The Power of Storytelling: Naming Your Airbnb to Stand Out
When it comes to marketing your Airbnb, a name is more than just a label — it’s the beginning of your story. The right name can spark curiosity, capture the essence of your property, and create a lasting impression with guests before they ever step through the door. At The John Brown House, we discovered how powerful a name can be when it’s rooted in history, authenticity, and experience.
Why Naming Your Airbnb Matters
A great name does three things:
Sets the Tone – Guests start building expectations from the moment they hear or read your property’s name. A charming or meaningful name adds depth and makes your listing more memorable.
Creates Recognition – A strong name becomes a brand in itself. When used consistently in your Airbnb listing, Instagram bio, and hashtags, it builds recognition and makes it easier for guests to find and remember you.
Adds Story Value – Travelers love to stay in places with a story. A property with history or character feels more special than “Cozy Apartment #3.”
Our Story: Naming The John Brown House
When we set out to name our historic property in Halifax, NC, we wanted something that would honor its past while also creating a distinct brand. We chose to name it after the first known owner, John Brown, tying the home to its roots and preserving its story.
This decision added a layer of authenticity that resonates with guests. Instead of just booking “a rental,” they’re booking The John Brown House — a place that carries history, charm, and a sense of place.
Naming as Part of the Guest Experience
A name is not only about what looks good on your Airbnb listing — it’s about the experience you’re offering. When guests book The John Brown House, they’re not just getting a home with original wood floors and a wide front porch. They’re stepping into Halifax history.
This is the essence of experience marketing: you’re not only selling a stay, you’re selling a story. Guests love to share these unique narratives with friends, family, and followers. The name becomes part of their travel memory — and part of your marketing.
Tying Your Story into the Community
Your property doesn’t exist in isolation. The most successful vacation rentals tie their story into the town and businesses around them. By naming our property after a figure from Halifax’s history, we’ve created a natural connection to the broader narrative of the town.
On Instagram and in our listing, we highlight not just the home, but also the local restaurants, historic landmarks, and small businesses that complete the guest experience. When your Airbnb’s name feels connected to its location, you’re positioning your property as the perfect “home base” for exploring the area.
Tips for Naming Your Airbnb
Draw from History or Heritage: Research your property’s past or the history of your town. Is there a name, figure, or story that connects to your home?
Highlight Unique Features: If your property has a defining feature — like a river view, mural, or garden — consider weaving that into the name.
Make It Easy to Remember: Keep it simple, catchy, and easy to say. Guests will talk about your property with friends, so the name should stick.
Brand Consistently: Once you’ve chosen a name, use it everywhere — your Airbnb listing, Instagram, hashtag, website, and signage.
Final Thoughts
Naming your Airbnb is about so much more than picking something cute — it’s about creating a story that invites guests into an experience. At The John Brown House, our name reflects history, anchors us in the Halifax community, and helps us stand out in a crowded market.
When you choose a name with intention and tie it into the guest experience and local culture, you’re not just marketing a property — you’re marketing a feeling, a memory, and a story worth sharing.
Ready to take your Airbnb branding further? The Social Handle can help you build a strong, story-driven marketing strategy that turns one-time guests into lifelong fans.
Website: https://www.thesocialhandle.com