Vacation rentals have become increasingly popular in recent years as more travelers look for unique, affordable, and comfortable accommodation options. However, as a vacation rental owner or manager, it can be challenging to keep your property booked all year round, especially during the off-season. In this article, we will share some tips on how to keep your vacation rentals full all year round.
Offer discounts during the off-season
One of the most effective ways to keep your vacation rentals full all year round is to offer discounts during the off-season. Most travelers are budget-conscious, and they are more likely to book a property that offers a good deal. Offering off-season discounts can attract more guests, increase bookings, and help you generate more revenue.
Photo Books As Sales Tools Never Get Old
A lot of people think physical marketing is a thing of the past. However, imagine you sent photo books full of pictures of your rental to travel agents around the country or area. You could easily pick up a few rentals from people who call in looking for something a little different. You could also send photo books to prospective renters to help change their minds and go with you.
If you have multiple properties you can make photo books up to showcase all of them in one tight brochure. You can curate the photo books yourself to make sure they really pop and look good.
Enhance your online presence
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any vacation rental owner or manager. Make sure that your property is listed on popular vacation rental websites and that your listing is up-to-date, complete, and attractive.
Use high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and customer reviews to showcase your property’s features and benefits. Invest in search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing to increase your visibility and attract more guests.
Use A Vacation Rental Management Company
A vacation rental company will know exactly what it takes to keep your rental occupied. They would have had experience doing this for multiple customers in your given location. If you’re struggling to keep it occupied then a vacation rental company can help. The trick is to ensure that you find a good one in your local area.
A vacation rental management business will utilize tools and tricks that you won’t have the time to implement. Also, if you have multiple properties to let out, a vacation rental management business will be able to free up your time and take over all aspects of management from rental placement, cleaning, time management, vetting, etc. If you want to keep your vacation rental full, a management company can help you out.
Provide excellent customer service
Providing excellent customer service is essential for any business, and vacation rentals are no exception. Make sure that your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and valued during their stay. Respond promptly to their inquiries, requests, and feedback. Provide them with useful information about your property, the surrounding area, and local attractions. Offer them extra amenities, such as Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, and kitchen supplies, to make their stay more enjoyable.
Cater to different types of travelers
Not all travelers have the same preferences or needs. Some travelers may prefer a quiet and secluded location, while others may prefer a bustling and vibrant area. Some travelers may travel alone, while others may travel with their families or friends. Cater to different types of travelers by offering a variety of amenities and services, such as:
- Child-friendly amenities, such as cribs, high chairs, and toys
- Pet-friendly amenities, such as pet beds, food bowls, and treats
- Accessibility features, such as ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways
- Entertainment options, such as board games, DVDs, and streaming services
- Concierge services, such as restaurant reservations, transportation, and tour bookings
Different Type Of Traveler Example: RV Rental
A lot of Americans are now using RV rentals to explore. Sometimes, they’ll stay in their RV, other times they’ll use the RV to drive from one vacation rental to the next…especially if there’s a long drive between each one.
If you have a property with good parking you can market it out to these vacationers who are using an RV rental. This is especially the case if the vacation rental is near a main freeway or major attraction. This is just an example of how you would market a property specifically to certain demographics.
Those in the RV rental niche of travel often do look for properties to part a larger RV and have a break from the road. Think about your property and how it could potentially offer something unique to a specific niche of travelers and you’ll find your rental filling up right away.
Keep your property clean and well-maintained
A clean and well-maintained property is crucial for guest satisfaction and repeat bookings. Make sure that your property is cleaned thoroughly before each guest arrives and that all appliances, fixtures, and furnishings are in good working condition. Conduct regular maintenance checks, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, to avoid any unexpected issues during the guest’s stay.
In conclusion, keeping your vacation rentals full all year round requires a combination of marketing strategies, customer service, amenities, and maintenance. By implementing these tips, you can attract more guests, increase your revenue, and establish a positive reputation as a vacation rental owner or manager.
Interesting Related Article: “Why Vacation Rentals Are Better Than Hotels?“