Effective Advertising Tips For Listing Vacation Rental Property Successfully

By Richard Burns


The vacation real estate rental business has become extremely competitive. If you have a second home you are considering renting, you are going to have to make it stand out in order to attract the best renters. You might limit your renters to friends and family, in which case you don't have to advertise. Listing vacation rental property to attract the general public though is an entirely different matter.

The importance of good pictures can't be overstated. A great headline, compelling description, and certainly a competitive price, are important factors when renters are deciding which properties interest them, but good photography will stop them from automatically clicking on the next offering. With all the competition you have, you can't get away with amateur photos. The pictures have to be clear and the composition has to be excellent.

For some reason there are homeowners who think they can get away with uploading stock photography of anonymous beaches, snow capped mountains, and state of the art appliances. This always backfires. Renters will figure it out as soon as they get to your house, and they won't be pleased. Only real photos will do, and the more the better.

Once the pictures have caught the reader's attention, your headline is the next thing they will notice. You will get more business if you are specific rather than general and clear instead of vague. Your headline needs to grab the reader and give them a great reason to rent your house. This is not the place for how many bedrooms and baths you have. This is the place to advertise a unique view or exclusive location.

Your description should be made up of short, punchy phrases with a call to action at the end. Every word counts so you need to choose them carefully. Misspelled words, sloppy grammar, or obscure jargon will have a negative impact on the reader. Overselling is just as big a mistake. When renters show up and find out what you have done, you will pay for it in poor reviews and no return business.

You can waste a lot of time trying to decide which websites have the most effective search engine optimization and highest traffic count. Instead of spending your time that way, list your house on as many sites as possible. You will have more success by advertising all over the place than on one or two high traffic sites.

Make sure your contact information is prominent in your advertising. It's a good idea to publish your phone number as well as your email address. Vacationers might want to talk to you personally before they feel comfortable renting from you. A personal conversation will help convince them you are legitimate.

It can be a smart move to rent out a house that would otherwise be sitting empty. It can be a good source of extra income. You have to become competitive though to get good renters.




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