Holiday lettings websites offer property owners a low cost mechanism to market their properties to a global audience, but many owners make some common mistakes. Make your listing as informative and appealing as possible to attract initial inquiries but just as important is how you respond to these inquiries and follow up with potential customers.
Before you begin, research the lettings websites to understand the competition in your local area and how your property compares with these. Ultimately, identify what your own property's unique selling points are - what makes it stand out from the rest? Also include research into rental rates and what you can charge depending on the time of year, taking into account the current market, your location and your property's facilities.
Understand who your potential customers are - couples or families, for example. What about suitability for small children or teenagers? Be sure to use language and words that appeal to these groups whilst trying not to exclude others.
Most listings websites work to a prescribed layout using forms to allow you to easily enter information. The detailed description of your property should lead in with information that keeps the reader's attention. Be honest and set realistic expectations, making sure that all the statements can stand up to scrutiny. Provide as much information as possible but make it concise and easy to read. Include all information even though it may seem like minor detail - renters will read everything if they are interested in your property, i.e. is the pool heated, does it have a BBQ, is there a shower or bath?
Be consistent with your description throughout so you don't confuse potential customers and ensure you complete all sections - leaving something blank will raise a doubt in the reader's mind.
Good photos are crucial and need to show your property at an advantage. The more the better as long as they are relevant, taken well and in good light. It is worth paying extra for more photo space - try to include one of every room. Remove some of your treasured possessions before taking photographs - limiting clutter will make the property seem more spacious and appealing.
Keep your availability calendar up to date to maximise your chances of securing bookings. Nothing will annoy potential customers more than doing all the research to discover it is already booked. Showing all your bookings also proves that your property is popular. Making changes to your listing and updating your calendar is used by some sites to keep your entry at the top of the search results so check out if this applies to you.
Nothing will sell your property as well as positive comments from previous customers, so make sure you use any facility on the sites to elicit feedback or testimonials or do this yourself.
Respond to inquiries as quickly as possible. Keep in touch with previous customers and ask if you can email them in advance with the new seasons availability and prices and consider offering them a repeat booking discount.
Top tips to maximise your inquiries:
- Your listing's headline is important. It gives the reader the most relevant facts about your property and makes it stand out
- Avoid fluff words that tell the reader nothing as well as abbreviations and over-used words like 'luxury' and 'stunning'
- Avoid repetition
- Include sunny photos of your outside space as well
- Always display your rental rates clearly at least a year in advance
- Take advantage of the websites free customer help lines and advice about how to make the most of your listing
- Make use of special offers to fill gaps in bookings and to increase exposure for your property
- Get input from others and make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors
Before you begin, research the lettings websites to understand the competition in your local area and how your property compares with these. Ultimately, identify what your own property's unique selling points are - what makes it stand out from the rest? Also include research into rental rates and what you can charge depending on the time of year, taking into account the current market, your location and your property's facilities.
Understand who your potential customers are - couples or families, for example. What about suitability for small children or teenagers? Be sure to use language and words that appeal to these groups whilst trying not to exclude others.
Most listings websites work to a prescribed layout using forms to allow you to easily enter information. The detailed description of your property should lead in with information that keeps the reader's attention. Be honest and set realistic expectations, making sure that all the statements can stand up to scrutiny. Provide as much information as possible but make it concise and easy to read. Include all information even though it may seem like minor detail - renters will read everything if they are interested in your property, i.e. is the pool heated, does it have a BBQ, is there a shower or bath?
Be consistent with your description throughout so you don't confuse potential customers and ensure you complete all sections - leaving something blank will raise a doubt in the reader's mind.
Good photos are crucial and need to show your property at an advantage. The more the better as long as they are relevant, taken well and in good light. It is worth paying extra for more photo space - try to include one of every room. Remove some of your treasured possessions before taking photographs - limiting clutter will make the property seem more spacious and appealing.
Keep your availability calendar up to date to maximise your chances of securing bookings. Nothing will annoy potential customers more than doing all the research to discover it is already booked. Showing all your bookings also proves that your property is popular. Making changes to your listing and updating your calendar is used by some sites to keep your entry at the top of the search results so check out if this applies to you.
Nothing will sell your property as well as positive comments from previous customers, so make sure you use any facility on the sites to elicit feedback or testimonials or do this yourself.
Respond to inquiries as quickly as possible. Keep in touch with previous customers and ask if you can email them in advance with the new seasons availability and prices and consider offering them a repeat booking discount.
Top tips to maximise your inquiries:
- Your listing's headline is important. It gives the reader the most relevant facts about your property and makes it stand out
- Avoid fluff words that tell the reader nothing as well as abbreviations and over-used words like 'luxury' and 'stunning'
- Avoid repetition
- Include sunny photos of your outside space as well
- Always display your rental rates clearly at least a year in advance
- Take advantage of the websites free customer help lines and advice about how to make the most of your listing
- Make use of special offers to fill gaps in bookings and to increase exposure for your property
- Get input from others and make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors