As 2018 comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about business goals for the coming year. We understand that sitting down to make plans for your business can be overwhelming. So, we’ve put together a list of seven New Year’s Resolutions for vacation rental property managers to get you started.
Here they are, in no particular order:
Update your property listing photos
If you were to choose only one of these recommendations to focus on, it should be this one. So many other aspects of your short-term rental’s success hinge upon the quality of your photographs. Good photos are an investment in your business because they will enhance how your customers perceive your properties, so plan to update your photography in the new year. Bonus points if you also learn how to optimize your photos for SEO!
Create a Facebook Page for your rental
Consumers have a general expectation nowadays that an accommodation they’re interested in will have a Facebook Page for them to visit for more information, reviews, and additional photos (Back to photos already!). For tips and advice on setting up a Facebook page, read our article about how to create a Facebook Page for a vacation rental.
Put your vacation rental on the map (literally!)
If your vacation rental is not appearing at the top of Google’s list of search results, there are some things you can do put you there. By adding your vacation property (or properties) to Google My Business, you’re letting Google know that you belong on their map pack. We wrote an article that explains how this works, including step-by-step instructions to put your business on the map.
Enter the world of email marketing
If you collect email addresses from those who show interest in your rental, you can and should be marketing to them on an ongoing basis, turning them into repeat visitors. The purpose of email marketing is not to do a hard sell every time you reach out to your contacts.
The power of email marketing is to send information that is of value to your readers, so they will think of you when they’re considering another getaway in your city. Read our email marketing tips for vacation rental managers to learn more about this great marketing tactic that you should consider implementing next year.
Update your vacation rental welcome book
Once you have guests coming to your rental, your job now is to ‘wow’ them so they’ll leave great reviews, recommend your property to their friends, and return again in the future. One way to impress your guests is with your vacation rental welcome book.
Welcome your guests with a gift
Speaking of wowing your guests, when visitors arrive at your vacation rental, what better way to let them know you appreciate their business than by having a gift there waiting for them? Your welcome gift needn’t be extravagant or expensive - it’s all about the gesture. A little bit of thought and creativity can go a long way when it comes to making your guests feel welcome and appreciated. Here are some welcome gift ideas that should inspire you.
Streamline your check in and check out process
When a guest comes to stay at your vacation rental, chances are they’re used to the seamless check-in process they’ve enjoyed at hotels in the past. In the new year, treat your guests to a streamlined check-in and check-out experience that helps them to get the most out of their vacation with you. This article is chock full of ideas for your check-in/check-out process.
We hope you’ve found these suggestions to be helpful, and if you did, subscribe to the MyVR blog below to receive more ideas and best practices for your vacation rental business throughout 2019!
