Considering that millions of potential customers go online daily, and are familiar
with many social media platforms, marketing your property on social media can be
a crucial step.
Listening Mechanism
Social media provides a great system for understanding your client’s
wants and needs. Simply checking Twitter for "Vacation Nightmare" and you will be
faced with reviews of Vacations gone wrong.
These platforms provide a great resource for building off others’
mistakes, and making sure your rental doesn’t become one of the next
vacation nightmares! Also allowing yourself to be available online provides an
element of trust for the renter. They are now able to see, and communicate with
you openly. Using social media to understand others’ poor experiences,
and utilizing it to read reviews on your own property can truly make worlds of
difference.
SEO Value
Search Engine Optimization relies on a large online footprint. Just having a
website doesn’t make for a big enough presence to get your rental seen. By
creating and even slightly maintaining your social media profiles, you are expanding
your footprint and allowing more potential customers to see you.
Hashtag Exposure
For some, the “hashtag” is a new thing. The hashtag is simply
the pound symbol #. This has become a massive search and categorization tool
through many social platforms. This allows other users to find content based on
what they’re searching for. For example, a rental in Houston could use
#houstonvacation or #houstonrental and market to users directly looking for that
information.
Authentication
Everybody knows about the threat of vacation rental scams, where people pose
on the Internet as if they are rental owners, take the money and run. Establishing
your credibility online through multiple channels allows customers the peace of
mind and verification that you are a real rental. By using social media platforms,
you can let your customers know that by booking online with Vacation Rental Desk
directly through your website, or by finding you through one of your other authentic
accounts, they can have complete peace of mind when booking their vacation.
Branding
Branding is what you use to define your company’s image. By keeping
a consistent brand across many platforms of social media, customers will begin to
understand and relate to your brand. Sharing interests and information you find
interesting will create a sense of relationship, and trust. For example, the Houston
rental may show local concerts, scenic views, or attractions that customers would
want to see. By posting, not only do new potential customers see it as a reason
to visit, but previous customers will reminisce and interact, doing much of your
marketing for you.