Incorporating Instagram into your vacation rental toolbox can be a valuable way to draw new guests and highlight properties. We’ve all certainly heard of Instagrammable spots or moments. Why not transform these into attracting guests to your vacation rentals?

If a picture tells a thousand words, multiple pictures or a reel on Instagram can become expert storytelling. Whether sweeping beach views or glimpses of cozy fireplaces in luxurious mountain homes, time invested in the skillful use of Instagram can provide valuable returns on your vacation rentals. It’s all about the visuals and in reaching your target market!

Why Instagram?

In the world of social media, the right platform – or cross platforms – to promote vacation rentals can offer vibrant and captivating ways to showcase your properties. YouTube and Facebook led in 2023 as the most widely used social media platforms. Instagram came up a close third. Instagram reached 2 billion monthly active users globally in 2024, with 166.2 million of these in the U.S.

Who does Instagram reach?

Evaluating which social media platform reaches your target vacation rental market is key. Consider this:

Mobile devices are the principal way people check Instagram
Mobile devices also accounted for nearly 67% of traffic to Casago.com in 2024
30% of vacation renters are between 25 and 34; 27% between 35 to 44, and 11.5% in the 55 to 64 age group
Most Instagram users in the U.S (62.3%) are between 18 and 34 (with the age group 25 to 34 at 30.6%), and 29.3% between 35 to 65

We can interpret this as the highest percentage of vacation renters in the US are likely already on Instagram. They are scrolling to find a captivating reel or image to whisk them away!

Tips on Incorporating Instagram into your Vacation Rental toolbox

As an image-narrator, Kelsey Belch at Casago Avila Beach on California’s Central Coast has a keen feel for a foray into Insta. With a degree in marketing from the University of Denver, Belch shares tips and strategies for showcasing vacation rentals through Instagram. She highlights ways fellow Casago markets are incorporating Instagram into their wheelhouse.

Curate content to your market

Do people visit your area for romantic strolls on the beach? A lively party atmosphere? Outdoor activities? What age group are you targeting?

Share a day in the life at the vacation rental

Entice guests with coffee on the patio as the sun rises, or a glass of fine wine at dusk. How about a stroll through a charming downtown, or just cozying up in a reading nook? What will a guest experience or feel at your vacation rental?

Create reels…really

Belch notes there tend to be more responses to reels over photos. Instagram reels can be short videos or a combination of clips and images – often set to music. (She adds though TikTok provides for trending sounds, that may not be your target age market)

Be creative and keep it fresh

While you don’t want to overpost or flood your feed, consider quality experiences over quantity. Keep frequent and potential guests eager to check out your new posts, and therefore your properties.

Look at what realtors are doing

View how realtors engage in showing off homes. Do a walk-through with your guests in mind, set to music of course. Highlight the unique features of each vacation rental.

Engage!

Invite guests to use hashtags during (or about) their stay when posting to their own social media – be sure to specify the hashtag for your site #casago Consider including a QR code in the vacation rental that opens to your Instagram.

Be responsive

Communicate promptly with your Instagram followers when they remark on your incredible posts.

Have fun and imagine you are the guest!

Above all, remember that Instagram is playful. Share local tips, funny moments, and stunning sunsets.

So, step into the role of an extended guest in your own Casago market and discover the Instagrammable moments worth sharing. Turn those pictures into thousands of reasons to double-tap your vacation rentals!

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