Boost Your Short-Term Rentals with TikTok Marketing

Leverage TikTok marketing to boost your short-term rentals. Learn how to use TikTok’s features to increase bookings and connect with potential guests directly.

TikTok is no longer just a platform for teens to showcase their dance moves. In recent years, it has become a powerhouse for promoting any business, including short-term rentals, and has gained a broad audience. With the rapid growth of vacation rental properties, finding new ways to advertise and reach the right people is paramount.

Luckily for you, short-term rental hosts haven't yet fully embraced TikTok, leaving you room to expand your followers. If you've never used TikTok before, don't fret. In this guide, we'll share everything you need to know about the platform's basic features and a few tips to increase brand awareness. Let's dive in!

What is TikTok for Short-term Rentals?

TikTok is a social media platform with over 1 billion users worldwide. Launched in 2016, it became one of the most popular video content apps, attracting a diverse demographic. While it's true that Gen Z dominates the platform, millennials, Gen Xers, and even boomers are jumping on.

This means that your potential guests—whether they're young travelers seeking a budget-friendly spot or older folks looking for a cozy getaway—are likely scrolling through TikTok right now. The app provides an incredible opportunity for short-term rental hosts to showcase their property to a wide audience and give potential guests a glimpse of their stay.

TikTok for short-term rental properties

What Are the Basic TikTok Features?

• Video uploading and video editing: TikTok lets users upload videos that can be anywhere from 15 seconds to 10 minutes long. The platform also has built-in editing tools that let you trim, cut, and add effects to your videos. Even if you're not a pro at video editing, the platform's intuitive tools can help you transform a simple room tour into a cinematic experience.
• Live streaming: Live streaming is a fantastic way to interact with your audience in real time. Imagine hosting a live tour of your property, answering questions from potential guests as you show off the stunning sunset views from your rental's balcony. Way to build some connections out there!
• Duet: It allows users to create split-screen videos with other TikTokers. This is particularly useful if you're collaborating with influencers or other businesses. For example, you could duet with a travel blogger who stayed at your rental, adding your commentary or behind-the-scenes insights.
• Stitched videos: Stitching allows you to clip and incorporate parts of another user's video into your own. This can be a great way to join trending conversations or add your twist to viral content. For instance, if a travel influencer shares their top 5 vacation tips, you could stitch their video and share how your rental meets those criteria.

Reach TikTok users with your own videos for vacation rentals

How to Use TikTok Marketing for Your Vacation Rental Business?

1. Post Consistently

Consistency is key on TikTok. The platform rewards regular activity, so aim to post at least a few times a week. Start with simple posts—like room tours, guest testimonials, or local attractions—and build from there. The more you post, the better you understand what resonates with your audience. Our best tip to stay consistent is to shoot multiple videos within a day. You can later edit and schedule those pieces to be published automatically.

2. Use Trending Sounds

TikTok is all about trends; using trending sounds in your videos is a surefire way to increase visibility. The app's algorithm favors videos that align with current trends, so keep an ear out for popular sounds and think creatively about incorporating them into your content. For example, if there's a trending song about relaxation, why not use it to showcase your rental's spa-like bathroom?

3. Collaborate With Influencers

Influencer marketing isn't just for big brands. Collaborating with micro-influencers—those with smaller but highly engaged followings—can be incredibly effective for short-term rentals. Look for travel influencers or local content creators who align with your brand. Invite them to stay at your vacation rental property and share their experience with their followers. This not only provides authentic content but also expands your reach to a broader audience.

TikTok for the vacation rental industry

4. Leverage Hashtags

Use a mix of popular, trending hashtags and niche ones related to your property or location. For example, if you have a beachfront property, use hashtags like #BeachfrontRental, #OceanView, or #VacationVibes. Don't forget to create a unique hashtag for your rental—something like #StayAtSunsetVilla—so guests can easily find content related to your property.

5. Jump on Trends

TikTok trends move fast, and jumping on them can boost your content. Whether it's a viral dance, a popular challenge, or a trending topic, find ways to incorporate your rental into these trends. Got a cozy reading nook? Turn it into the backdrop for a popular book recommendation trend. Does your property have a fantastic kitchen? Showcase it in a cooking trend.

6. Benefit From UGC

User-generated content (UGC) is a goldmine for your TikTok marketing strategy. Encourage your guests to share their experiences at your rental by creating and posting their own TikTok videos. You can incentivize them with discounts on future stays or by featuring their content on your TikTok account. When potential guests see real people enjoying their time at your property, it adds authenticity and builds trust. Plus, UGC helps you reach more people as your guests' followers see and engage with their content.

7. Run TikTok Ads

Consider running TikTok ads if you're serious about scaling your marketing efforts. The app offers various ad formats, from in-feed ads to branded hashtag challenges. You can target specific demographics, ensuring your ads reach people likely to book a stay at your rental. TikTok's ad platform is user-friendly, making setting up and monitoring campaigns easy.

Create a TikTok business account

Boost Your Short-Term Rental Business with TikTok

If you're not on TikTok yet, it's not too late. The platform offers incredible monetization opportunities and can help you skyrocket your short-term rental business. Especially if you have your own direct booking website, TikTok can help you gain potential guests without middlemen. As a result, you build more authentic connections with tenants, and you get to keep more of your profits.

Houfy is a direct booking platform that bypasses third-party booking fees, offering better deals for you and your guests. If you're not on the platform yet, list your property today and join a community of more than 15,000 hosts who benefit from the book direct movement!