Marketing tips
Keep your vacation rental momentum going this autumn with Travelnest
16 Sept 2024
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By Sophie Eminson
Autumn has arrived, and while the leaves are falling, your vacation rental bookings don’t have to. As a vacation rental owner, you might be concerned about maintaining the momentum you enjoyed during the summer. Fortunately, Travelnest is here to ensure your calendar stays full even as the temperature drops. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through several strategies to keep your vacation rental property bustling with guests, leveraging Travelnest’s suite of tools and partnerships. From smart pricing to leveraging promotions on top booking sites, we’ve got the insights you need to keep the bookings rolling in.
Why choose Travelnest?
When you sign up with Travelnest, you gain access to a network of over 30 booking sites, including big names like Booking.com, Airbnb, and VRBO. This broad exposure ensures your property is seen by a wide audience of potential guests. Not only that, but we also enable you to take advantage of many of the promotional opportunities these platforms offer.
The importance of opting in
One of the key strategies to maintaining momentum is to opt into promotions which are suitable to your property. Promotions can make a significant difference in off-season bookings. Guests are more likely to book an autumn stay if they see a compelling offer. Whether it's a discount, a special package, or a last-minute deal, these promotions can be a game-changer for your booking rates.
Using promotions wisely is important, so potential guests don’t hang around waiting because they know you’ll ultimately lower the price in some way. Think about when you really need that boost and plan ahead of time. Identify dates or periods that are looking sparse and consider adjusting your pricing manually if necessary. You can also use this information to toggle certain promotions on and off around specific dates, making your property more attractive for last-minute bookings.
Don't underestimate the power of your existing customer base. Reach out to former guests and inform them of upcoming promotions and special offers. Personal touches like this can encourage repeat bookings and foster a sense of loyalty.
Utilising Travelnest's 'Smart Pricing'
Our Smart Pricing tool is designed to keep your property competitive. By analysing market trends and adjusting your pricing automatically every 24-48 hours, we ensure you're attracting guests without undervaluing your property. This balance helps to maximise your occupancy and revenue. With Smart Pricing, you can set minimum nightly prices for up to 12 months in advance, offering you a safety net throughout off-peak periods. Guests are far more likely to leave positive reviews when they feel like they scored a great deal. So save yourself time when you sign up with Travelnest and use our Smart Pricing feature.
Showcasing unique features in your listing
Think about the unique features of your property that might attract different types of guests. Is your property fully accessible? Do you have additional space that could accommodate larger groups? Highlighting these features can attract a broader audience and increase bookings. Be clear with basics such as the number of bedrooms, whether pets are allowed to accompany their owners, etc. Also consider that certain attractions to the location of your property will differ when out of summertime. Perhaps remind guests that once popular family locations will be far quieter in Autumn, making them more attractive to adult-only groups and couples.
Consider allowing specific groups, such as hen or stag parties, to book your property at a slightly higher cost to cover potential cleaning fees. This can be a lucrative way to fill your calendar during quieter periods.
The role of reviews
Encourage guests to leave positive reviews after their stay. Positive reviews can significantly impact future bookings, as potential guests often rely on feedback from previous visitors to make their decision. Travelnest’s direct reviews feature displays all reviews from Airbnb and Booking.com to help you build your customer base through trust and reputation. Leveraging the power of these reviews can establish trust and credibility with potential guests, increasing the likelihood of attracting bookings.
Promoting your property on social media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your vacation rental. Use our social media guides to create engaging posts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Highlight dates that are struggling to attract bookings and showcase what makes your property unique. Engaging visuals and compelling captions can draw in potential guests and fill those gaps in your calendar.
Local events can be a significant draw for potential guests. Highlight any key events happening in your area, such as festivals, concerts, or sporting events. Join special interest groups online and participate in forums to promote your property as the best place to stay when attending these events. Leverage these through your social media promotions to best position your holiday home in line with these.
Regular maintenance and updates to your property can keep it looking fresh and appealing. Ensure that your property is always ready to welcome guests, with all amenities in top working order. Take regular, up-to-date photographs to use on social media. Use our guide to take the best possible photographs of your property to draw in prospective guests via Instagram, Facebook and more.
Conclusion
Maintaining your vacation rental momentum this autumn doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right strategies and tools, you can keep your property booked throughout the year. At Travelnest, we're committed to helping you succeed. From broad exposure on multiple booking platforms to smart pricing and effective promotions, we've got you covered. Keep your vacation rental running smoothly all year round and watch your bookings soar.
Ready to take the next step? Sign up with Travelnest today and experience the difference. Your guests are waiting.
