It’s all about the likes, the loves, the comments, the covets. Is your vacation rental serving up the backdrops and vignettes for guests’ social media moments? Does your property have its own social media account with a personalized hashtag?
Almost 90% of vacation rental guests say that their travel planning and inspiration comes from social networks like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Instagram is the top social media platform for travel sharing posts across multiple generational groups. It has one billion (and counting) users, half of which are active daily sharing over 95 million photos and videos. Over 30% of users have high annual incomes. Two out of three are Millennials. The type of preferred travel images and videos that are shared include pictures of awe-inspiring views, remote destinations and immaculate accommodations. However, travelers love posting content that showcases interesting backdrops, beautifully designed spaces and activities from their vacation. This is where you can capitalize on your property’s unique attributes.
Consider this list of 20 interior design ideas to create social media worthy posts and videos to promote your vacation rental:
- Exterior murals professionally designed and painted by an artisan; preferably one that is local.
- Colorful and/or patterned wallpaper that can be visually seen.
- Curated décor that includes surprises such as type and age of furniture, unusual pattern combinations, books, etc.
- Unique items for purchase during a set timetable. These items could be art, accessories or other objects that are easy to transport.
- Textured and artistic design elements from area rugs to throw pillows.
- Draw a focus to surrounding landscape views (ocean, mountain, hillside, forest, etc.).
- A cozy nook that is ideal for guests to indulge in napping, reading a book or sketching.
- Space for meditation and/or a yoga practice.
- Bathrooms with custom tile, plush robes and spa-like accessories are instant Instagram fare.
- Kitchen with color, texture and interesting tile designs along with some fun cooking tools are great backdrops for group photos that show the hilarious mishaps and tasty backstories that only kitchens can dish.
- Photo booth space complete with custom backdrop and props relevant to the property.
- Walls painted in jewel-toned colors with unusual and vibrant art that add flare and create instant attention.
- Fun outdoor activities such as pools with basketball nets, corn hole boards, croquet, badminton, Jenga, ping pong tables, bicycles, putting greens, etc.
- Trays of treats such as a cold-weather theme of hot chocolate, marshmallows, skewers, chocolate chips, graham crackers, whipped cream, mugs, plates, decorative napkins, etc.
- Fire pits with stacks of wood, blankets, interesting seating, pillows and mugs of cider.
- Oversized bowls of fruit and vegetables or a crudité tray upon welcome.
- Bar carts with a colorful arrangement of assorted beverages, glassware, garnishes and flowers.
- Decks with interesting lounging furniture such as hammocks, swinging chairs, giant floor pillows, patterned rugs and more.
- Outdoor seating that is romantic or colorful.
- Design touches that are indigenous to an area such as college team decals, driftwood from the beach, pinecones from the trees, locally popular food and bathroom product brands, etc.
Once your designer places the professionally executed touches that can set your property apart, invest in professional photographs to create images that are akin to lifestyle catalogs and luxury resort images. Then begin a social media campaign, with a focus on Instagram, to generate traction.
Promote your property’s hashtag and social media worthy areas in your guest welcome book. The use of hashtags that guests, their networks and you post and share are all free marketing tools to help you promote and sell your property. Commenting and sharing others’ posts are invaluable ways to build momentum for your vacation rental listing. Participate in the fun and stop leaving money and potential new bookings on the table.
Social media statistics from Business Insider and Ad Espresso. Image credit Daniel Salcius.