There’s a good chance you’ve heard the name of Facebook Marketplace since the opening of this big garage sale in 2016. However, you might think it is more about selling items and vehicles.
Did you ever know that using Facebook Marketplace for your vacation rentals can open a whole new world of opportunities to you by exposing your short-term rentals to more and more potential guests?
Yes, Facebook has expanded the types of products that could be listed on its Marketplace by dedicating a special section to homes for sale and rent.
Don’t worry. In this blog, we will explain a simple set of instructions to help you list your vacation rentals on Facebook Marketplace. We will also provide you with some useful tips and tricks that enable you to make the most out of this amazing free and easy-to-use social media tool.
Table of Contents
What Is Facebook Marketplace?
As the name suggests, Facebook Marketplace is a widely recognised open exchange platform, and has significantly evolved, especially for the vacation rental industry. As of 2024, this platform has emerged as a leading space where individuals and business owners can list various offerings, including vacation rentals.
People can simply type the name of the product(s) they need and set location-based filters such as price range, number of bedrooms (in the case of rentals), which makes it incredibly user-friendly. This streamlined search functionality has made Facebook Marketplace an increasingly popular choice for millions globally.
How Can Vacation Rentals Benefit from Facebook Marketplace in 2024?
For those in the vacation rental industry, Facebook Marketplace offers an invaluable opportunity to showcase properties to an expansive and diverse audience. By listing your vacation rentals on Facebook Marketplace, with a few clicks, you put your properties in front of a bigger target audience, enhancing your chance to be seen by more people.
Recent data suggests a growing trend of users turning to Facebook Marketplace to find unique and personalised vacation stays, making it a key player in the industry.
However, it’s important to note that presence on Facebook Marketplace alone doesn’t guarantee increased direct bookings.
Success on this platform requires strategic thinking, particularly in terms of presentation. High-quality photos, detailed and engaging descriptions, and responsiveness are pivotal. Otherwise, you’ll just ruin your reputation if your listing isn’t as qualified as it should be.
What Role Can Facebook Marketplace Play in Expanding Your Visibility?
- Expanding User Base: As of the third quarter of 2023, Facebook boasts over 3.049 billion monthly active users. The platform’s continuous growth provides a larger pool of potential customers for your vacation rentals. Of course, a considerable number of these people can fit into your target market, can’t they?
- Enhanced Visibility: Facebook remains among the top-visited websites globally, offering significant exposure to your listings. Like any other property manager, your dream might be to attract more visitors to your vacation rental’s website. So, why do you want to miss the opportunity to put your short-term rentals on a platform that was outranked only by huge names like Google and YouTube?
- Targeting High-Income Earners: Among those earning at least $75,000 in the United States, 75% use Facebook. After YouTube, which owns a higher reach at 83%, Facebook is the most popular social network for high-income earners, making it an ideal platform for reaching affluent travellers seeking premium vacation rental experiences.
- Tools for Small Businesses: Facebook continues to support around 90 million small businesses with an array of free tools, such as Facebook Messenger, pages, groups, shops and Marketplace, making it easier for individual property owners and small rental businesses to reach their target audience effectively.
More statistics could further emphasise the missed opportunities of not being on Facebook, with its vast pool of potential guests for your listings. However, these should suffice to highlight the platform’s active community, which your marketing strategies can target. Next, let’s explore a step-by-step guide on using Facebook Marketplace for your vacation rental listings.
How to List Your Vacation Rentals on Facebook Marketplace
Anyone who owns a Facebook business account can sell or rent on Marketplace as long as Facebook Commerce Policies approve their listing. After reading this blog, if you think you tick all the boxes, it is time to see how to list your properties on Facebook Marketplace.
Log in or Create a Facebook Account
To get started, you’ll need to log into your existing Facebook account. If you don’t have one, you can easily create a Facebook account for free.
Access Facebook Marketplace
After logging in, locate the Marketplace icon on the left-hand menu. Click on it to access Facebook Marketplace.
Create a New Listing
In the Marketplace section, a new window will appear. On the left side, you will find the option to “Create New Listing.” Click on this option to proceed.
Choose Listing Category
Facebook allows you to post your listing under various categories. To list your vacation rentals on Facebook Marketplace, select the category “House for Rent or Sale.”
