How To Use Instagram For Your Airbnb
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
Having an Instagram account for your Airbnb sure seems like the next must do for all vacation rental owners. And it makes sense. 60% of millennials have booked travel based on places they’ve seen on Instagram. And 90% of Gen Z travelers are influenced by social media. Whoa!
Some committed homeowners have used Instagram to catapult them into online fame, getting free products and endorsements for their sense of style and wit. But at the very least, it’s an easy way for renters to share your property with others so they can check it out!
HOW TO GET STARTED
Create an account for your rental! And use a recognizable name that isn’t your name. For example, @Miami_BeachAirbnb. Not @Bob_Stevens128. Even if you only post the exact same pictures of your house that are on Airbnb and put a link to your Airbnb ad in the bio, you’re creating a place for people to easily share your rental with friends. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it can just be effective. Sometimes people simply want to see what the house looks like and how to book it, but aren’t sure how to find the link amongst the hundreds or thousands of Airbnbs in your area.
READ MORE: THE 7 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY MORE “INSTAGRAMMABLE”
PROMOTE EVERYTHING
A lot of people use Instagram to let their followers know about last minute deals or openings at the property. You can also promote local events or new amenities you’ve added. It’s a good tool and for some people, Instagram is their daily source of news and information.
DEAL WITH INFLUENCERS
A lot of times, social media influencers will ask you if they can stay for free. Some people hate this. Some people love it. It really depends on much you want to grow your Instagram account. Don’t necessarily think it’s going to correlate to instant bookings - it most likely won’t. What it will do is get more eyeballs on your home’s Instagram account and some, not a ton, more followers. If you put a lot of work into your Instagram, this is probably worth it to you. If you barely touch your Instagram, we wouldn’t bother.
USE STORIES AND POSTS
Posts should always be gorgeous photos of any kind, whether it’s the house, the area or guests enjoying the house. If the photo isn’t beautiful, don’t post it because it will always be there and future guests will judge your property on it. Stories are great to promote last minute, temporary things like weather conditions, price specials, openings in the schedule, stuff like that. You’re fine posting the same things over and over, truly no one cares and may not have seen it the first (seven) times.
How has Instagram worked out for you as a host? Or have you booked a place based on an IG you’ve seen? Let us know in the comments!
While you brainstorm the best approach for your home, don’t forget to sign up for The Host Co, where you can offer hotel-style amenities from your listings! We curate chefs, masseuses and more in your area, and you can offer anything else you’d like to your guests and add a new revenue stream that’s VERY “Instagrammable.” Who doesn’t want private surfing lessons?