5 Things a Holiday Home Owner should do!

Now these may seem basic things but you would be surprised how many people do not get this right.  If you have read some of my recent posts, you would see that I have been looking for a holiday rental for a late season break and these are the things I have come across, not in a huge amount of listings but enough to correspond to probably 10% of listings have one of more of these issues going against them.  For me, these are a complete turn-off and tell me that the owner is not bothered about their listing, so what is their service like from that point.

1. Photos - I cannot say this enough, good photos are essential! Most people do not look past the photos, that is what draws them in to look at the other information.  If the photos are unclear or just plain bad, people will go away.

2. Links and emails - must be correct and working, several times I have come across email addresses that do not work or links to websites that go nowhere.  In the case of the email addresses, I think it is essential in this modern age of smartphones etc that people take enquiries via email.  For me as a customer, I do not want to have to phone a home owner if I am looking at several options.  This is an instant put-off for me.

3.  Use a marketing mix - this means using several forms or sources of marketing.  The best idea is to mix and match with a large scale advertiser or listing site, such a Owner Direct or Holiday Lettings and a smaller, more niched advertiser.  It is not wise to advertise through only one advertiser, you run the risk of not being seen by a big enough market and also that they may not do well for you, amongst other things.

4.  Identify your customers - In terms of who you market to, select a type of customer who your property appeals to, put yourself in their shoes, be realistic.  If your property is half way up a mountain on a dirt track, you will not appeal to beach lovers or young families, no matter how nice your property is furnished and decorated.  Find a niche or selection of customers who you appeal to and aim your marketing at them, don't try to sell to everyone, as you may end up selling to no-one or at least lose potential sales.

5.  Assess the market - every year, sometimes more often, you should assess the competition, what makes you different, what are your unique sales proposition (USPs), are you effectively selling these?  Also assess the pricing, has the market pricing changed, has it risen or reduced?  In whatever case, try to understand why that is and how you should react to that.  If prices have dropped, don't just follow suit but instead add value to your rental through adding services or facilities.


It is vital that you get the first step (the customer looking at your listing) right, otherwise everyday you are potentially losing leads and bookings, can you afford that?

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