The vacation rental industry is a cutthroat marketplace that expands each year. The search for holiday rentals online has grown to be a nightmare that is overloaded with properties competing against each other. As such, it’s easy for renters to get lost in all that noise. In the same manner, it’s easy for your vacation rental business to drown from the saturated environment.
Reservations can come easy and often when the value of the property outweighs the price. Remember, “Great products sell themselves.” In most ways, this saying is true. That being said, everything needs a nudge here and there to let people know that the “great product” actually exists. The more value you can provide to your potential tenants, the easier it’ll be to draw in more bookings.
So, how can you let your target market know about your great product? How can you make your vacation listing stick out against your competition? What are the tricks and tweaks you can do to get more vacation rental bookings? Below are surefire tips to help you boost your online listing for your holiday home.
Create the best profile listing.
First things first, make an online listing. In this time and age where virtually everything is accessible with a few keyboard taps, your vacation rental needs an online presence. And not just a basic online presence, but a formidable one. Having an updated website and active social media channels is not enough anymore. Your business must have a listing – a profile – that stands out from the competition.
“Simple” or “basic” is not what you want for your business listing. You must be as descriptive as possible, and as clever and as witty as you can in describing your property. BUT, you also must be truthful. Your descriptions must be backed up by photos. Your photos must describe what words can’t. If you’re good at taking photos and videos, photograph your property at its best. Otherwise, hire a professional to ensure you get the images that can fully represent your vacation rental.
Also, include as many details as you can. Fill out the entire profile to proactively inform guests about the amenities, location, attractions and the like.
Have an online presence everywhere.
Be in it to win it. Reach as much target market as you can by listing your holiday rental everywhere. Take advantage of the leading vacation rental sites to improve your property’s visibility. But don’t dismiss small, niche-centric forums as well. They can help you find a specific audience. It’s also important that you create a listing that is ideal and appropriate for each channel or platform. And make sure to include your vacation rental website and contact links.
Practice flexibility.
You can expect a lull in bookings during low seasons, so it’s vital that you practice flexibility during these periods. To ensure you get sufficient bookings to maintain a solid revenue even after peak seasons, consider lowering your rates. You may also offer a reward or a freebie that’s only available during low seasons.
When you become flexible with the season and create a new marketing strategy, your holiday cottages will get noticed by off-season vacationers. Having guests during this period will also have a positive impact on your portfolio as it shows that your accommodations are sought-after regardless of the time of the year.
Present a great product.
If your place is unworthy of its price, you’ll have a bigger problem than creating a solid marketing campaign. Without your great product, you’re going to have a challenging time making a sale. And your vacation rental is your product.
It should go without saying that your holiday cottages should present and offer what you’ve described in your listing. If you say you offer a “spotless bathroom,” then you better have a spotless bathroom. You’d want your guests to actually want to stay at your property. You’d want them to feel like it’s the best choice they have, and not just an option because the “best one” is already booked.
Cleanliness can’t be overrated. You’ll likely get a high rating if your linens and towels smell and feel heavenly. Everything on your property doesn’t have to be top of the line or brand new (although those could win you brownie points). They need to be clean and well taken care of because they would help you take care of your guests.
You provide great value to your property when you update your vacation rental listing, become flexible, and present a great product. By doing these, you boost your chances to get noticed by your target market.