Add Property Details
The rest is as straightforward as the previous steps. First, you need to add photos. Then, specify whether it is a property for sale or rent. Afterwards, provide details about your rental property, including its type (House, Apartment, etc.), the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, price, address, description, and any available parking.
Finalise Listing Placement
For the final step, choose whether you want the listing to appear only on your newsfeed or also on the Marketplace. What’s the difference? Well, placing your vacation rental on the Marketplace makes it accessible to anyone seeking your service in your location. However, your newsfeed is visible only to those permitted by you, such as your Facebook friends or friends of friends, depending on the predefined Facebook settings you have chosen.
Tips on How to List Your Vacation Rentals on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook serves as an excellent platform for attracting leads to your rental properties. However, to optimise your success, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that may hinder your business growth and tarnish your brand’s reputation.
1. Optimise Your Main Photo
Instead of using exterior property images as the main photo, consider showcasing standout amenities like a sparkling pool or a modern, well-lit kitchen.
2. Use High-Quality Photos
Invest in high-quality images that accurately represent your property. Avoid using low-resolution or poorly lit photos, as they can deter potential renters and diminish the perceived value of your rental listing.
3. Provide Multiple Contact Details
While Facebook Messenger offers a convenient communication channel, providing additional contact details such as a phone number, email address, and website URL can facilitate seamless communication and build trust with prospective renters. Prompt responses to enquiries also demonstrate professionalism and enhance your credibility as a property manager.
4. Highlight Additional Features
Take the opportunity to showcase any unique features or amenities that set your vacation rental apart from the competition. Whether it’s pet-friendliness, laundry facilities, ample parking, or exclusive access to recreational facilities, emphasising these perks can capture the interest of potential tenants and compel them to enquire further.
5. Accuracy Matters
Ensure that your property description and address details are accurate and up-to-date. Misleading or incomplete information can lead to disappointment and frustration for prospective renters. By providing precise details and promptly addressing enquiries, you can instil confidence in potential renters and increase the likelihood of successful bookings.
Facebook Ads for Vacation Rentals
Facebook ads for vacation rentals are promotional campaigns run on Facebook’s advertising platform to promote holiday rental properties to a targeted audience. These adverts attract potential renters and boost bookings for property managers, holiday rental owners, and real estate agents.
Here are some common features and strategies associated with Facebook ads for vacation rentals:
1. Targeting
Facebook provides advanced targeting options enabling advertisers to reach specific demographics, interests, behaviours, and locations. Advertisers can target travellers based on factors such as age, location, travel behaviour and interests in particular destinations or activities.
2. Ad Formats
Facebook offers various ad formats, including image adverts, video adverts, carousel adverts, slideshow adverts, and more. Advertisers can select the format that effectively showcases their holiday rental properties and resonates with their target audience.
3. Ad Creative
The ad creative should be visually appealing and highlight the distinctive features and amenities of the holiday rental property. High-quality images or videos can capture the attention of potential renters and showcase the property’s best attributes.
4. Call-to-Action (CTA)
Facebook adverts should incorporate a clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA). It must encourage users to take action, such as “Book Now,” “Learn More,” or “Contact Us.” The CTA should prompt users to visit the property’s website, enquire about availability, or book their stay directly through Facebook.
5. Ad Copy
The ad copy should be concise, informative, and engaging. It should emphasise the benefits of staying at the holiday rental property, such as its location, amenities, nearby attractions, and unique features. Advertisers can also use persuasive language to entice users to learn more or book their stay.
6. Budget and Bidding
Advertisers can set a budget for their Facebook adverts and choose from various bidding options. They include cost-per-click (CPC), cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM), or cost-per-action (CPA). They can also manage how their budget is allocated and adjust their bids based on the performance of their adverts.
Final Suggestion
Don’t underestimate the power of social media, as this is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make these days. In addition to your direct booking website, there are many other tools you can utilise to encourage your guests to book directly with you, including Facebook Marketplace.
Just ensure you’ve uploaded the best images, priced it correctly, and written a compelling description. Now that you’ve learnt how to advertise your vacation rentals on Facebook Marketplace, you should hopefully feel more confident listing them on Facebook.
