Want to boost your Vrbo bookings and revenue? This article distills key insights from a Hostaway webinar, revealing the top 10 factors that separate successful Vrbo hosts from the rest. These strategies, backed by data from top performers, will help you optimize your listings and attract more guests.
In case you would like to watch our webinar from Jan 29, 2025.
1. Embrace Flexibility: Rethink Your Cancellation Policy
Data shows that 90% of top-performing Vrbo hosts utilize flexible or moderate cancellation policies. While strict policies might seem appealing, they can deter potential guests. Travel plans change, and offering flexibility can significantly increase your booking rate. Consider A/B testing different policies to see what works best for your property and market.
It can be adjusted from: Listings>Additional information.
2. Maximize Amenities: Cater to Every Need
Amenities are a crucial factor for guests searching on Vrbo. Successful hosts typically list at least 40 amenities. Don't overlook even the smallest details. Think about what guests might be looking for, from essential appliances to recreational equipment. Regularly review and update your amenity list to reflect any changes or additions to your property. Crucially, ensure you mark these amenities on your listing. If you have a pool, check the box! If you don't, you won't appear in search results for people filtering properties with pools.
It can be adjusted from: Listings>Amenities.
3. Showcase Your Property: The Power of Visuals
High-quality photos are essential for attracting guests. Aim for at least 35 images, ideally 50, showcasing your property from various angles, highlighting key features, and capturing the surrounding area. Think like a guest: what would you want to see? Include photos of different rooms, amenities, nearby attractions, and even small details that add character to your property. High-definition, professional-looking photos are key to making a strong first impression.
It can be adjusted from: Listings>Media
4. Embrace Instant Booking: Streamline the Process
80% of top-performing Vrbo hosts offer instant booking. This feature allows guests to book your property immediately, eliminating the waiting period and increasing your chances of securing the reservation. While screening guests might be a concern, Hostaway offers various security measures like rental agreements and online check-in forms.
It can be adjusted from: Listings>Additional information.
5. Leverage New Listing Promotion: Get a Head Start
Vrbo's new listing promotion is a valuable tool for boosting visibility. This feature highlights your property to potential guests, often with a discounted price and a "new listing" badge. This helps overcome the "no reviews" hurdle and encourages early bookings, leading to valuable reviews.
It can be adjusted from: Channel Manager>Vrbo>Export (new listings only)
6. Define Your Location Type: Connect with the Right Guests
Within the Amenities section, the "Location Type" subsection is critical. This is where you specify what makes your location desirable to certain travelers. Are you beachfront? Do you offer a stunning city view? Are you in the heart of downtown, near all the action? Perhaps you're nestled by a tranquil lake, or your property overlooks a championship golf course, or boasts a breathtaking mountain panorama. Selecting the correct location type ensures your listing appears in searches for guests seeking precisely that kind of experience. Don't leave this section blank! It's a powerful way to connect with the right guests who are looking for what you offer.
It can be adjusted from: Listing>Amenities>Location.
7. Emphasize Nearby Experiences: Attractions, Leisure, and Outdoors
Guests choose accommodations not just for the property itself, but also for the experiences it offers. Within the Amenities section, leverage the "Attractions," "Leisure," and "Outdoors" subsections to paint a picture of the lifestyle your property provides. Is your rental near a beautiful bay, renowned museums, a bustling marina, or a thrilling theme park? Highlight these attractions. Does your area offer bird watching, boating, eco-tours, gambling, premier shopping, or other leisure activities? Mention them! Does your property include a fire pit, boat, kayak, canoe, hammock, or access to a golf course? These outdoor amenities are a big draw for many travelers. By meticulously filling out these subsections, you provide potential guests with a comprehensive view of the experiences they can enjoy during their stay, making your property more enticing.
It can be adjusted from: Listing>Amenities>Attraction, Leisure, Outdoors.
8. Optimize Pricing for Maximum Impact:
Setting the right price for your short-term rental is crucial for maximizing both occupancy and revenue. Too high, and you'll deter potential guests. Too low, and you'll leave money on the table. Consider the following factors when determining your pricing strategy:
- Market Research: Analyze what similar properties in your area are charging.
- Dynamic Pricing: Consider using dynamic pricing tools that automatically adjust your rates based on real-time market conditions, maximizing your revenue potential.
- Weekly and Monthly Discounts: Offer promotions for longer stays.
It can be adjusted from: Listing>Prices and Fees and Dynamic Pricing.
9. Flexible Payment Schedules: Cater to Different Budgets
Offering flexible payment schedules can make your property more appealing to a broader range of guests. Consider offering a deposit option instead of requiring full payment upfront. This can increase your booking rate, especially if you're experiencing lower occupancy.
It can be adjusted from: Guest Payment>Auto-payments
10. Proactive Reviews: Encourage Guest Feedback
Actively encouraging guest reviews is crucial for building trust and credibility. Use Hostaway's automation tools to automatically review guests, which increases the likelihood of them leaving a review for you. Positive reviews are essential for attracting future guests.
It can be adjusted from: Reviews>Auto-reviews
11. Harness the Vrbo-Expedia Connection
Expand Your Reach: Leverage the connection between Vrbo and Expedia to increase bookings. Ensure your instant-bookable listings on Vrbo are optimized to be pushed to Expedia, tapping into a broader audience.
It can be adjusted from: Listings>Additional info & Policies
12. Achieve Premier Host Status: Elevate Guest Experience
Strive for "Premier Host" status on platforms like Vrbo to improve search ranking and signal a superior guest experience. Meet the following requirements:
- An average review rating of 4.4 or higher (shown in your dashboard)
- A booking acceptance rate of 95% or higher
- An owner-initiated cancellation rate of 1% or lower
- Have 3 or more Vrbo reviews
- Have at least 5 bookings or 60 booked nights
13. Manage Cancellations Strategically
Categorize Cancellations Properly. Differentiate between host-initiated and guest-initiated cancellations to avoid penalties. Utilize Hostaway's categorization feature to classify cancellations accurately.
14. Continuously Optimize Listings
Improve Performance and Stay Competitive Regularly review and update your listings, including amenities and photos, to improve performance and stay competitive. Continuous optimization based on channel requirements and guest feedback is essential.
It can be adjusted from: Listings>Amenities
By implementing these 10 strategies, you can significantly improve your Vrbo performance, attract more guests, and maximize your rental income. Please remember to keep an eye on your results and adapt your strategies as needed to stay ahead of the competition.