If you own a holiday accommodation property as an investment then your main goal is to get as many bookings as possible to keep your occupancy rate high. While the returns on these investments can be higher than standard long term rentals it is no good if your property is sitting empty for much of the time. The good news is there are a few simple tips to boost your occupancy rates and ensure your property stands out from the crowd.
At the top of your priorities should be making your property look inviting and attractive to potential renters. A major barrier for many is that the vacation rentals by owner market is perceived to be complicated. It can be hard to know what the place will actually look like, inconvenient to wait for owners to respond to inquiries, and insulting to hit a wall of silence after your stay. To overcome these barriers to full occupancy, here are a few things you can do now to boost your future bookings.
Make the place look good: You can't judge a book by its cover, but holiday accommodation hunters frequently judge a rental by its photos. Look critically at the photos you are using to promote your rental and ask yourself:
* When were these photos taken? A common listing error is using date stamped photos that are several years old to advertise the property. This sends off alarm bells to many potential renters who may think the property is now run down or not cared for. Ensure you use up to date photos that show an accurate portrayal of your property.
* What do these photos say about my property? Many of the vacation rentals by owner listings use low quality photographs that don't show the whole home. This communicates a lack of care, low pride of place, and indifference to potential customers. Set your property apart by using clear, high resolution photographs that flatter the big three: Bathroom, Bedroom, and View. Listings that avoid showing these key areas of a property may suggest there is something you don't want them to see. One the other hand, crisp and professional photography will grab attention and convert into more bookings.
Respond promptly to inquiries: Reply promptly to each and every inquiry you receive. Promptly does not mean you reply back within a week promptly in America is 24 - 48 hours, tops. Most clients in the vacation rentals by owner market are going to be contacting multiple owners when hunting for holiday accommodation arrangements. They will be comparing response times and are more likely to book with providers who respond promptly to inquiries.
Follow up with thank you notes and encourage repeat business. The vacation rentals by owner market is competitive, and service is as much of a differentiator as price and location. Complete the positive experience for your clients by following up with them. Thank them for their stay and ensure they were happy with your property.
The thank you letter or email is also the perfect chance for you to encourage repeat visits. You can offer repeat booking discounts, or simply thank clients for their custom. Expressing appreciation to clients is rare in the modern age, and this rarity will give your clients a positive lasting impression and something to tell their friends about as they talk about their trip. The thank you will also make clients more likely to consider your property when making future holiday accommodation arrangements.
Article by Richard Greenwood of holiday accommodation rentals website http://www.makemystay.com.au
MakeMyStay allows owners of holiday homes, apartments and cottages in Australia to advertise accommodation online.
House Window BooksWalkways Books
No comments:
Post a Comment