You may have owned your holiday rental for years and want to boost bookings, or maybe this is your first season renting out your holiday home and you want to know how to stand out from the crowd. Whatever your situation, we’ve put together some top tips to help you boost your marketing and attract more customers to your holiday home.

1. Find your niche

Think about the type of person you want to attract to your property. That way you can tailor it to meet and exceed their expectations. You could focus your attention on creating a romantic getaway for couples, or maybe market your property as family-friendly, a luxury bolthole or a pet-friendly retreat. This will aid you when deciding which features and facilities to hone in on when describing what the property has to offer. For example, if you target families with young children you may want to provide a cot and a high chair. Or if you’re offering a romantic getaway for couples, you may want to have prosecco on ice awaiting your guests on arrival.

2. Advertise on Airbnb

Advertising on hosting websites such as Airbnb opens your holiday let up to a much bigger market than you could attract by yourself. Also, if it’s the first time you’re renting your holiday home, you may benefit from the support hosting websites can provide.

3. Testimonials

With many consumers reading online reviews before visiting a business, testimonials and high star ratings are vital in attracting new customers. Actively encourage visitors to leave feedback on websites and social media - this will increase the credibility of your rental home and reassure other visitors to choose your home over a competitor.

4. Get social

Build up a presence on your favourite social media platform such as Facebook. Share updates, discounts and local events in your area on your page to attract new visitors to your holiday home.

5. Description and photos

Wherever you choose to promote your property online, you’ll need to ensure that it’s shown in the best light to attract customers and command the most competitive prices. Describing your property with your niche market in mind and having clear high-quality photos on display will help to attract the largest number of potential visitors.

6. Network

If this is your first year renting out your holiday home, you may want to start letting family and friends know about your plans. Network at your workplace by posting on notice boards or discussion databases – word of mouth travels faster than you think.

7. Look for local areas events

You can actively seek out people who may be looking to let your property for a short time by finding out about any local events in your area where visitors will be looking to stay close by. You can find these on social media or through a quick Google search. Some events may be willing to promote your holiday home to visitors attending them.

Follow these steps to get a head start when it comes to making the most out of your holiday rental this year!