The Best Ways to Market Your New Serviced Accommodation to Attract Bookings

Launching a new serviced accommodation is an exciting milestone — but now comes the real challenge: getting bookings. With growing competition in the short-stay and holiday rental market, especially on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, it’s important to stand out. Whether you’re targeting business travelers, families, or holidaymakers, having a solid marketing strategy is key.

Here are the top ways to market your new serviced accommodation and turn those empty rooms into fully booked calendars.

1. List Your Property on Major Booking Platforms

Start by listing your serviced accommodation on the most popular online travel agencies (OTAs):

• Airbnb
• Booking.com
• Expedia
• Vrbo

Make sure your listings are fully optimised with:

• High-quality images
• A compelling title
• A detailed and honest description
• Accurate amenities and house rules
• A competitive pricing strategy

These platforms already have millions of visitors, so use their exposure to your advantage.

2. Invest in Professional Photography

First impressions matter — especially online. Properties with professional photos perform significantly better than those with average mobile shots. Your images should:

• Be bright, high-resolution, and well-edited
• Highlight key features (kitchen, bathroom, workspace, outdoor area, etc.)
• Show the lifestyle your guests can expect

Think of photos as your property’s visual pitch. Make it irresistible.

3. Create a Branded Website

Don’t rely only on third-party platforms. A dedicated website for your serviced accommodation:

• Builds credibility
• Allows direct bookings (no commission fees!)
• Showcases your brand and story
• Helps you rank on Google through SEO

Include features like:

• A booking engine or enquiry form
• Photo galleries
• Testimonials
• Local area guides
• FAQs and contact info

Pro tip: Utilise website builders like WordPress or Squarespace, or consider hospitality-focused platforms like Lodgify.

4. Leverage Social Media

Create a presence on platforms like:

• Instagram: Post beautiful interiors, behind-the-scenes setups, guest reviews, and stories
• Facebook: Share offers, local attractions, and engage with potential guests
• TikTok: Do room tours, before/after renovations, or “a day in the life” content

Engage with your audience, utilise location-based hashtags, and consider partnering with local influencers or travel bloggers for increased exposure.

5. Collect and Display Reviews Early

Social proof is a powerful tool for building trust. Encourage early guests, including friends and family testers, to leave genuine reviews on platforms such as Google, Airbnb, or your website.

Offer:

• A small discount for feedback
• A thank-you gift
• A referral code for their next visit

Then, highlight these reviews in your marketing — they build credibility fast.

6. Use Local SEO and Google My Business

Local SEO helps people find your accommodation when they search terms like “serviced apartment near me” or “short stay in [city]”.

Steps:

• Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile
• Add accurate location, photos, services, and contact details
• Encourage guests to leave reviews on Google
• Write local blog posts (e.g., “Top 5 Cafés Near [Your Property]”) to boost visibility

7. Offer Launch Promotions

Attract first-time guests with:

• Introductory discounts
• Free night stays (e.g., stay 3, get 1 free)
• Early bird pricing
• Referral rewards

These not only drive bookings but help spread the word.

8. Partner with Local Businesses

Form strategic collaborations with:

• Tour operators
• Local cafés and restaurants
• Event venues
• Co-working spaces

Offer package deals (e.g., “Stay + Wine Tasting Experience”) or cross-promotions. This brings more attention to your listing and adds value for guests.

9. Use Email Marketing to Build Loyalty

Start collecting emails from your guests and interested parties via your website. Use this list to:

• Send welcome offers
• Share exclusive deals
• Promote seasonal packages
• Keep in touch for repeat bookings

Tools like Mailchimp or MailerLite are easy to use, even if you’re just getting started.

10. Track, Learn, and Adapt

Use analytics from:

• Your website (Google Analytics)
• OTA dashboards
• Social media insights
• Guest feedback

These metrics will tell you:

• What’s working
• What’s underperforming
• Where to double down

Marketing is ongoing. Keep testing, improving, and evolving.

Final Thoughts

Securing those first bookings may feel like an uphill battle, but with the right strategy, your serviced accommodation can quickly become a sought-after destination. Focus on building trust, offering value, and ensuring a smooth booking process.

Remember: good marketing doesn’t just secure bookings — it attracts repeat guests and earns glowing reviews that foster your brand long-term.