You’ve got a spare room, a cozy flat, or maybe even an entire villa sitting idle. What if that space could be your side hustle — or better yet, your main hustle? That’s the idea behind 9flats, a peer-to-peer vacation rental platform that’s giving Airbnb some serious company in the “stay your way” economy.
In today’s post-pandemic world, travelers aren’t just booking beds — they’re booking experiences. And platforms like 9flats get that. They’re not pushing impersonal hotel chains — they’re selling grandma’s rustic attic in Prague, or a quirky artist loft in Berlin. That human-first, local-driven charm is what’s fuelling the alternative lodging boom.
But what’s behind 9flats’ growth? It’s not just good listings — it’s smart marketing. If you’re building a 9flats-style app, you’ll need more than code and cute photos. You’ll need a marketing engine. That’s where Miracuves steps in — helping startups clone and launch apps that are ready to scale.
What Makes 9flats Tick in the Crowded Vacation Rental Scene?
1. Local Authenticity Over Generic Listings
According to Statista,Unlike corporate hotels or even mainstream booking engines, 9flats positions itself as “by locals, for travelers.” That edge — the local host experience — becomes the brand’s marketing magnet.
“Live like a local. Stay like a friend.”
2. SEO-Rich Listings Powering Organic Reach
9flats doesn’t rely solely on paid ads. Their listings are Google-optimized for:
- Long-tail searches (e.g., “pet-friendly loft in Amsterdam”)
- Geo-keywords (e.g., “holiday apartments Berlin Mitte”)
- Occasion searches (e.g., “romantic weekend stays in Tuscany”)
Optimized user-generated content = free traffic.
Pro tip for clone builders: Pre-fill SEO-friendly listing templates and suggest keywords to hosts as they type.
3. Google Ads + Retargeting = Booking Funnel On Fire
9flats complements SEO with laser-focused ads:
- Paid Google Ads campaigns for “vacation rentals near me”
- Retargeting for visitors who bounce before booking
- Seasonal ad sets (e.g., ski chalets in Jan, beach houses in July)
4. App Store Optimization (ASO) That Ranks
The 9flats mobile app ranks well in both Android and iOS stores thanks to:
- Descriptive titles & keywords: “Holiday Apartments, Short-Term Rentals”
- Clean, aesthetic screenshots with callouts
- High user ratings and quick update cycles
5. Trust Signals that Convert on Mobile
On mobile, 9flats focuses heavily on:
- Verified host badges
- Traveler reviews with photos
- “Last-minute deal” tags
- Booking protection messaging
These tiny nudges? They help turn casual scrolls into confident bookings.
For your 9flats-style app, bake these elements into every listing tile. UX matters. Credibility sells.
Marketing Strategies for Your 9flats-Style Clone App
1. Start with Supply: Onboard Local Hosts First
Don’t chase users until you have enough listings. Begin with:
- Local host ambassador programs
- Listing creation contests (e.g., “Win a GoPro for uploading your space”)
- Zero-commission offers for early adopters
2. Push Notifications with Context, Not Clutter
9flats uses behavioral nudges:
- “Your saved flat in Lisbon just dropped in price”
- “Only 2 rooms left near Eiffel Tower for next weekend”
Segment by location interest, travel date, and device type.
3. Build Community, Not Just a Booking Platform
Let hosts and travelers message. Let guests “follow” favorite hosts. Let hosts post updates.
Sounds like social media? It should.
Clone Feature Boost: Host feed where they can share updates, offers, and trip tips. Think Airbnb + Instagram.
4. Leverage Reviews in Your Ads and Features
User-generated reviews are social proof gold. Use them in:
- Carousel ads
- App store previews
- Landing pages (“Loved our stay in Milan — perfect for remote work!”)
Bonus: Auto-pull top reviews into email campaigns.
Learn More: 9flats Feature List Every Travel App Founder Should Know
5. Monetize Smartly (Without Scaring Off Hosts)
9flats doesn’t overcharge. It mixes:
- Host commissions (~15%)
- Guest service fees
- Featured listing upgrades
If you’re building a clone:
- Keep base features free
- Upsell visibility or analytics tools
- Offer subscription tiers for superhosts
Want to launch a vacation rental app like 9flats in partnership with Miracuves to build a scalable, feature-rich platform for short-term stays and property listings.
Conclusion
9flats shows that winning in the travel app space isn’t about being bigger — it’s about being smarter. From SEO to trust-building UX, its marketing is as thoughtful as its listings.
Building a 9flats alternative? Don’t just copy features. Copy the emotional journey, the frictionless experience, and the marketing funnel that turns browsers into bookers.
At Miracuves, we help innovators launch high-performance app clones that are fast, scalable, and monetization-ready. Ready to turn your idea into reality? Let’s build together.
FAQs
How does 9flats attract new users?
Through a mix of SEO, Google Ads, retargeting, and seasonal campaigns that align with travel trends.
What makes 9flats different from Airbnb?
9flats emphasizes local living and unique, often lesser-known properties. It also features less saturated destinations.
Can I create a similar app for my region?
Absolutely. Miracuves helps entrepreneurs build localized 9flats-style platforms with all the must-have features and growth hooks.
What’s the best way to market a new travel rental app?
Start with host acquisition, run micro-influencer campaigns, and use local SEO to attract travelers.
How do I get hosts to list on my platform?
Offer early perks like no commissions, marketing support, and visibility boosts. Create onboarding guides and webinars.
Is mobile more important than desktop?
For travel apps, yes. Over 70% of bookings happen on mobile. Prioritize app UX, ASO, and mobile push strategies.
