How to Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out from the Outer Banks Crowd
If you have a vacation rental on the Outer Banks, you want to make sure you have a steady flow of visitors throughout as much of the year as possible. Simply having a vacation rental is not enough, though. It is essential that you take the proper steps to market the rental, and that you stand out from the competition.
The following are some of the ways that you can do that.
Show What Makes Your Home Unique
When people are looking up vacation rentals on the Outer Banks, they will often come across listing after listing that seem identical. There is nothing in those listing that helps to make one property look more interesting than the other.
You should take advantage of this. In your listings, you need to write about the features of your home that make it special. Do you have a pool or a grill area for the guests? Do you have a hot tub? Do you have a perfect location that is close to any attractions or places to dine?
You need to start looking
These are the types of things that potential guests are looking for in a vacation rental.
Offer More than the Competition
Take the time to look at those other listings and see the types of things that your competitors are offering. Make note of what they offer in terms of features and amenities in the home, such as televisions, gaming consoles, and the like. You need to have these types of items, but consider going above and beyond and offering things that the others do not.
For example, you could talk with some of the local restaurants and activities about getting coupons that you can give to your guests. Perhaps you could even buy discounted gift cards from a local eatery that you can give to the guests.
Think outside the box about things you can do to offer more for your guests.
Make It Easy for the Guest
Do what you can to help potential guests prepare for their stay. Provide them with the information they request about the property as quickly as you can. Keep in mind that they are likely considering other properties at the same time they are talking to you. If you take days to get back to them, they will simply move on to an owner that is more responsive.
Do what it takes to make the guests happy when they arrive too. Make checking in and checking out fast and easy for them. Happy guests are likely to leave positive reviews, which can help you to get even more guests in the future, not to mention having them return for another vacation.
No matter how great your home, you can’t rely on word of mouth alone. You need to take action to make it a great place, and you need to market appropriately.