Marketing tips
How to market your holiday rental on social media in 2026
8 Apr 2026
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By Amanda Sanders
Social media has completely transformed how travellers discover and book their next getaway. People are no longer just searching for a bed for the night - they’re scrolling through Facebook and Instagram for inspiration, unique experiences, and a taste of what their holiday could look like. If your property isn’t showing up in their feed, you’re missing a golden opportunity. To market your holiday rental on social media in 2026, focus on short-form video content (Instagram Reels, TikTok), make the most of platform-specific features like Pinterest Idea Pins, and keep your posting regular with local hashtags. This makes your place stand out to travellers right where they're looking for inspiration, ensuring you don’t get lost in the shuffle. Here’s your complete platform-by-platform guide to smashing your social goals. Throughout this guide, you’ll see these five key pillars in action - so you can follow a branded blueprint proven to get results. The good news? You don’t need to be a digital marketing whiz to make a splash online. With a few smart moves, you can turn your social media profiles into booking powerhouses. This guide will walk you through exactly how to leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest to attract more guests and grow your revenue in 2026.
Why social media is essential for holiday lets
While online travel agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb and Vrbo are brilliant for giving your property global exposure and connecting you with millions of potential guests, they do charge commission fees on bookings. However, these connections are an essential part of maximising your reach. Building your own lively social media presence means you can engage guests directly, create loyal relationships, and boost your chances of low-commission, direct bookings. It’s all about giving yourself more control and choice in how you fill your calendar, not just avoiding commission altogether.
When you connect with travellers directly on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest, you build your own audience. This opens the door for repeat visitors and more direct bookings. Social media is a free platform to showcase your property’s personality, highlight local gems, and convince potential guests that your place is the perfect spot for their next adventure.
Top social media trends for 2026
Let’s be honest: social media changes faster than a British weather forecast. If you want your holiday let to stand out, you need to know what content inspires and excites travellers right now.
Authentic video content wins
Static photos still have a place, but video is where your property shines. No need for fancy cameras - grab your phone and record a quick tour. Show off the morning sun warming the kitchen or the crackling log burner in the lounge. People want to see real, lived-in spaces, not just glossy brochure shots. Short and snappy clips (think Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, or Pinterest Idea Pins) get attention and help viewers picture themselves relaxing in your space.
Quick TikTok tip: Hop on local trends, use popular music, and always add a sprinkle of personality. Authenticity beats perfection - if a video goes viral, your calendar could fill up overnight!
Showcase the local experience
Guests book a holiday to experience something new - it’s not just about a comfy bed. Become your followers’ digital tour guide. Post about your favourite seaside chippy, market days, or woodland walks. Highlight the unique charm of your area and give viewers a real sense of place. When you share these local treasures, potential guests are much more likely to bookmark your posts and keep your property in mind.
Building a genuine community
Social media is designed for connection. Reply to comments, ask questions in your posts, and encourage user-generated content. If a guest shares a photo and tags you, ask if you can repost it (with credit!). This is priceless social proof, and it shows would-be guests that real people have loved staying at your place.
Get creative with Pinterest
Pinterest is a hidden gem for property marketing. Travellers use it to plan future trips and save inspiration boards. Share beautiful, vertical photos of your interiors and local sights, and create pins that link directly to your direct booking site or latest offers. Consistency is key - pin regularly, use SEO-friendly descriptions, and join group boards where travellers hang out.
Pinterest winning moves:
Pin useful local guides (“Best things to do in Yorkshire Dales”)
Showcase themed boards (cosy cottages, seaside stays, etc.)
Repurpose your Instagram and TikTok content for pins
Setting up your profiles for success
Before you start posting like a pro, let’s polish up those profiles - think of them as your digital shopfront.
Use a clear profile picture: A high-quality snap of your property’s exterior or your brand logo is best.
Craft a brilliant bio: State clearly what you offer and where you are. Always include a call to action, such as “Book your Lake District escape now”.
