The success of your holiday rental relies heavily on online advertising. Travellers everywhere now turn to the internet to plan their stays, so a strong online presence is crucial.
In this guide, we share 29 effective ways to advertise your holiday rental, from social media and online forums to search engine optimisation (SEO) and Google Ads. You’ll find options to suit your business needs, audience, and budget—helping you reach the right guests efficiently.
1. Your Own Direct Booking Website
Creating a website for your holiday rental is a great way to build your brand, encourage direct bookings, and reduce reliance on OTAs. Instead of free website builders, which can be limiting, we suggest WordPress with a website plugin builder like Elementor. If you’re looking for guidance on selecting the ideal WordPress theme for your holiday rental website, check out our article, “Choosing The Best Holiday Rental WordPress Theme”.
If you use property management software, they should offer an open API, so your site automatically updates with current prices, availability, and property details.
To attract visitors who’ll book, try strategies like SEO, social media ads, and Google Ads, as covered in this guide.
2. Big Holiday Rental Listing Sites
Consider using popular OTA platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO, which attract millions of users each month. For instance, Airbnb saw 448 million nights booked in 2023 alone. OTAs can be a powerful way to market your property as they handle much of the advertising.
However, avoid relying solely on these platforms, as they charge high commission fees and control the terms. Research each site’s rules, target audience, and fees to ensure the platform aligns with your goals before investing time in setup.
Big listing sites to advertise on:
- Airbnb
- Vrbo
- Booking.com
- HomeToGo
- Expedia
If you wish to find out the biggest holiday rental booking sites for UK hosts, check out our article “Best Holiday Rental Websites For UK Hosts“.
3. Local & Niche Listing Sites
Local or niche listing sites are tailored to specific regions or unique types of holiday rentals. By focusing on a particular area or style of stay, these platforms offer targeted exposure to travellers who are often looking for something unique.
Listing your holiday rental on these sites can help attract a more relevant audience. Travelers with specific needs or interests, also known as ‘Special Interest Tourists,’ are drawn to distinctive experiences and destinations.
Reaching these travellers has additional benefits—they’re often willing to spend more and stay longer, providing greater value to your holiday let.
Example Niche Listing Sites
- BringFido: Perfect for pet-friendly holiday rentals, BringFido connects you with travellers eager to bring their furry friends along.
- Glamping Hub: If your rental offers a glamping experience, Glamping Hub is the go-to spot for travellers craving luxury in nature.
- Kid & Coe: Focused on family-friendly rentals, Kid & Coe helps families find stays with thoughtful kid- and baby-friendly amenities.
- Misterb&b: Designed specifically for LGBTQ travellers, Misterb&b connects guests with safe, inclusive accommodations.
- Niche Escapes: Niche Escapes organises rentals by travel themes, like beach getaways, mountain retreats, and cultural experiences.
4. Google Vacation Rentals
List your holiday rental on Google Vacation Rentals to reach millions of potential travellers. When users search terms like “Florida vacation rental” or “Miami holiday rental,” Google’s Vacation Rental widget often appears at the top of search results, displaying your listing to a wide audience.
This widget lets travellers explore key details of your rental, including amenities, descriptions, and prices, and links them directly to booking options through Google’s trusted partners.
With 91% of travellers using search engines to find accommodations and 81% choosing Google, listing on Google Vacation Rentals can significantly boost your rental’s visibility, bringing in more inquiries and bookings.
Check out Google’s guide to listing your holiday rental on Google.
5. Reddit Business Account
A Reddit business account helps you connect with travellers and promote your holiday rental. By joining travel-related subreddits, like ‘Travel’ or local groups focused on places like the Lake District, you can build awareness and trust through discussions, answers, and helpful content.
In fact, 54% of U.S. Reddit users planning to travel are more likely to trust a brand they engage with on Reddit, and 51% say they’re more likely to stay loyal to those brands. Engaging on Reddit can be a great way to attract and retain guests.
6. Reddit Paid Adverts
Reddit offers paid ads that let you target specific communities or demographics with sponsored posts. These ads can help increase visibility and drive traffic to your website, potentially leading to more bookings.
To make the most of Reddit’s targeting, consider reaching travellers interested in experiences your rental offers. For example, if your holiday rental is suited for adventure seekers, focus on subreddits related to hiking, camping, or travel tips to connect with users already interested in similar activities.
For more, check out Reddit for Business – Travel. They provide guidance on ad strategies for holiday rentals, ad types, and tips for measuring results.
