How Can a Niche Site Help Me Book My Property Rental?
As a vacation rental owner with a fantastic property located on the Outer Banks, you want to have as many bookings as possible, naturally. Many will market on social media sites, and some of the large vacation rental sites. While those are certainly viable methods of helping to
The following are some of the best reasons to start using a niche site to help with your advertising.
Get More Bookings
When you are listing on a niche site, you are advertising directly to people who are interested in the type of property you have available, as well as the location. Niche sites can help you to reach those who have a desire to stay on the Outer Banks and who are looking for properties like yours. While it can help during the peak season, you will find that the niche sites can help you to boost your bookings even in the off season.
Many people who have an interest on the Outer Baks might find an off season stay more enjoyable or more convenient. They will experience smaller crowds, which is always nice.
Those who have older children who are in school might not be able to travel during the school year, but families who have toddlers not yet in school can travel in the off season. You can work to find niche sites that can target these types of families.
Of course, you can also find niche sites that target other demographics, as well. For example, you might have a property that works well for couples looking to get away for a romantic vacation. Advertising through these types of sites can help you to target those people.
More Revenue
When you book with a niche site that highlights some element of your property that makes it special, you could make more money. For example, you might have a property that allows dogs. Many people love the idea of bringing their faithful canine companion along with them on vacation, and they are willing to pay more if they find accommodations that will accept their dog.
There may be other things that you can offer on your property that help to make it a standout that could command a higher rental rate, as well, such as having a hot tub or a pool.
Cater to Those Looking for the Unique
Many people are looking for places to stay on vacation that
It Is Time to Diversify Your Listings
Too many vacation rental owners are sticking only to one or two of the big sites for their rental listings. They imagine that since those sites are the “main players”, they will get all the bookings they need through them. While you certainly want to continue using the bigger sites, such as HomeAway or Booking.com, you should never put all your eggs in one basket.
What would happen if one of the large sites that you rely on for most of your business suddenly changed their terms or the way that people search on the
Look at the smaller sites and niche sites, and set up listings. At the very least, have listings that are ready to put up in case one of the larger sites starts to fail you.
Finding Niches to Fit
Your property might not be suitable for all the niche sites, of course. You need to look at the elements your property offers and then consider what types of niche sites they will work best for.
One of the things you will want to do is consider your location. Your property is on the Outer Banks, so you want to focus on all the great things there are to see and do in the area, including the beach and beyond, that people can enjoy. Find niche sites that cater to properties in the area, or coastal properties, for example.
In addition, think about the various amenities that your property offers. Perhaps you could use niches that cater to people who are looking for luxury vacation rentals. You can find niche sites that promote luxurious accommodations and make sure that your listings and photos play up this aspect of your property.
You can also consider the types of guests that might want to stay in your home based on what you can offer. For example, if you have a home that is handicapped accessible, you can look for niche sites that will work for you. If you allow pets at the property, you can find niche sites that cater to pet owners who want to take their pets on vacation. If you know of great restaurants in the area, you could try to attract foodies.
As you can see, there are many different ways that you can narrow down different niches your property might fit into, and then target those sites.
Never Forget the Niche
Even though there are plenty of good reasons to stay with those big sites, there is no reason that you should not branch out and start focusing on some of the niche sites, as well.
It will help you to get more bookings, it is easy to find niche sites and get started, and your property can start to make the money that it should.