First Impressions Matter…
Just like everything else, with your vacation rental home first impressions matter. However in this case, we need to tackle this both when potential guests view your home online for the first time, as well as in person when guests are checking in.
When a prospective renter is browsing the platforms to find the perfect place for their vacation, what makes your listing stand out above the rest and gets them to message you buying questions or book your home? The most important thing is your photos, specifically your thumbnail photo. It is extremely important to have your thumbnail photo as something that differentiates your home and stands out above the rest. Is your home in an unbelievable location? Does it have a great backyard for entertaining? Whatever it is that makes your home unique, it is critical that you highlight that feature in your thumbnail picture. Give prospects a reason to click on your listing and read reviews, browse all the pictures, and ultimately book your home over your competitors.
When a guest arrives at your home for the first time, the experience starts the moment they pull up to the rental. The better the first impression is, the more likely they will overlook minor issues. On the other hand, once the guest has a poor initial experience, they are very likely to be critical of the small things and leave a negative review. So it is important that the exterior of the home is tidied up. Make sure the landscaping is done well, the trash bins have been taken back in, the mail has been collected, etc. When the guest enters the home, the number one thing is cleanliness. The home has to be clean! Nothing turns off a guest more than a home that is cleaned poorly or has a strange smell. Additionally, the welcome book must answer all of their initial questions clearly and concisely so that they feel at home and that they do not waste time trying to figure out how to work the AC, how to operate the TV, etc.
The two ways to make a great first impression for your vacation rental are to take professional photos that highlight what makes your home unique, especially in the thumb nail, and to make sure that your home is clean with a great welcome packet for when they arrive.
-VVibes Team