7. Online Travel & Accommodation Forums
Reddit is one of the largest online forums, but it isn’t specific to the tourism industry. You may find more relevant forums for promoting your holiday rental, ones that cater directly to your location or type of accommodation. Explore forums like FlyerTalk and Fodor’s Travel to discover current discussions and insights shared by travellers.
When participating in these communities, remember to avoid a “sell, sell, sell” approach. Instead, focus on sharing helpful tips and advice. Consistent, genuine engagement helps build trust and establishes your reputation as a valued member of the community.
Engaging thoughtfully in forums allows you to build relationships with other members and attract the right kind of attention to your holiday rental business.
8. Listing With TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a leading travel platform where millions of travellers search, compare, and book holiday rentals while also exploring reviews, attractions, hotels, and restaurants. With 436 million unique monthly visitors and a reputation as a trusted source for travel information, it’s an invaluable place to advertise your holiday rental.
By listing on TripAdvisor, you reach a large audience of travel enthusiasts and benefit from the power of user-generated content, which can drive more bookings.
For full details on getting your property listed, check out our guide: How to List Your Holiday Let on TripAdvisor.
9. TripAdvisor Forums
TripAdvisor’s forum is an ideal space for travellers and hosts to share insights and connect. Engaging here lets you reach a wide audience and build rapport with potential guests.
Follow discussions about your location and accommodation type to engage with the right audience. Share local tips or hidden gems near your rental to add value and make an impression.
Answering questions in your area of expertise positions you as a trusted source, encouraging users to see your rental as a reliable choice.
10. TripAdvisor’s Paid Adverts
TripAdvisor offers a paid advertising option called Ad Express, designed to advertise your holiday rental directly on their platform. Launched in 2022, Ad Express is relatively new compared to other paid marketing channels.
With Ad Express, you can create targeted ads that appear to users searching for accommodation in your area, or to specific audience segments that match your ideal guests.
Ad Express also provides performance tracking tools. This allows you to monitor the effectiveness of your ads and make adjustments based on what drives the most engagement.
For more details on how Ad Express can boost your holiday rental’s visibility, take a look at TripAdvisor’s Ad Express Guide to get started.
11. Email Marketing
Email marketing is an excellent way to promote your holiday property, especially to previous guests. It involves sending targeted emails to past guests, subscribers, and leads to keep them engaged and updated about your holiday rental. By offering personalised deals, updates, and newsletters, you can nurture relationships with potential guests and encourage repeat bookings.
There are several ways to collect emails:
- Newsletter subscriptions on your website: Allow users to sign up for updates and promotions by entering their email.
- Call-to-actions requiring email input: Encourage website visitors to access resources or exclusive content by submitting their email.
- Wi-Fi sign-in: Ask guests to enter their email to access your Wi-Fi, which helps you collect customer information.
- Ask your guests directly: Request emails from guests during their stay or at events to keep in touch with future offers and updates.
Make sure to research email marketing tools such as MailChimp to streamline your email tasks, but automating email tasks.
12. YouTube
YouTube is a powerful tool for video marketing, letting you showcase your holiday property through tours, destination guides, and guest testimonials. Video’s impact is strong—82% of people report being convinced to book or buy after watching a video.
To maximise YouTube’s reach, use targeted keywords in video titles and descriptions, such as “holiday rental in [location]” or “best places to stay in [region].” Including a link to your booking page in the description can help convert interested viewers into guests.
With YouTube, you can connect with a large audience of travellers, build brand awareness, and inspire potential guests to explore your rental and book their stay.
13. Facebook Business Page
A Facebook business page enables you to establish a professional presence for your holiday rental on the world’s largest social media platform. With this page, you can share photos, videos, updates, and promotions to engage your audience, build brand awareness, generate enquiries, and drive bookings.
Whether you’re taking bookings directly through Facebook or directing users to your website, a business page is an essential marketing tool for holiday let businesses.
For step-by-step guidance on setting up your page, refer to the Facebook Business Page Guide.
14. Niche Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are great for connecting with people interested in travel and holiday rentals. By joining relevant groups, you can network with potential guests, share insights, and promote your holiday rental in a more targeted way.
Start by searching for groups using terms like “[location] tourism” or “[location] holiday rentals,” and check the group rules to confirm if advertising is allowed.
Participating genuinely helps you build connections with group members and increase interest in your rental.
15. Run Facebook Paid Adverts
Many holiday rental owners find success with Facebook ads showcasing beautiful images of their properties and surroundings. Scenic landscapes and unique destinations naturally capture attention, making Facebook an ideal platform to promote your rental.
