Community Perks with The STR Report

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 200+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.

🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

May 12th, 2025

Good afternoon STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: 🤳🏡 How to Use Social Media to Promote Your Vacation Rental

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Pinehurst, North Carolina and St. Augustine, Florida

✉️ STR News: What the Spain–Portugal Blackout Reveals About Keeping Your Short-Term Rentals Running During Disruptions & more

💸 Mortgage Rate Watch

🪐 Unique Airbnb of the Week

🏫 Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book

✅ Community Perks: Personal Airbnb Investment Finder and STR Loans & More

📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

🤳🏡 How to Use Social Media to Promote Your Vacation Rental

In today’s digital age, social media isn’t just for staying connected with friends, it’s a powerful tool for promoting your vacation rental. By showcasing your property on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, you can expand your reach, build brand recognition, and ultimately drive more bookings. Here’s how you can make the most of social media to promote your vacation rental and stand out in a competitive market.

1. Choose the Right Platforms

Not all social media platforms are created equal, and not all will work for your vacation rental. Instagram and Facebook are the most popular for showcasing beautiful photos and engaging with potential guests. Instagram’s visual-centric format is perfect for sharing high-quality images of your property, while Facebook allows you to create detailed posts, host events, and interact with followers through comments and messages. TikTok is ideal for quick, fun videos highlighting unique features of your property, local attractions, or even behind-the-scenes glimpses of the rental experience.

2. Create Engaging Content

Content is king when it comes to social media, so make sure it’s engaging, authentic, and visually appealing. Share a mix of photos and videos that highlight your vacation rental’s best features. Think beyond just showcasing the interior—show the outdoor views, local attractions, and the experiences your property offers. Create stories, polls, and Instagram reels to engage your audience and encourage interaction. If your guests have shared content, ask for permission to repost their images and testimonials; user-generated content can build trust and authenticity.

3. Use Hashtags and Geotags

Hashtags and geotags help your posts reach a wider audience. Use relevant, trending hashtags related to travel, your location, and your rental’s features. For example, hashtags like #VacationRental, #Airbnb, or #TravelGoals can attract users searching for vacation ideas. Don’t forget to geotag your posts with your location so that potential guests who are researching specific destinations can find you easily. The more specific you can be with your hashtags, the more likely your content will be seen by the right audience.

4. Leverage Paid Advertising

While organic social media marketing is essential, paid ads can help you reach a broader audience quickly. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer highly targeted advertising options, allowing you to reach users based on location, interests, behaviors, and more. With a well-crafted ad campaign, you can promote special offers, seasonal deals, or showcase a particularly unique aspect of your property. Be sure to track your ad performance so you can adjust your strategy as needed.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Social media is a two-way conversation. It’s not enough to just post content and hope for the best — you need to engage with your audience. Respond to comments, answer messages promptly, and ask questions that encourage engagement. If a follower tags your vacation rental in a post, make sure to acknowledge it with a “like” or a comment. This kind of interaction not only builds relationships with potential guests but also increases your visibility on the platform.

6. Showcase Guest Experiences

Social proof is a powerful motivator when it comes to booking a vacation rental. Share your guests’ experiences by reposting their reviews, photos, and videos. You could even create a hashtag specific to your rental that guests can use when they post about their stay. Positive reviews and shared experiences are one of the best ways to attract future bookings, as travelers often rely on peer recommendations when making decisions.

7. Consistency Is Key

To maintain an engaged audience, it’s important to post consistently. Create a content calendar to plan your posts in advance and ensure that your feed remains active. Even when you’re not posting a new photo or video, you can engage with followers by liking and commenting on their posts or sharing relevant news and updates about the local area.

8. Partner with Influencers

Consider collaborating with local influencers or travel bloggers who can promote your vacation rental to their audience. Choose influencers whose followers align with your target demographic, whether that’s luxury travelers, adventure seekers, or families. A post from an influencer staying at your property can generate buzz and bring in new bookings.

