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| Fill the deck chairs in 2013 -- Spruce up your property listing on Perfect Places to draw in the most guests. |
By Cari Stoltz
You'll want as many bookings for your vacation rentals as possible in 2013, and one way to help you achieve that goal is by reviewing your listings on Perfect Places and making any needed updates or improvements.
You'll want as many bookings for your vacation rentals as possible in 2013, and one way to help you achieve that goal is by reviewing your listings on Perfect Places and making any needed updates or improvements.
Great photos make a great first
impression. Take a
look at all the photos of your vacation rental. Make sure the best photo that
will inspire the most bookings shows first. Are there are any out of focus
shots? Replace them. If a photo appears smaller than a competitor's, be sure
that you're uploading the largest sized photo possible. Add new photos of any
new amenities or property features. And be sure to use captions. A brief
description of the photo is another chance for you to sell your property on a
guest.
Create special offers and review your
rates. Take a moment
to ensure that your pricing is competitive with comparable properties in your
market. Then, give yourself a competitive advantage by creating special offers.
They are another way to make your property stand out. While discounts are
always attractive to a guest, you can also consider offering discounts to area
attractions, bonuses such as free pickups at the airport or concierge service
upon arrival, or special services such as massages, spa treatments or gifts
(Wine, cheeses, candy) upon arrival.
Update your copy. Take a close look at your property
description. If you uploaded the same copy as what's on your own website, take
a few moments to make one or the other unique.
This will help avoid any duplicate content issues with the search
engines. If you've added new amenities, or if there's a new attraction in your
area, you'll want to add them to your property description. Be sure to review
your headline while you're at it: include key search words for your property
and area, use as many characters as needed (long headlines are OK), and avoid
superlatives unless they specifically relate to the property (for example, if
the property is oceanfront or in a historic area, say that, but do ask yourself
if the view truly "amazing" or if the property would be considered a
"luxury villa").
Add Your Location.
Perfect Places can now show your listing’s location using Google maps.
This is a great selling feature that helps guests determine your exact
location. If you’re concerned about privacy and don’t want to show the exact
address, you can just show your location with a Google map pin marker and not
reveal your address. If your property has an address that doesn’t show up on
Google maps, then you can use latitude and longitude to display the pin marker.
Updated Calendar.
One of the biggest questions guests have when comparing properties is
availability. Updating your calendar can help keep your property at the top of
the list and avoid unwanted frustration for the potential guest and you.