With options like sponsored posts, carousel ads, and video ads, you can target specific demographics and interests to build a following, connect with potential guests, and increase bookings.
Though travel conversion rates average 2.82%, Facebook’s low cost-per-click—around $0.63—keeps it affordable. Facebook Ads can boost your brand, attract followers, and turn them into future guests.
For step-by-step instructions on creating effective Facebook ads, check out our Facebook Ads Guide.
16. Instagram Business Profile
Creating an Instagram business profile gives holiday rental owners valuable tools and insights for promotion. Studies show that 67% of travel enthusiasts use Instagram for trip inspiration, while 40% of millennials seek “Instagrammable” locations.
To set up your profile, craft a compelling bio that highlights your rental’s unique features, select the vacation rentals category, add your website link, and upload high-quality, inviting photos. Use Stories and Reels to showcase quick tours, local attractions, or seasonal highlights, and include relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
Instagram’s analytics help you track what content drives engagement, enquiries, and bookings.
For step-by-step setup instructions, check out Instagram’s Business Profile Guide.
17. Instagram Paid Adverts
Instagram offers several ad formats—photo, video, carousel, and story ads—that let holiday rental owners showcase their property to a targeted audience, boosting visibility and driving traffic to your website or profile.
To make the most of Instagram ads, tailor your content to what your audience enjoys. Use video tours or “day-in-the-life” reels to give a feel for staying at your property, and A/B test different visuals and captions to see which ones bring the most engagement and bookings.
Paid ads can help elevate your brand, attract guests, and increase bookings, ensuring a steady flow of visitors to your holiday rental.
For a step-by-step setup guide, check out Advertising on Instagram.
18. TikTok Business Account
A TikTok business account is a creative way for holiday let rental owners to reach new audiences with short, engaging videos. TikTok’s ad tools and analytics help connect you with a younger crowd, perfect for showcasing properties in a fun, visual style.
To stand out, try using trending sounds, effects, or challenges that fit your rental’s vibe. Quick “behind-the-scenes” tours, local highlights, or seasonal shots can make your property memorable.
Consider using TikTok’s Duet feature to collaborate with past guests or local influencers, boosting visibility and credibility.
For setup guidance, check out TikTok’s Set-Up Guide.
19. TikTok Paid Adverts
TikTok offers ad options designed for holiday rental businesses, including in-feed ads, branded hashtag challenges, and branded effects. These formats allow you to showcase your rental to a targeted audience in creative ways.
Using TikTok ads can boost brand visibility, drive traffic to your listings, and attract bookings, helping maintain a steady flow of guests.
For setup details, check out TikTok’s Advertising Guide.
20. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing can help holiday rental owners reach new guests through trusted recommendations. Micro-influencers, with 2,000-100,000 followers, often connect well with niche audiences, making them a great fit for targeted campaigns.
To get the best results, set clear expectations on content and branding so the influencer can create aligned posts. Track results with unique links or promo codes, helping you measure effectiveness and refine your approach for future campaigns.
With the right influencer, this strategy can increase visibility, build trust, and boost bookings for your rental.
21. SEO
SEO, or search engine optimisation, enhances your holiday rental’s website visibility in search engines, making it easier for potential guests to find. By following best practices like keyword research, content optimisation, and link building, you can drive more organic traffic and increase bookings.
Key practices include:
- Keyword Research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find search terms potential guests are using.
- Image Optimisation: Add descriptive names and alt text for images, and compress files to speed up page loading.
- Metadata: Use concise, keyword-rich titles and meta descriptions to improve ranking.
- Content Optimisation: Create valuable, engaging content that includes keywords naturally.
- Page Load Speed: Improve load times by compressing images and refining code.
- Backlinking: Build credibility with backlinks from trusted sources, such as travel bloggers or local businesses.
Navigating SEO for holiday rentals can be complex, but our expert SEO team is here to guide you. Contact us with any questions, and we’ll help optimise your site to attract more guests.
22. Blog Writing
Blogging is a key SEO strategy to increase organic traffic, build brand awareness, and drive bookings. By creating valuable, keyword-focused content related to travel, vacationing, and local attractions, you can engage your audience and position your site as a trusted resource.
Publishing consistently is ideal, but quality matters more than quantity. Effective posts should rank on Google’s first page, as only 0.63% of users click links on the second page.
