Successful vacation rental hosts understand the need to maximize occupancy levels and create a savvy Airbnb marketing strategy. Many have turned to Airbnb Instagram promotion to entice interest. Since its launch back in 2010, Instagram has become hugely popular and is now used by more than 500 million people each day.
Airbnb hosts far and wide understand the power of fully utilizing Airbnb social media, and believe a robust Airbnb marketing plan can boost their business and bookings. However, some hosts still have their doubts regarding the value of Airbnb Instagram marketing. Let’s check out whether Instagram is really worth the time and effort.
Is Instagram The Perfect Platform for Airbnb Marketing?
Instagram allows you to create a visual network of vibrant photographs, which puts it in the running as one of the best apps for showcasing your rental. Other social media platforms have their place. But where better to present your photographs that on an app that’s been designed specifically with imagery in mind?
Upload your favorite photographs, assign filters to make them look even more stunning and then share these pics with your followers. Airbnb Instagram promotion even allows you to sync to the other popular social network platforms, so you can post your best piccies directly to the likes of Twitter, Facebook, etc. Combining these power-house platforms can really boost your Airbnb marketing strategy.
Instagram has a universal appeal, but recent studies show it is particularly alluring to those between the age of 18-34, so-called “millennials. They are known for their love of travel and exploration.
They are attracted by striking images, and will often book their next “adventure” based upon descriptions and photographs they’ve encountered online.
What Techniques Should You Use for Your Airbnb Instagram Post?
Keen to hone your Airbnb marketing strategy with a spot of Airbnb Instagram publicity? Here are a few techniques for you to get started:
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Post Photographs That Tell a Story
A picture, they say, tells a thousand words, and people do love a story! Instagram photographs should encourage potential guests to imagine themselves in your pad. Post photographs that encourage guests to picture themselves smelling the roses in your beautifully manicured gardens, watching the sunset from your balcony, or curled up by your roaring fire with a good book.
You can also use your Airbnb Instagram posts to show off your hosting skills and present the “face behind your place.” Showcase your warmth and character, and demonstrate how keen you are to ensure guests feel welcome and enjoy their stay.
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Go Live With an Instagram Video
Don’t limit your Airbnb Instagram posts to photographs, go one better and add a video. Go live from a local event and broadcast there and then to show your potential guests what you have to offer. Instagram will even announce when you’re starting a live story to your followers, so they won’t miss out on the action.
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Use #Hashtags
Using hashtags for your Airbnb Instagram posts can make your content easier to find. Make sure your hashtags suit your images (you don’t need too many – don’t go hashtag crazy).
If you’re not sure what to put check out what your competitors are using. What hashtags are trending in your locality and on other Airbnb Instagram posts?
Local hashtags are a good idea, as these will help you to stand out from your competitors in busy tourist destinations.
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Share Your Guest Experience
Let people see what you have to offer. Post photographs of the lovingly prepared welcome hamper you’ve produced for your next guests. Share any great feedback you’ve received in the form of positive comments and notes.
Use your Airbnb social media posts to illustrate the time and effort you put into hosting, and the fact that your guests always enjoy their stay.
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Describe What’s Going on In Your Local Area
Use your Airbnb Instagram posts to tell your target audience about forthcoming gigs, exhibitions, shows, fayres, special events, etc. There’s probably plenty going on in your neighborhood, but how will people know if you don’t share this information?
Give potential guests a flavor of what your local area has to offer, take a tour of local beauty spots, visit great restaurants and bars and create a weekly “story” dedicated to your outings. Your efforts will be appreciated and could create enough of a buzz to encourage Instagram users to follow you and spread the word.
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Post Regularly
Get into a routine with your Airbnb Instagram posts. It’s not necessary to post something every day, but don’t let more than 7 days go by without sharing anything. You want other people to see you as an Airbnb host with a passion for what they do! Your followers will appreciate your dedicated approach and you can keep them interested with fresh content.
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Identify Influencers to Collaborate With
Check out who’s popular on Instagram, who could help you to gain exposure and valuable publicity? Ideally, you want to collaborate with influencers in a similar field, we’re talking tourism, hospitality and the likes.
People looking to plan a trip for work or pleasure often look to travel influencers and those who post Airbnb Instagram photographs to check out their reviews and garner initial ideas. Alongside this, linking up with great influencers will also help you to expand your networks.
Are You Ready to Make a Killing on Instagram?
Gain exposure, create a buzz and boost those bookings. It’s time to make Instagram work for you. A quick recap of what you need to do:
- Use top quality photographs and videos.
- Tell your story.
- Highlight the best features of your property.
- Showcase your local area and update followers on upcoming events.
- Share your guest experience – reiterate that guests love to stay at your pad.
- Use hashtags.
- Post regularly and consistently.
- Link up with other influencers.
- Like and share other’s posts to encourage people to like and share yours!
Savvy Airbnb Instagram posts can do wonders for your business, and with over 1 billion monthly active users, can you afford not to incorporate Instagram into your Airbnb marketing plan?