Repeat customers are invaluable for any business. By engaging and retargeting previous guests of your vacation rental, you can effectively build a strong customer base and secure regular bookings. Doing so not only boosts revenue, but also shows your customers that you value their interaction with your property and are dedicated to delivering an unforgettable experience. Here are four surefire ways to achieve this goal, using your Travelnest Direct link.

Email marketing

Email is a powerful communication tool when looking to build relationships with return guests. Obtain the right to collect your guests email addresses at check-in and use them in campaigns to offer exclusive deals or discounts. It’s important not to send too many emails though. Instead, reach out every now and then with news or incentives perhaps in the form of a month newsletter. By sending friendly updates by email is less intrusive and may be a nice reminder to those who have stayed with you before about the great experience they had. It’s easy to hyperlink out to your Direct link in email communications as well as your booking page. 

Business social media

Social media provides an easy way to get in touch with past guests from your holiday let property. In addition to sharing updates on your property or special offers to get on guests radar, it also allows you to send tailored messages to individuals who have stayed before in order to build a relationship and engagement. Learn more about the best social media platforms to use to promote your vacation rental, and what to post in our blog. 

Loyalty and referral incentives

The use of referral programmes and loyalty incentives can help drive long-term growth for your vacation rental. A referral programme is a marketing strategy that encourages existing customers to refer new customers, and rewards them for any successful referrals (or bookings!). Loyalty incentives such as discounted stays can also help establish a strong connection between you and guests, creating a sense of belonging and value for the customer. Those who are rewarded for their loyalty often become brand advocates, recommending your property to friends, family and colleagues. Therefore, this also encourages a new wave of customers. The cost-effectiveness of such programmes makes it a good option for short-term rental businesses looking to increase bookings. By offering exclusive rewards that only current customers can access, you can create a unique incentive that encourages loyalty and helps maintain customer satisfaction.

Relationship building

Going beyond just discounting prices and communication after guests stay is essential. Afterall, a guest will only make repeat booking if their stay was truly amazing. To make returning guests feel especially welcome on their first stay, consider putting together a special welcome basket with some thoughtful items that show you care. It’s also important to provide genuine hospitality during the stay by offering assistance with check-in and check-out, giving tips about local attractions or restaurants, answering any questions guests may have no matter how many times a guest stays at your vacation rental. By doing so, you are creating an unforgettable experience that will motivate them come back time again. After their stay, follow up to see if there is anything else you could do to improve their stay in future visits and be sure to include your Direct link. Other communication streams may include WhatsApp, SMS or business cards.