Focus on Long-Tail, Low-Competition Keywords
Long-tail keywords (three or more words) are specific and often easier to rank for. Instead of targeting high-competition phrases like “things to do in Devon,” opt for narrower terms like “things to do in Devon for couples.” These keywords attract a niche audience and improve ranking potential.
Match CTAs to Search Intent
Tailor calls-to-action to reader intent. For informational searches, use subtle prompts like “Sign up for Devon travel tips” or “Download our free itinerary.” This approach engages users without overwhelming them with booking requests.
23. External Content Marketing
External content marketing involves sharing valuable content, like guest blog posts, articles, and infographics, on third-party websites and platforms. This approach broadens your reach to new audiences and earns valuable backlinks, boosting your SEO.
Collaborating with travel websites and publications can increase brand awareness and drive referral traffic to your holiday rental business. These partnerships vary; some involve content exchanges, while others may require a fee.
External content marketing is a powerful tool to enhance your online presence, attract more guests, and build credibility.
24. Google Ads – Search Ad
Google Ads search campaigns place your ad at the top of search results when people look for terms related to your holiday rental, helping interested travellers find your listing easily.
To create effective ads, choose keywords your guests might use, like “beachfront cottages in Devon.” You can also adjust settings to target specific locations, times, or audiences. With each click on your ad, there’s a cost, so you only pay when someone shows interest by clicking.
Refining search campaigns involves monitoring and adjusting bids to allocate more budget to audiences or locations with higher conversion rates. This targeted approach helps you get the most value from your ad spend by focusing on what drives the best results.
For more information on Search Campaigns, visit Google’s Search Campaign page.
25. Google Ads – Display Ads
Google Ads display campaigns let you create visually engaging banner ads across websites, apps, and YouTube within Google’s network. By targeting user interests, demographics, and browsing habits, you can connect with potential guests during their online activities.
This approach keeps your holiday rental visible beyond search, building awareness and engaging prospective guests as they explore travel options.
To find more details on Display campaigns, visit Google’s Display Campaign page
26. Google Ads – Retargeting Ads
Google Ads retargeting campaigns help you reconnect with users who visited your website but didn’t book. By showing targeted ads as they browse other sites, you keep your property top-of-mind, reminding them of its offerings and encouraging them to return and book.
Retargeting is effective because it targets users who have already shown interest, making them more likely to convert. You can customize these ads based on their actions, like viewing a specific rental or visiting booking pages, to increase relevance.
For details on setting up a retargeting campaign, check out Google’s guide on remarketing.
27. Create A Google Business Profile
Google My Business is a free tool that allows owners and managers to create and manage their holiday rental property listings on Google. You can include essential information such as the address, phone number, website, and hours of operation for your rental.
Adding your website to the listing helps direct potential guests to your site, making it easier to generate direct bookings.
For a quick setup of your Google My Business profile, check out Google’s guide.
28. Referral Programmes
Referrals involve encouraging past guests to recommend your holiday rental properties to their friends, family, and colleagues. By offering incentives such as discounts, loyalty rewards, or referral bonuses, you can motivate satisfied guests to spread the word about their positive experiences and generate new bookings for your business.
Airbnb launched a referral program offering incentives of up to $100, resulting in a 25% increase in bookings for hosts. If Airbnb can achieve this, so can you.
Promote your referral schemes via email, social media and other online platforms you use.
29. Tourism Websites
Listing your holiday rental offers several advantages, including boosting your online presence, driving direct bookings, and potentially earning valuable backlinks to enhance your SEO.
To find sites that allow accommodation listings, simply search Google for ‘tourism site [location]’ and browse the results.
For example, when we searched for Tourism Stratford-upon-Avon, we discovered ‘Visit Stratford-upon-Avon,’ which offers a list of local self-catering accommodations, complete with owner or manager contact details.
Further research into the broader area revealed the Warwickshire tourism website, providing additional opportunities to list your holiday let and expand your visibility.
Conclusion
Wrapping up our journey through “29 Effective Ways To Advertise Your Holiday Rental Online,” it’s been a ride full of insights. From the basics like jazzing up your website to diving into the world of social media, each tip we’ve shared is a stepping stone towards making your rental shine online.
The digital world is vast, and standing out might seem daunting, but with these strategies, you’re well-armed to grab attention. Remember, it’s all about connecting with those looking for their next adventure and showing them why your place is where they need to be.
Keep tweaking, keep learning, and most importantly, stay true to what makes your rental special. Here’s to all the future guests who’ll fall in love with your spot. Cheers to your success and the many bookings to come!
