Boosting Your Accommodation Rental Bookings

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.

One of the best things to do is ensure your holiday accommodation is attractive to potential clients. 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 very basic but common error is the use of photos showing a date stamp that are a few years old in online property listings. 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. Failing to show any one of these implies that it is a weak point of the property, while a clear, professional photograph will draw interest and 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 note is also a great opportunity 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. A simple but thoughtful touch of saying thank you is likely to make a lasting impression and increase your chances of repeat bookings or referals.