Final Thoughts

Social media is a powerful tool for building brand awareness, showcasing the unique qualities of your vacation rental, and connecting with potential guests. By sharing captivating content, using hashtags, engaging with your audience, and incorporating paid ads and influencer partnerships, you can turn your social media accounts into booking machines. With the right strategy and consistent effort, your vacation rental can stand out in a crowded market and attract guests from across the globe.

Pinehurst, North Carolina ⛳️

Downloadable Pinehurst, North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $291.42 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 46.61%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $49,583.54 per year

Read our full Pinehurst, North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

St. Augustine, Florida ☀️

Downloadable St. Augustine, Florida Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $303.70 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 56.61%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $62,865.76 per year

Read our full St. Augustine, Florida Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

📬 See our collection of 40+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

💡 What the Spain–Portugal Blackout Reveals About Keeping Your Short-Term Rentals Running During Disruptions
The recent blackout in Spain and Portugal underscores the importance of short-term rental operators being prepared for infrastructure failures by using backup systems, manual check-ins, and effective communication to maintain operations during disruptions.

🛩️ Expedia reports drop in US travel demand in Q1
Expedia Group reported a 7% decline in U.S. inbound travel during Q1 2025, including a nearly 30% drop in Canadian bookings, contributing to weaker-than-expected revenue and prompting a reduction in its full-year growth outlook.

💐 75% of STR hosts say personalization helps them compete with bigger operators
A recent report by property management software company Hospitable reveals that 75% of short-term rental hosts believe offering personalized experiences enables them to effectively compete with larger operators.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – May 12th, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of May 12, 2025):

30 Year Fixed: 6.89 % (−0.02 %)
15 Year Fixed: 6.21 % (−0.01 %)
30 Year Jumbo: 7.00 % (−0.02 %)
30 Year FHA: 6.25 % (−0.04 %)
30 Year VA: 6.25 % (−0.05 %)
7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.50 % (+0.05 %)

Market Overview:
Mortgage rates were largely stable today, with most fixed‐rate products ticking down by one to two basis points, while the 7/6 SOFR ARM saw a modest uptick. Underlying MBS prices remained moderately weaker throughout the session, which typically exerts upward pressure on rates, but the small magnitude of moves suggests a cautious bond market as participants await upcoming economic data and Fed commentary.

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has fluctuated between its 52-week low of 6.11 % and high of 7.34 %, reflecting persistent volatility driven by shifts in Treasury yields and MBS investor sentiment. Recent weeks have seen rates held in a relatively narrow band, offering little relief for homebuyers facing tight affordability and low inventory.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

• Short-Term: Rates are likely to remain range-bound around current levels, with minor day-to-day fluctuations driven by Treasury auctions, MBS flows, and Fed speakers’ remarks.

• Long-Term: The Federal Reserve’s next moves on policy rates will be the primary driver. If inflation data continues to cool and economic growth softens, we could see a gradual downward drift in mortgage rates through the remainder of 2025.

For real-time mortgage rate updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.

Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs?🤦‍♂️

Book your next stay at a man cave in Florida.

Escape to Danville, a quirky and unique farm retreat where the Man Cave awaits in an airplane hangar on 30 acres of active property. This eclectic space is filled with fun and character, featuring a lofted queen-size bed, a cozy fireplace, satellite TV, a bar, and plenty of Wi-Fi to stay connected while you enjoy the rustic charm of the surroundings. The hangar is part of an active garage where classic cars and farm equipment are lovingly restored, giving this venue a true "manly" vibe, though it's a hit with everyone. You’ll also find a collection of friendly animals like goats, donkeys, and alpacas that you can interact with, making it a true farm experience rather than a resort stay. With its relaxed atmosphere, unique structures, and a focus on repurposed materials, Danville offers a one-of-a-kind getaway that lets you unwind in a space where everything has a story, and pets are welcome to join in the adventure.

Subscriber Perks:

📖🏡💰 Go Live Playbook

The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.

Community Perks with The STR Report

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 200+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.

🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

Partner with Us!

If you have a project you’d like us to promote, or a product or service you’d like to share, please reach out to us at [email protected].

We appreciate you being a part of our STR community and for sharing our group with your business partners and associates. Thank you!