Want to avoid OTA commissions and boost your direct bookings? Beyond SEO strategies that improve your organic performance on Google, you can also leverage your property’s presence on social media! With a low budget and the right digital strategy, social platforms can become a powerful tool to increase direct bookings and maximize your net profits.

Why social media presence matters

The digital landscape -especially social media- has become an integral part of people’s everyday lives. Users spend a significant amount of time engaging with personalized digital content that reflects their interests, preferences, and searches. Here’s why tapping into this trend is essential:

• Your presence on social media acts as a digital showcase, boosting recognition and trust in your property.
• Travelers now turn to social media for information about their destinations.
• Social media can drive direct bookings, helping you avoid OTA commissions.
• It creates opportunities for networking, promotion, and collaborations with other local businesses.

The best channels to promote your property

There isn’t a single “right” channel that works for everyone. Each platform has its own audience, style, and role in promotion. That’s why it’s important to understand what each one can offer and use it according to your needs.

• Instagram & TikTok: Perfect for photos, reels, and short videos that showcase the stay experience. Users here seek inspiration and beautiful visuals.
• Facebook: Ideal for building community, joining local groups, and sharing events or promotions.

Ideas and tips to build your digital presence

• Invest in high-quality visuals: clean, bright, and well-composed shots instantly grab users’ attention.
• Share positive guest reviews: user-generated content is one of the most convincing forms of promotion.
• Add a booking link in your bio: make it easy for users to go straight to your booking page.
• Use stories and highlights for quick interactions: share offers, availability, behind-the-scenes content, or short Q&As. This direct communication builds trust and encourages engagement.
• Showcase the full experience: highlight the neighborhood, local activities, gastronomy, and everything that makes a stay unique.
• Collaborate with local businesses: restaurants, cafés, and activity providers can become valuable partners for mutual promotion.
• Respond promptly to messages: ideally within 24 hours, since many conversations can turn into bookings.

Social media is not only a trend – it’s a smart investment

Being active on social media isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a smart, cost-effective investment for every host. With targeted content and consistency, you can attract more guests, increase direct bookings, and reduce your dependency on big platforms.