How to maximise your holiday rental photography with local media & social media

As a professional photographer specialising in holiday rental properties, my mission is not only to capture stunning visuals of your Short Term Rental (STR) but to help you leverage these images for maximum exposure.

Whether you're managing a coastal cottage or a luxurious beachfront villa, great photography is your best marketing tool to attract guests and boost bookings.

In this post, I’ll share strategies for showcasing your holiday rental photos through local media and social media, along with tips for using hashtags and engaging posts to increase interest and visibility.

Let’s dive into how you can make your property stand out from the competition and try and keep your calendar full.

1. Use your property photos in local media to gain exposure

Submit your holiday rental to local magazines & blogs

Local lifestyle magazines and travel blogs are often looking for fresh content to feature—especially properties with a unique location, style, or charm. By submitting your holiday rental property photos to these outlets, you can reach potential guests who are browsing for holiday inspiration.

• Pitching Tips:

  • Share the most eye-catching photos of your property, highlighting key features such as ocean views, a gorgeous pool, or unique design elements.
  • Mention your location and what makes your property a great destination for a getaway. Whether it's a coastal retreat, countryside escape, or urban oasis, the key is to show how your rental offers an experience, not just a place to stay.
  • Local blogs or tourism websites often need beautiful images for their travel guides, weekend getaway lists, or hidden gem features.

• Example Pitch:
  "Escape to a serene coastal haven just steps from the beach. Featured in this month’s travel blog, we’re showcasing a luxury holiday rental with panoramic sea views, modern amenities, and a private patio perfect for sunset drinks."

Reach out to local tourism boards

Many tourism boards are eager to promote local destinations and offer a platform for vacation homes and rentals. Local tourism websites, visitor guides, and social media pages may feature properties that appeal to tourists.

• Actionable Tip: Contact the local tourism office and offer your property’s images, along with a brief description of your listing. Ask if they would consider featuring it on their website or social media channels.

2. Social Media: Craft engaging posts with your stunning photography

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching holiday makers and travellers looking for their next getaway. With beautiful holiday rental photos, you can create posts that entice followers to book their stay. Here’s how you can make the most of your images on social media:

Tell the story of the stay

Instead of simply posting a photo of the property, think about what your guests will experience. Craft a narrative around your images that speaks to the emotions of a getaway. Show how your property offers an escape, adventure, or relaxation.

• Example Caption:
  "Looking for a peaceful coastal retreat? Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing and stepping out onto your private balcony to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. ☀️ Book your dream beach getaway today and make memories to last a lifetime. #CoastalRetreat #HolidayVibes #BeachfrontStay"

Use Instagram stories for a Behind-the-Scenes look

Instagram Stories are an excellent way to engage followers with real-time updates, promotions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your property. Showcase fun aspects of your holiday rental, such as local activities, amenities, or seasonal features.

• Engagement ideas for stories:
  • Share a tour of the property, highlighting favourite features (e.g., hot tubs, pool areas, cute corners).
  • Run polls or quizzes about holiday preferences. "What’s your ideal beach activity? ☀️ Relaxing with a book or water sports?"
  • Share local recommendations—great restaurants, activities, or day trips around the area.

Use carousel posts on instagram

Carousel posts allow you to showcase multiple images in a single post. This is ideal for showing off different areas of the property, like the large living room, beautiful kitchen and scenic outdoor spaces.

• Carousel Tip:
  Start with a wide-angle shot of the property’s exterior, then follow up with close-ups of the interiors and lifestyle shots. Make sure your caption ties them all together by telling a story or offering a tip (e.g., best places to dine nearby, activities to do around the area).