The most important factor when you are managing your own vacation rental property is to make sure that you are advertising on the most productive, highest traffic vacation rental websites based on your property’s locale. While the majority of your bookings will come from inquiries you receive from being on these vacation rental websites, here are some suggestions that can help to increase bookings as well as bring back repeat customers.
Try Free Listings
Consider listing your property on a new Internet vacation rental website that’s offering a free trial period. Many of these new Internet sites have free trial periods ranging anywhere from 3-12 months. Spending your time getting your property information posted on a new website may result in some incremental bookings and give you a trial period to discover if a website is well optimized in your area. To find out which websites offer free trials, please contact the author.
Special Event Marketing
Contact organizations who are running special events (tournaments, art festivals, conventions, sporting events etc.) in your resort town to see if their participants need accommodations. Check with the Chamber of Commerce as most towns have an online site with their special events listed.
Advertising Special Deals and Promotions on Your Vacation Rental Websites
There is no doubt that the Internet has revolutionized the advertising of vacation properties. Many vacation websites have areas where you can run special rates for your property. For some sites, these “special deal” areas are cumbersome and ineffective, but other websites have more current, state-of-the-art advertising techniques that are quite effective. You may want to reduce rates when there is a peak season time period that is difficult to get booked, last minute cancellations or off-season specials.
You may be surprised at the revenue you can generate during weeks when your property normally sits empty. Many vacation property owners offer off-peak discounts of up to 60% or more compared to their high season rates. You need to run an eye catching ad that shows potential renters that your property is the best opportunity out there. Be flexible and consider reducing the number of minimum nights required or giving someone a free night’s stay if they book a minimum number of nights at your place.
Know Your Competition
Check other online properties that are similar to your property so you know your rental is priced right and you can use this information as part of your sales pitch when corresponding with a potential guest. You need to make sure it is worth your while to rent the property, but keep in mind that an unsold rental week can never be recovered.
Improvements to Your Property
Perhaps your bookings have suffered for reasons that are not readily apparent. Take a close look at your property and try to see your place as your potential guests do. Does your place look tired or bright and inviting? Do your pictures show your unit in the best light? Is it time to invest in some new furniture?
Making the necessary improvements to your property can be a key driver in improving your bookings. If you make major improvements, do not forget to update your websites to let guests know about your improvements and be sure to include it in any correspondence (i.e. new hot tub, remodeled kitchen). There is a direct correlation between rental income and how a property is furnished.
Make Your Property Unique
Little touches go a long way and can distinguish your property from the competition. Mention any “extras” in your ad copy on your vacation rental website and when you are talking to or e-mailing responses to prospective guests. Here are some suggestions:
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Buy a large supply of microwave popcorn bags or specialty coffee packs and put some out in the kitchen in an attractive basket for guests.
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Leave a couple of movie tickets or free DVD rental coupons on the kitchen counter with a small note for your guests.
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Have your cleaning person pick up an inexpensive flower arrangement for the dining table.
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Provide some free hot chocolate packets and granola bars for ski properties and cold soft drinks and small snacks for beach and summer areas.
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Stock your kitchen with a full assortment of condiments and spices.
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Place entertainment guides, brochures on local attractions, restaurant recommendations, maps and transportation information on the kitchen counter.
Keeping in Touch with Past Guests and Other Contacts
Just before the beginning of your peak season, we recommend sending an e-mail or mailing a card to guests that have inquired, but may have not booked, as well as guests who have rented before. Let them know that your property is still available for rent and you look forward to touching base with them for the upcoming year. Since a fair amount of guests return to the same resort area year-after-year, it keeps your name in front of them when it’s time for next year’s trip. A little bit of marketing effort on your part can help you get repeat and new bookings.
Thank You Notes
Sending a thank you note is an added personal touch and is a great way to show your clients that they are considered an important and valued guest.
With a little bit of effort and creative thinking, you can successfully increase the bookings from your vacation rental property.
About the author:
Vacation Property Services (VPS) consults with vacation property owners who want to increase their bookings and reduce their expenses by advertising and marketing their vacation rental property on the most cost effective, high traffic vacation rental websites. VPS offers advisory services to property owners on how to effectively and efficiently manage their own property. For additional information, please visit Vacation Property Services or call (800) 569-9953.