Instagram presents a fantastic opportunity for vacation rentals.

instagram sun

Launched in 2010, the photo-based social media platform now has more than 600 million users. 300 million of those users are active on Instagram every day.

Some other incredible statistic include:

  • Every day, photos on Instagram receive a collective 4.2 billion likes
  • 95 million photos/videos are shared per day
  • The most popular user on Instagram has more followers than the population of Malaysia, Australia, Sri Lanka, UAE and Switzerland (combined!)

Check out some more of these interesting stats on the websitebuilder.org infographic.

Why should holiday let owners get involved?

Instagram on iOS

Instagram’s format lends itself perfectly to holiday lets. Great property photography is no longer a luxury, it’s a must. And this photography can be shared with people looking for somewhere to stay in the near future. The same goes for photos of the local area (that pub around the corner, the gravel track through the woods where you can walk the dog, etc.).

Instagram allow their users to submerse themselves in a series of different worlds, and your holiday let can be one of them.

Let’s take a look at some holiday let owners who are doing a fantastic job of promoting what they have to offer via Instagram…

The Chickenshed

I love this Instagram account. I haven’t stayed here yet, but I’m desperate to change that soon!

The Chickenshed on instagram

As the name suggests, this used to be a poultry shed. It’s now quite different. The property and the location are stunning. But one thing I really enjoy is how authentic all the updates feel. It really feels like you are there each day.

Take a look at the photos and start following them to see what I mean, but the updates often talk about the weather, how it affects the views, the changeovers between guests, and other things that make you feel involved, rather than just a spectator.

The property has a minimalistic feel, but there is no limitation in the fantastic photos the owners achieve. Each shot is different, and for me it shows that most people massively underuse their most valuable asset when it comes to social media for holiday lets… the holiday let itself!

Follow the_chickenshed on Instagram.

Sawday’s Canopy & Stars

Canopy & Stars provide a hand-picked and inspected collection of incredible places to stay. As a long-time follower on Instagram, one of the things I enjoy most is the variety. There are tree houses, yurts, cabins, and even a couple of iron age forts!

canopyandstars on instagram

They are great at using photography from guests to add a real personal touch to the photos they share. They are currently promoting their ‘best bedview collection’ which is a fantastic selection of images.

Follow canopyandstars on Instagram.

Fforest

Fforest is honestly one of the most incredible places I’ve been. Run by some incredible, lovely people.

Fforest on instagram

It’s so special that I think it’s virtually impossible to carry that message across any medium, but Sian does an unbelievable job on their Instagram account.

It’s no surprise to see they have well over 15,000 followers.

There’s almost no self-promotion. It’s all about what happens day-to-day, slowing down, and enjoying life. I can’t really get enough of the beautiful landscapes and gorgeous moments. Each photo makes me desperate to go back as soon as possible.

Extra respect is also due regarding the genius of their Instagram handle. ?

Follow coldatnight on Instagram.

Instagram logo

So what should I do?

Here are my tips…

  • Be authentic above all else
  • Don’t feel the need for blatant self promotion, sell what you do in smarter ways
  • Use your most valuable assets (your property, your location, etc.)
  • Inject your personality