for connection. You can chat directly with potential guests, answer their questions and build trust in your brand. It's an opportunity to turn scrollers into bookers!

What Instagram Can Do for Your Vacation Rental Business

Increased visibility

Instagram offers an excellent platform to highlight your vacation rentals. By posting regularly and using targeted hashtags such as #vacationrentals, #lakehouse and #airbnb, you can dramatically boost the visibility of your properties. It's the perfect venue to be seen and to spread the word about your properties.

Brand building

Visual storytelling on Instagram allows you to highlight your vacation rental's unique features. This not only builds your brand but also connects emotionally with your followers.

Direct guest communication

It makes it easy for guests to reach out directly, whether they're making a booking or just asking a question. This can be especially appealing in today's mobile-driven world, where many bookings are made on-the-go.

Authentic social proof

Showcasing user-generated content like guest photos or reviews builds trust and lends authenticity to your offerings.

Influencer partnerships

Influencer partnerships, with their targeted reach and credibility-boosting endorsements, can amplify your vacation rental’s visibility exponentially. Choosing the right influencers can bring your vacation rentals to an audience tailored just for you.

Saving costs

Instagram allows you to market your rental without the hefty fees typically associated with traditional booking channels. Direct links in your bio can lead potential guests straight to your booking page, cutting out the middleman and boosting your profit margins.

Mastering Instagram: The Dos

Here are some do's to help you get the most out of your Instagram presence:

1. Create a business account

Gain access to valuable insights and analytics with a business account. This will help you understand your audience better and refine your marketing strategies.

2. Showcase your property

Invest in high-quality photos and videos to showcase the unique features of your vacation rental property. Make sure you highlight the amenities, the views and any special touches that make it stand out.

3. Stay active

Post consistently and interact with your followers through likes, comments and shares. This keeps your audience engaged and helps grow your community.

4. Plan your posts

Time your posts to coincide with when your audience is most active. Use Instagram Insights to find the optimal times, enhancing post visibility and engagement.

For instance, research suggests that in the US, posting on Instagram between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. Pacific Time (10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Central Time) can be a sweet spot for reaching a wider audience. This aligns with when many people on the West Coast are winding down for the evening and those in Central Time zones are enjoying some leisure time before bed.

5. Take advantage all of Instagram features

Utilize Stories, Reels and Live sessions to share the behind-the-scenes look at your property or showcase customer testimonials and special deals.

6. Monitor your performance

Track engagement metrics and sales conversion rates to gauge content performance and ROI. These insights can guide your future content and advertising strategies.

What to Avoid on Instagram: The Don’ts

1. Low-quality photos

Always opt for the best quality images to represent your property. Poor quality photos can hurt your brand’s image and deter potential guests.

2. Over-editing

Keep your photos natural and inviting. Overuse of filters can distort reality and lead to guest disappointment.

3. Overposting

Find a balance in your posting schedule. Flooding your followers' feeds can be overwhelming and may lead to unfollows.

4. Ignoring feedback

Address both positive and negative comments professionally. This shows that you value guest feedback and are committed to improving their experience.

5. Misleading information

Be transparent about what your guests can expect. Misrepresentations can damage your reputation and lead to negative reviews.

6. Irrelevant hashtags

Using irrelevant hashtags can make your content look spammy and may attract the wrong kind of followers. Stick to hashtags that are relevant to your vacation rental business and location.

7. Violate Instagram's policies

Be sure to follow Instagram's terms of service and guidelines when posting content. This includes avoiding any illegal or inappropriate content, as well as properly disclosing any sponsored content or partnerships.

Is Instagram Your Goldmine for Vacation Rentals?

Instagram is a powerful tool for vacation rental businesses, offering extensive capabilities for marketing, guest engagement and direct bookings.

By following best practices and utilizing the platform’s rich features, you can significantly enhance your property’s visibility and appeal, attracting more guests and boosting your business success.