10 Effective Marketing Tips For Short-Term Rentals in 2025
Marketing is everything when it comes to short-term rentals. The most beautiful properties can be overlooked without effective promotion. It’s like having a hidden gem without telling anyone about it.
But remember, it’s not just about the basics anymore; people ask for something different and unique, and you have to get off the basics and go the extra mile. You can’t expect to stay invisible and still get bookings.
Listen up! If you’re in this game and haven’t started marketing so far, it’s best to do so. Read on to get some marketing tips for short-term rentals like yours!
10 Effective Marketing Tips for Short-Term Rentals
1. Make Your Listing Look Great
The first impression is everything! Use clear, bright pictures of your property that show its best features. Think cozy bedrooms, a clean kitchen, or a sunny balcony.
Write a short, catchy description that highlights what makes your place special. For example, if you have a mountain view or a hot tub, make it the star of your story.
Look at Airbnb listings like “The Glass Treehouse in California” – they make you want to book instantly!
Read Blog Post:
- A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide To The Rental Business
- How To Start A Vacation Rental Business: Startup Guide
2. Use Popular Websites
List your rental on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. These websites already have millions of visitors looking for places to stay. You can find your potential clients easily here.
Keep your calendar updated and respond to questions quickly. Quick replies make you stand out as a great host.
Companies like Sonder use these platforms and have built their reputation by being active and professional.
3. Try Smart Pricing Strategies
Be flexible with your prices. Increase rates during peak seasons or holidays and lower them when it’s quiet to attract guests. Simply adjust your rates depending on demand, seasons, or special events.
For instance, raise prices during peak seasons or holidays when more people are looking to book. On the other hand, lower your rates during quiet periods to attract more guests and fill your calendar.
Offering discounts can also help. For example, give a special rate for those booking long weekends or staying for an entire week. This can encourage guests to book for longer stays, ensuring better occupancy.
Tools like Beyond Pricing or PriceLabs can help you adjust rates automatically.
4. Share on Social Media
Social media is your friend! You can’t even imagine how much business can grow with wise social media strategies. Here’s what you can do:
- Share pictures of your rental on Instagram or videos of guests enjoying the space (with permission).
- Add fun captions like, “Your weekend escape is calling!”
- Run simple ads to reach more people.
- Share guest reviews to build trust.
- Post photos from past guests.
- Run giveaways to engage followers. Example: “Tag a friend you’d bring to win a free weekend stay at our rental!”
- Create a hashtag for guests to use.
- Highlight local attractions nearby. Like “Catch a sunset at [Local Attraction] just 10 minutes away from our place.
- Show how your place changes with the seasons.
5. Get Good Reviews
Ask your guests for reviews after their stay. A quick “Thanks for choosing us! Could you leave us a review?” can go a long way. This small gesture encourages guests to share their feedback.
Good reviews are gold for your business. Not only do they bring in more guests, but they also create a friendly bond with those who stay.
Reply to reviews, even if they’re not so positive. Responding shows you’re listening, making guests feel valued and more likely to return.
6. Be Easy to Find Online
Use keywords in your listing like “Cozy cabin in [City]” or “Beachfront rental in [Town].” This helps people find your place when they search online. The wise use of keywords actually attracts the right people to your rental.
You can also collaborate with local travel blogs or tourist sites to feature your property. For example, smaller rentals in Bali often appear on popular travel blogs, giving them extra exposure.
Check out this fun giveaway post by Jon Kreye (@jonkreye)! He’s promoting a short-term rental by “Book the B.L.A,” offering his followers a chance to win a stay.
What’s cool is how he highlights the rental’s best features in such an engaging way. It’s a perfect example of how teaming up with an influencer can get your property noticed and loved by more people.
Who wouldn’t want to give their place a try after seeing such a creative and exciting post?
Also, check the post where he is promoting “Manhattan Point.”
Also Reading: How To Start A Bounce House Rental Business: A Complete Guide
7. Highlight Fun Stuff
What’s nearby? Tell guests about cool restaurants, parks, or events they can enjoy during their stay. For example, if your rental is near a famous hiking trail, mention it.
Add extras like a guidebook with local tips or discount vouchers for nearby cafes. Many vacation rentals in Paris offer maps and free museum passes to guests – simple but effective!
8. Add Little Extras
Guests love surprises! And the smallest touches can make a big difference! Offer free Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee, or a basket of snacks to make them feel at home.
A handwritten welcome note adds a personal touch that guests will remember. Fresh flowers or a cosy throw blanket can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
These little extras show that you care and can turn a one-time guest into a repeat visitor. It’s all about going the extra mile to make your place stand out!
9. Build Your Own Website
A website helps you take direct bookings and save on platform fees. Keep it simple with photos, prices, and contact info.
Add a fun name like “The Cozy Escape” or “Your Weekend Getaway.” Farm House Inn is a great example of a direct booking website.
They focus on cozy, design-forward homes. Their website features stunning photos and detailed property descriptions. The booking process is simple and user-friendly. By using their own site, they avoid platform fees and connect directly with guests.
10. Team Up Locally
Partner with local businesses. For example, you can work with a nearby coffee shop to offer guests a discount or team up with a tour guide.
Guests will love the local touch! Many rentals in New York partner with food tours to give visitors a taste of the city.
FAQs
1. What is Airbnb’s marketing strategy?
Airbnb focuses on:
- User-friendly platform for easy bookings.
- Targeted ads on social media and search engines.
- User reviews and photos for trust.
- Local experiences for unique stays.
- Referral programs to grow user base.
2. How do I market my STR?
Market your STR by:
- Optimizing your listing with good photos and descriptions.
- Using multiple platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
- Promoting on social media to engage guests.
- Encouraging reviews for credibility.
- Offering discounts for early or long stays.
3. What is a good return on a short-term rental?
A good return is:
- 8–12% cash-on-cash annually.
- 60–80% occupancy rate.
- 30–50% net income margin.
4. What’s the best way to market my short-term vacation rental?
Market your vacation rental by:
- Using high-quality photos.
- Writing clear descriptions.
- Offering flexible policies.
- Building a brand with a website.
- Partnering with locals for exposure.
Conclusion
By applying the above 10 effective tips, you’ll be able to increase visibility, boost bookings, and become a memorable guest experience for your short-term rental.
Every step matters, from high-quality photos you use to get good reviews to partnering with local businesses. Do not wait – start implementing these strategies right now and see your rent go away!
If you have any questions or need help with marketing your short-term rental, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you succeed!