How to Market A Vacation Rental

Vacation Rentals are a joy if handled properly. They require a strong marketing push initially to build a loyal customer base. After that they provide years of enjoyment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blogs
• Websites
• Listings
• Networking
• Customer Service
• Availability

1. 
    
   A great beach shot

   Once you own a vacation rental the VERY first thing you must do is take lots of photos. Take them at all times of day and night and take way more than you think you will need. Once complete choose the absolute best shots that highlight the most appealing features of your property. Take interior and exterior shots as well as area photos. Photos are what drive rentals!

2. Do or get done a Virtual tour. Many companies are out there, especially in high tourism areas, who will take these for you. Get the file and pay the price. Customers want to see what they are getting.
   
   It will bring you more bookings. Customers will feel more comfortable booking your property and since the customers expectations will be met,
   that means more happy customers, which means more return business.It will save you time - not having to explain your property as much to your customers.

3. 
    
   Get A Website for Maximum Exposure

   Get a website. Either hire someone or use a provider and build your own. List costs, put your photos and virtual tour on it, give travelers a way to contact you and get a free availability calendar at www.rentors.org.
   Many people feel its better to have travelers contact you, but a calendar weeds out the "shoppers" and saves you time.

4. List everywhere you can but focus your marketing to niche sites that highlight your immediate area (VRBO, VLBO, and HomeAway). These sites should only be used if they will link back to your site.

5. Search for your local area in google and find any local niche sites that may be able to place your property on them. These will get you more targeted traffic and will eventually be your primary source of rentals. No more listing with chateauxs in France. Pick one or two and speak to the owner figure out how to get on their site - often times this can be done for free.Write a wonderful description of your property. Empasize location, view or any other thing that may give you a competitive advantage over other properties.

6. Use Craigslist and local blogs to gain additional exposure and try renting on ebay as well. You would be surprised how many people look there first!

Tips & Warnings

• Once you build a client base - keep them happy!
• These renters are your most likely renters the next year if you keep your place in great shape and listen to their wants and desires early on
• this is not easy at first, it will take some effort - but the payoff is great

Resources

• Florida Vacation Rentals By Owner
• Beach Property Website

[itsagoodday]

on 8/5/2009 This is a good article. As a vacation rental property owner, I get most of my referrals from a site called Vacation Rental Want Ads. www.vacationrentalwantads.com