Summary
To make your property perform well on OTAs, you need more than just a listing. Good photos, clear descriptions, videos, and consistent reviews are all important. Taking the time to improve your listing will help you attract more guests and get more bookings.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo offer property owners a chance to reach a wider audience. But just listing your property isn’t enough to guarantee success. To get the most from your OTAs, you need to put effort into presenting your property properly.
Here are some practical steps to help improve your property’s performance on OTAs.
1. Use Professional Photos
Professional property photography makes all the difference when attracting guests. Listings with clear, well-lit images are far more likely to get attention than those with poor-quality pictures. Photos give potential guests an idea of what to expect, so it’s important to make sure they do justice to your property.
Tips for Better Photos:
- Lighting: Natural light works best, but if needed, use soft lighting to avoid dark spots and heavy shadows.
- Wide Shots: Show the whole room so guests can understand the space.
- Tidy Up: A clean, uncluttered space looks more inviting and gives a clearer idea of the layout.
- Important Features: If your property has something special, like a balcony or fireplace, make sure it’s shown.
- Tips for preparing your property for a photography appointment.
If you aren’t confident with your photography skills, hiring a professional can be a good investment. At housesandproperties.com, we specialise in property photography that helps your listing attract more interest.
2. Write Clear Descriptions
Photos get people to click, but it’s the description that tells them whether your property is right for them. A well-written description explains what the property is like and why someone should stay there.
What to Include in Your Description:
- Overview: Start with a simple summary of your property – the number of rooms, layout, and key features.
- Room Details: Give specifics about each room. Include details like the type of bed, any special furniture, and if it’s en-suite.
- Location: Let people know what’s nearby. Are there good restaurants, shops, or attractions? Guests want to know what’s around.
- House Rules: Be clear about things like check-in/check-out times, smoking policies, or whether pets are allowed.
Use straightforward language. Keep it simple, but make sure you cover everything that a guest might want to know.
3. Offer Virtual Tours and Videos
In addition to photos and descriptions, offering a video or virtual tour can give guests more confidence before they book. It’s a chance to show them the property in more detail and let them see the space for themselves.
Why a Virtual Tour or Video Helps:
- Builds Trust: A virtual tour lets guests know exactly what they’ll be getting.
- Shows the Space: Videos can show off parts of the property that might be hard to see in photos.
- Reduces Doubts: A clear video walkthrough can answer questions before they arise.
You don’t need fancy equipment. A smartphone or camera will do. Just make sure the video is steady, and the lighting is good.
4. Encourage Reviews
Positive reviews are one of the most important ways to improve your listing. People trust feedback from previous guests, and high ratings can help your property appear higher in search results.
How to Get Reviews:
- Ask for Feedback: After a guest stays, politely ask them to leave a review.
- Provide Good Service: Make sure your property is clean, well-maintained, and ready for guests when they arrive.
- Reply to Reviews: Whether the feedback is positive or negative, take the time to respond. It shows you care about your guests’ experiences.
The more positive reviews you get, the better your property will rank. Consistency matters, so do your best to give every guest a good experience.
5. Set the Right Price
Price can make or break your listing. Too high, and you may not get bookings. Too low, and you might be undervaluing your property. Look at similar properties in your area to get an idea of what to charge. You can also consider using dynamic pricing tools, which adjust your rates based on demand or local events.
6. Choose the Right OTAs for Your Property
Different OTAs cater to different types of guests. Some may suit your property better than others. Popular platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo are widely known, but there are many others that could help you reach a specific audience, whether it’s for short stays, luxury rentals, or family-friendly accommodations. Knowing where to list your property can make a big difference in your bookings.
If you’re unsure which OTAs to focus on, we’ve put together a list of the Top 10 Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Websites in the UK. This guide can help you identify the best platforms for your property. You can find the full list on our page here: Top 10 Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Websites in the UK.
At housesandproperties.com, we provide professional photography services to help you get better results on OTAs. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help improve your listing.