For Rent: A Slice Of Heaven
In todays competitive vacation rental market it’s all about marketing. You can’t just list your property with a property manager or on a directory and expect the same occupancy rates you were getting in years past. You have to be creative, innovative, consistent, and focused. Here are a few tips to get your marketing campaign off the ground.
The best place to start any marketing campaign is with research. Find out what the competition is doing and look for opportunities. Review the competition’s websites for specials or other incentives. Make sure you’re aware of any community events such as car shows or fishing tournaments and ask the organizers about any lodging directories or marketing opportunities. I strongly recommend joining one of the vacation rental groups on Facebook or Linkedin and getting active in the discussions. I learn something new in almost every new post and article that I come across.
Make sure that your circle of influence knows all about your vacation rental and have your contact information in case a referral pops up. Carry brochures or cards with your rental info and a great picture or two and hand them out every chance you get. Pick an off weekend and have an open house or some sort of get together at your vacation rental and use it as an opportunity to build relationships. People do business with people they like and they can’t like you if they don’t know you.
If your property has a rental history be sure you stay in contact with past guests and offer them incentives to return. Repeat customers are the lifeblood of any business but you have to work them to get results. Set up an e-mail campaign through www.constantcontact.com and send quarterly messages to past guests. Remind them how great their last stay was and give them a reason to return. Offer a third night free or include a complimentary ticket to a local attraction with their next stay. “Hello Smith Family! The local fishing is great up here and I’m including a free boat rental with your next reservation PLUS all return guests receive 15% off.” “We look forward to seeing you again!” Anything like that will work. The key is to just get started and stick to a plan.
In my next few articles I’ll dive a little deeper into vacation rental marketing including internet and social media strategies for promoting your property. Happy Renting!