Learn practical ways to improve Vrbo listing performance, increase visibility, and generate more reservations through better pricing, content, and settings.
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing vacation rental industry, standing out from the competition is crucial for property managers. With the rise of online platforms like Vrbo, reaching a wider audience and securing reservations can be a daunting task. However, by implementing the right strategies and utilizing tools like Hostaway, property managers can enhance their listings and attract more guests.
This article aims to provide property managers with ten effective ways to pump up their Vrbo reservations using Hostaway. From optimizing the visual appeal of your listing to adopting flexible policies and offering a seamless booking experience, each method is designed to maximize your property's visibility, credibility, and overall booking potential.
By incorporating these strategies into your Vrbo listing management with the assistance of Hostaway, you'll be well on your way to boosting reservations, increasing occupancy rates, and ultimately achieving greater success as a property manager in the dynamic world of vacation rentals. Let's dive in and discover how to make your listing shine among the competition!
Add Photos
Include at least 25-50 photos showcasing different angles, unique features, and appealing amenities. Highlight bedrooms, living areas, kitchen, bathrooms, and nearby attractions to make a positive impression. This video shows you how to add photos to your listings.
Check your Amenities
From essentials like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and TV to additional features such as a swimming pool, hot tub, pet-friendly options, BBQ grill, and washer/dryer. Also, mention nearby attractions and locations. Stay updated on market trends and guest preferences to maintain a competitive and appealing listing. This video shows you how to add amenities to your listings.
Compelling Description
Craft a compelling description by emphasizing unique features, location advantages, nearby attractions, and the overall guest experience. Please take advantage of our AI assistant to help you enhance and optimize your description for maximum impact and bookings. This video shows you how to add the description to your listings.
Competitive Price Strategy
Establish a competitive and flexible pricing strategy for your rental. Research comparable properties, considering location, amenities, and size. Adjust prices based on seasonal demand and local events to remain competitive and attract more bookings. Ensure your final price is competitive, as potential guests often compare total costs displayed on booking platforms. This video shows you how to set up prices and fees for your listings.
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Enhance your booking potential by adopting a guest-friendly cancellation policy. While personal preferences may exist, a more flexible policy can attract more bookings. Vrbo offers various cancellation options, allowing hosts to stay flexible. Explore possibilities to find a policy that suits you and appeals to potential guests. Vrbo recommends their Relaxed policy or their Moderate policy. The Relaxed policy gives the option for a full refund at 14 days before check-in, while the Moderate policy allows for a full refund at 30 days before check-in. This video shows you how to set up flexible cancellations for your listings.
Payment Schedule
Find a payment schedule that suits both you and your guests. Requesting upfront payment may raise concerns regarding trust and flexibility, potentially leading to cancellations. Providing flexible payment options accommodates guest preferences, builds trust, and ensures booking security. This video shows you how to set up a payment schedule for your listings.
Make Instant Booking Available
Enable instant booking on Vrbo to enhance convenience, boost booking conversion, build trust, gain a competitive edge, and elevate the guest experience. Instant booking offers seamless confirmation, streamlines the process, and demonstrates your credibility as a reliable host. Instant Bookable properties also appear to travelers who visit Expedia Group sites, including Expedia.com, thereby increasing exposure. This video shows you how to enable instant booking for your listings.
Be Responsive to Inquiries
Promptly responding to guest inquiries is crucial for securing bookings. Let us assist you in setting up an automated message system to ensure a high response rate, making potential guests feel valued and increasing the chances of converting inquiries into reservations. In this video, we show you how to enable automation for fast replies.
Request Reviews
Reviews hold substantial importance in establishing trust and credibility. Encourage guests to share their experiences by providing exceptional service. Utilize our automated message feature to remind guests to leave reviews, boosting the chances of receiving valuable feedback and enhancing your listing's reputation. You can also manage your reviews from the review section. In this video, we show you how to enable automated review reminders.