Social media has integrated itself into the lives of millions across the world and into nearly every business and industry. This is no less true in the vacation rental industry. Now that so many vacation searches are beginning online and on social media, having a strong presence on social media sites that work for your vacation rental company is critical. Just being on these platforms is not enough; properly posting and using best practices is a necessity to gain more likes, shares and followers. Here are the secrets to great social media posts for vacation rental companies by platform.

Facebook: This is the most popular social media platform today.  When creating your post, you will want to format the post to offer information in the contest of the post, but without giving all the information within the post.  This will ensure that the user clicks the link and visits your content. Use images with your posts to gain the highest engagement rates.

Use images of vacation homes and the surrounding area to pique the interest of the user. Always post a link with your images in hopes that they will click through to the content of the link. Be sure to engage with your followers on Facebook. If a follower comments on your post, be sure to like the comment and comment back when appropriate. Although your vacation rental company may be open 9-5, social media is always open.  Be sure to monitor the page regularly to answer questions and handle any issues.

Twitter: Twitter uses shorter, more action oriented posts to engage users.  Be sure to have a strong call to action in the message.  Twitter followers want to be told to quickly what to do. Another useful tactic is to phrase your post in the form of a question or a startling statistic. For example, if you have a high retention rate statistic about your vacation home area, create a post stating, “Did you know 80% of #OBX vacationers return next year? Find out why here [insert URL]. Although Twitter limits the length of your post, try to use proper grammar if at all possible. Attach links to your post so the user can connect with your content.  When posting, be sure to shorten the URL so you have more characters to use in the post.

Pinterest: Visuals are extremely important to Pinterest. Use attractive and eye-catching images of the area and vacation home. Try to post images that are vertically aligned instead of horizontally aligned; vertical images are repined more often than horizontal. Spend time on the description of the pin.  An image may be repined, but the end goal is to get the user onto your site.  Describe what the image link will provide the user. For example, if there is a popular row of restaurants near your vacation homes, upload an image of the street or a particular restaurant and connect the image to content about the “10 Best Restaurants in Downtown [insert area].

Google+: This platform is up and coming in social media. More and more users are engaging every day on Google+.  Be sure to utilize hashtags and account handles in your post.  This will link your post to trending topics and tag brands and people into your post. Attach an attractive image in your Google+ post to engage the user. Google+ is very dependent on communities. Add communities that will appreciate your post and content to make the post known to the community.

Linkedin: This social media platform embraces more formal information and statistics.  If you have new market research available for the vacation rental industry, Linkedin is a great place to share. Always attach a link to the information and describe what information is in the link to gain the most clicks.

Instagram: Editing your images using the Instagram’s shutter effects or using a third party app is recommended to attain the most attractive image. Use relevant wording in the description of the photo and use hashtags to add your image to the feed about that topic. If a user comments on the image, be sure to respond quickly to keep the engagement going.

Using these social media tips will improve your engagement, follows and shares in social media. The vacation rental industry is the perfect group to prosper from the use of social media. Be social!