Ever wonder how to increase your Airbnb bookings? You clicked on this post because you want to know exactly how I used just ₱1,600 in Facebook ads to fill my Airbnb rental, Issa Suites, for May and June 2024.
Are You Facebook Ads Savvy?
If you’re already comfortable running Facebook Ads through Ads Manager (https://adsmanager.facebook.com), then you can easily follow these tips. But if you’re new to this, don’t worry; I’ll give you a general idea of where to start.
From Facebook Ads Pro to Airbnb Host: My Experiment
I used to be a Facebook Ads specialist. My job was to get people to inquire about products a company sells and convert them into paying customers, all within a set budget. It turns out, this experience was exactly what I needed to become a successful Airbnb host!
I knew Facebook ads were powerful, but I wasn’t sure if they would work to promote my own listing.
So, I decided to experiment.
Since a night at Issa Suites costs about ₱1,600, I figured that would be a good budget limit. Also, from my marketing experience, I knew companies typically spend around 15% of their projected income on marketing.
Here’s What Happened After My 8-Day Ad Campaign Targeting Cebu Tourists:
Skip Boosted Posts and Go All-In with Ads Manager:
It’s tempting to just “boost a post,” but creating specific ads through Ads Manager is the way to go for a targeted online campaign. This gives you much more control over who sees your ad. My goal was to get clicks that would send potential guests directly to my Airbnb listing (called “link clicks” in Ads Manager). Ideally, I wanted each click to cost less than ₱1.
Related Post: Facebook Ad or Boosted Post: Why Knowing the Difference Matters
Why Link Clicks? More Bookings, Less Hassle:
Some marketers might recommend “warming up” your audience with general ads first. But I knew my listing was already optimized to convert viewers into bookers. This approach might be aggressive for new hosts, but I find it straightforward. People who click on your ad are already interested in what you offer, so they’re more likely to book. Link clicks helped streamline the process by minimizing unnecessary inquiries on Facebook. Answering messages is great, but direct bookings are so much better!
Letting Facebook Learn: Patience is Key
I ran the ad for a full week to allow Facebook to identify my ideal audience. The longer the ad runs, the better Facebook gets at showing it to the right people. Here’s a tip: Facebook Account Managers recommend running ads for at least a week to optimize audience targeting effectively.
Video Ads: The Eye-Catching Choice
Short video ads, especially those under 90 seconds, are prioritized on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. To get the most clicks and engagement, I used a video ad showcasing the highlights of Issa Suites, including the great reviews and a quick tour of the whole place. This strategy ensured the right audience saw my ad, leading to better results.
The Ultimate Gauge of Success: Bookings!
After the 8-day ad campaign, my Airbnb was booked solid for May and June! Remember, bookings are the true win. As a Superhost, your Airbnb Insights page can show you data on inquiries and visits to your listing, so you can track how well your ad campaign is working. In my case, the bookings during the ad campaign spoke for themselves!
Next Up: Unveiling the Winning Ad
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll break down the specific video ad, caption, title, and keywords I used to attract guests for two straight months! Ready to try it yourself? Leave a comment below if you have any questions and I’d be happy to answer every single one of them.