Add a booking link: Make it as easy as possible for people to book. Setting up a direct booking website means you can pop the link in all your bios.
Connect your platforms: If possible, link your Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest together so guests can find you everywhere.
Tips for TikTok and Pinterest marketing
TikTok: Keep it fun, fast, and focused on experience - think “day in the life at the cottage” or “5 must-visit spots nearby”.
Pinterest: Pin gorgeous photos of your rooms, holiday inspiration guides, and links to local attractions. Think seasonally - autumn escapes, Christmas market weekends, or summer by the sea.
Use hashtags wisely and research what’s trending in the holiday rentals space. Regular engagement and quick responses to comments can turn casual scrollers into loyal guests.
How Travelnest helps you capture social media bookings
Getting attention on social media is one thing. Turning that interest into real bookings (and revenue) is another. This is where Travelnest steps up and takes the hassle out of hosting.
Travelnest is custom-built for UK holiday let owners who want more bookings with less faff. Here’s how we help you level up your business:
Direct booking website, for free: Ready in minutes, your own branded site means followers can book instantly - no commission, no faff, just more money in your pocket.
Global exposure: We connect your property with 30+ top booking sites, spanning everywhere from Airbnb to Booking.com, so you never miss a traveller searching for their next stay.
Smart pricing: Our intelligent pricing engine automatically adjusts your rates to keep your property competitive and maximise your earnings, without any spreadsheets.
Calendar sync: Bookings from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any of our partner platforms? No problem! Our software will instantly update your calendar everywhere, eliminating the risk of double bookings (and awkward guest conversations).
All this comes in an intuitive package, designed for first-time hosts and seasoned pros alike. We’re here to save you time and help you fill your calendar - without sacrificing your well-earned evenings.
Travelnest’s ultimate checklist to get started
Ready to make your property the talk of travel lovers everywhere? Here’s your step-by-step to social media success (and a filled-up calendar):
Create your free Travelnest account here
Automatically receive your direct booking website once you’ve set up your property details and add the link to your social media profiles.
Snap and upload brilliant photos and videos of your property (show off what makes it unique!).
Share local recommendations, behind-the-scenes stories, and guest shoutouts.
Post regularly and engage with followers - never underestimate the value of a quick thank you!
Check out your global exposure and smart pricing settings to keep your listing competitive.
Use calendar sync to stay organised and never double-book again.
Experiment with TikTok and Pinterest - don’t be afraid to see what works.
Track what content gets the most engagement, then do more of it!
Make booking direct with you easy and hassle-free.
External resources to level up your marketing
VisitBritain: Social Media Marketing Tips – Practical advice for UK hosts
Holidu Social Media Guide – Tips from one of our booking partners
Canva: Free social media templates – For creating eye-catching posts, even if you’re not a designer
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does Travelnest help reduce OTA fees?
Absolutely. When guests book through your direct booking site, you don’t pay any channel commission fees, just a small 5% Travelnest fee. But because we also connect your listing to 30+ major sites, you still get maximum reach and flexibility - so you really do get the best of both worlds.
Is Travelnest good for hosts with only one property?
Of course. Travelnest is designed for everyone from single-property hosts to owners with a small portfolio. Our platform is affordable and flexible, saving you hours each week and helping you secure up to 15+ nights booked each month.
What is the best software for first-time hosts?
We hear you - first-time hosting can be overwhelming! We’ve built Travelnest to be friendly, fast, and jargon-free. The onboarding process is easy, and our tools are purposefully simple so you spend more time hosting and less time sweating the small stuff.
Ready to boost your bookings?
Marketing your holiday let on social media doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. By sharing real videos, highlighting local gems, and making it easy for guests to book, you really can take control of your calendar in 2026.
Let us handle the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting - direct bookings, global exposure, smart pricing, and calendar sync - so you can focus on creating memorable guest experiences.
Set up your free Travelnest account today and discover just how simple it is to grow your holiday rental business.
