Tips for running a vacation home

Turning your home into a vacation rental is a great way to make extra income.

You need to ensure you provide a place your customers will be happy with if you want 5-star testimonials.

Going on holiday should be relaxing, fun and stress-free.

And the rental you provide for your customers should provide a place where they can escape and enjoy themselves.

Here are key ways to run your vacation home.

Location

In marketing, they say location is everything and that’s because it is. If the rental is placed in a dangerous, dirty neighbourhood, you’re not likely to get customers. Your vacation home will attract many people if it’s situated in an area that is convenient for the person renting it. You have to ask yourself whether you would enjoy being in that area if you were on vacation?

Clean

Your guests shouldn’t feel like they have to scrub the bathtubs or wipe off the dust from shelves. Nobody wants to visit a place that’s dirty. The house should be maintained and tidy. Hotels usually have minimal furniture and their rooms aren’t cluttered and filled with things lying around. You should do the same for your house. Make sure that it’s spick and span and inviting.

Presentation is everything

Companies pay large amounts for ads featured in magazines and on TV for a reason, because they know image sells. First impressions count and if you take pictures which are eye catching, you’ll attract people. Make sure the photos you post of your house on social media or on your website are enticing.

For example, when you go for an interview, the first thing the hiring manager looks at is the way you’re dressed and the way you present yourself. If you look untidy and your shirt has creases, you’re likely to set the wrong impression and not get hired. Whether you like it or not, image sells and that’s the first thing people judge. Hire a professional photographer to take beautiful photos of your place that will grab the attention of a potential customer.

White linen

There is a reason why hotels use white sheets and towels. It not only looks fresh but it’ll also save you money because the colour won’t easily fade. If you use other colours, they’ll easily fade and you’ll have to constantly replace them and that’ll cost you in the long term.

Advertise

You need to market your vacation rental otherwise you won’t get customers. You can use social media to help promote your business. Use marketing tools that’ll start a hype around your business. Create competitions, promotions and deals that’ll create a buzz on social media.

Word of mouth is the best marketing tactic. And the best way to use it is to deliver the experience to the people who talk. You could ask a blogger who has a huge following to stay over at your place for free. And in exchange for that, they’ll tell their followers about your place. Just make sure you provide the best service to them because you don’t want it to backfire.

The advertisement of your holiday home should be eye catching. What are the surroundings of your vacation home like? Is there a beach? Are there tourist attractions nearby where they can sightsee during the day? Highlight all the things that could draw in people and make it stand out from the rest. The more attractive the ad is, the more you’ll have people lining up to come stay in your vacation home. You could advertise online through social media or on Gumtree and OLX.

Kid friendly

Make sure that your rental is child-friendly when you’re choosing your lounge suite. You should ensure that it’s a fabric that can be easily cleaned because children often use them as their jungle gym. They may climb over them or spill juice.

Competition

A good way to provide exceptional service is to analyse your competition. Look at what they have to offer their customers. It could give you ideas on what to add to your home and what your potential customers would like.

Excellent service

Take the time to check if everything works. You don’t want to have your guest complaining about a broken microwave or stove. And ensure the bedrooms are tidy and the bedding sets are clean. Do a thorough check before your guests come in.

Convenience

You should ensure that you create a place of convenience for your guests. For example, you should have all the bathroom sets they’ll need, as well as a bathtub and a shower so you’re guests will have the option of choosing either. Some people love quick showers and some love long hot baths.

There is always an influx of people looking for accommodation, especially in peak season. You can’t go wrong by following these tips.