In recent years, websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and even Booking.com have allowed just about anyone to enter the world of vacation rental management. But just because anyone can list a property as a short-term rental doesn’t mean that it’s easy.
Whether you’re managing a single unit, a property with multiple purpose-built vacation rentals, or a whole portfolio, vacation rental management comes with some challenges. Overcoming these challenges and helping your property or portfolio succeed can quickly become a full-time job. If you don’t want managing your vacation rentals to be your full-time job, or if you’ve invested in a professional vacation rental property and want to take your success to the next level, investing in professional management is likely the answer.
At Vibrant Management, we offer a variety of services. From Airbnb management and VRBO management to full-service management and even our Virtual GM services, we have an option for every type of property and need.
Still on the fence about investing in professional management? Keep reading to see whether you’re making these common vacation rental management mistakes.
Not Listing Your Property on Booking Sites
If you’ve invested in building a vacation rental property with multiple units, you might be tempted to try to restrict bookings to only your website. After all, it’s normal to want to keep all of the profits from every booking! As a new property owner, you might see the cut that booking sites take as money stolen straight from your pocket.
However, it’s important not to see it this way. The reality is that travelers are searching major sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO when looking for a place to stay. In August 2022 alone, Booking.com, the world’s leading travel booking site, had more than 677 million web visits. Even if your vacation rental property’s website has been around for years and has a solid monthly visitor count, it likely doesn’t come close to this.
It is important to invest time, energy, and money into improving your vacation rental website. And you’ll want to take measures to encourage bookings there. For instance, one great way to do this is by offering a special perk or benefit if visitors book directly with you.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that travelers are already on major booking sites. If your property isn’t there, you could be missing out on a large segment of the population who do their travel planning on these sites.
Failing to Showcase What Makes Your Property Unique
Travelers choose to book vacation rentals over other types of properties for a number of reasons. Often, they’re looking for something that they can’t get in a hotel or resort; more space, the comforts of home, a unique stay, or a better feel for the local community. Your vacation rental no doubt offers at least a couple of these things. But if you aren’t prioritizing showcasing what makes your property unique, you’re making a big mistake.
On your website, social media platforms, and on booking sites, it’s critical that you lean into the details about your property that set you apart.
Let’s take a look at one of the vacation rental properties that Vibrant Management has had a chance to work with. Watchman Villas, for instance, is a five-unit vacation rental property located in Springdale, Utah. Each of the five private villas offers large living spaces with the amenities of a fully-stocked apartment, but with an elevated, luxurious feel. From the moment that you arrive on their website, you can see the large bedrooms and living spaces, the elevated, luxurious accents, and the stunning scenery that surrounds the property. It’s clear right away that this property isn’t your standard hotel!
Choosing Not to Invest in Professional Photography
Speaking of showcasing what makes your vacation rental property special, opting not to invest in professional photography—or better yet, professional video marketing—is another red flag. No matter how stunning or professional your vacation rental is, if you’re using your smartphone to snap a few pics, guests won’t see it as such.
The cost of having professional images taken of your property will make its way back to you tenfold in bookings!
Investing in Professional Vacation Rental Management
Whether you want to free up time in your own life or are ready to take your vacation rental property or portfolio to the next level, investing in vacation rental management is the logical next step.
The team at Vibrant Management is here to help every step of the way. From full-service management of your property to Virtual GM services, branding services, social media marketing, and more, we offer a wide variety of services tailored to unique vacation rentals, boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and more.
Ready to learn more about how our team can help you take your vacation rental property to the next level? Book a free consultation today!
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