As a Vrbo owner or host, you know how important it is for your vacation rental property to stand out online. With so many options available for guests to book their next vacation, it can be challenging to attract potential guests to your property. In addition to using a killer vacation rental software to ensure that you’re pricing is on point, there are several things you can do to set your vacation rental apart from the rest. In this post, we’ll share five tips for hosts to make their Vrbo listing stand out and get more bookings.

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Think of Keywords When Creating Your Vrbo Listing

To make sure your listing is appearing in front of as many potential guests as possible, make sure to include all relevant keywords and phrases that apply to your rental property. You want to use keywords that are relevant and descriptive of your property so travelers can find it easily. Use words that guests would search for on Vrbo, and ensure that you’re using those keywords specifically in the name of the listing. Unique names like "casa" or "abode" may sound nice, but it's not what travelers are searching for. For example, if your home is located near the beach, you may want to include keywords like "beach" or "oceanfront" in your listing.

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Additionally, including details such as what features your property offers (hot tub, pool, etc.) or the type of accommodation (condo, apartment, villa) can help travelers find what they're looking for. 

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You can also think about your unique selling point, and what a guest might search to find your property. What makes your vacation rental stand out among others in the area? Is it the spectacular view, exceptional amenities, or close proximity to tourist attractions? Identify and emphasize these features while creating your Vrbo listing, and ensure that they are highlighted in your headline, description, and photos.

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Make sure these features are prominent in the first few lines of your Vrbo listing to catch the potential guest’s attention. Doing so will help to differentiate your property from the others, and guests will quickly recognize the unique value proposition your rental offers.

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Pay Attention to the First 5 Listing Photos

First impressions count, and when it comes to your Vrbo listing, the images are what will capture the guest’s attention. We all know that excellent, professional photos are a must for your Vrbo listing, but did you know that the first few pictures are the most crucial to get right?

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The first 5 pictures on your listing should be considered your rental elevator pitch, so they need to be eye-catching and descriptive of your property. Make sure to include an exterior photo of the property in the front 5, as potential guests need to see the environment alongside the accommodations for overall confidence to book.

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Your remaining 4 should be inclusive of the features or amenities that make your listing stand out, such as a hot tub, bonfire pit, kitchen, master bedroom, etc. Overall, these photos should help the potential guest visualize what it would be like to stay in your vacation rental, so make sure the pictures are high quality, well-lit, and showcase the best aspects of your property.

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Expertly Price for Events in Your Market

Pricing events in your market is no simple challenge but are vital to track and manage. On top of just knowing that a local event is happening in your market, you need to know if and how it is actually affecting demand for your listing. Understanding demand is key and will allow you to optimize your pricing strategy and earn more revenue. You can easily spend hours of time tracking down each event, analyzing market trends, etc. However, leaning on the right solution and automation will save you time and lead you to success.

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At Beyond, we spend a ton of time tracking and monitoring events so our customers don’t have to. Our Data Science Team is constantly improving our dynamic pricing algorithm to ensure our customers’ properties are optimized for bookings and revenue. 

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Offer Personal Touches

To create a more memorable guest experience, you can offer personal touches in your rental property. Leave a welcome basket filled with local treats, write a personalized greeting card or guidebook to the neighborhood and nearby attractions, or offer your guests a ride to/from the airport. Once checked in, the guest will welcome these personal gestures, and it increases the likeliness of positive reviews and recommendations.

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Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Last but not least, provide exceptional customer service. Make sure your Vrbo listing has all the essential information guests need, and you remain professional, responsive, and helpful before, during, and after their stay. If issues do arise, be proactive in resolving them promptly and satisfactorily, and the guest shall leave satisfied and happy with their stay, increasing the probability of great reviews and recommendations.

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Guests prefer to book with hosts who are responsive to inquiries and answer their questions quickly. As a host, aim to provide prompt, friendly, and professional communication to all potential guests, and sure that your response time is visible on your Vrbo profile. With quick and responsive communication, the potential guest will feel safe and confident before booking their stay at your vacation home.

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Advanced Techniques

There are a few more advanced techniques that savvy Vrbo hosts can employ to further enhance their property's visibility and desirability. Consider leveraging social media platforms to showcase the unique aspects of your vacation rental. Create visually appealing content that highlights the stunning views, exceptional amenities, and the overall experience guests can expect. Share guest testimonials and positive reviews to build credibility and trust among potential renters. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and inquiries promptly, creating a sense of community around your vacation rental.

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Furthermore, embracing technology can give your Vrbo listing a competitive edge. Invest in virtual tours or 360-degree photos to provide potential guests with an immersive preview of your property. This not only sets realistic expectations but also establishes transparency, earning the trust of prospective renters. Additionally, consider incorporating smart home features or technology-driven conveniences, such as keyless entry systems or home automation, to enhance the overall guest experience.

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Another crucial aspect is staying updated on industry trends and continuously refining your approach. Regularly revisit your listing to ensure that it remains relevant and competitive. Stay informed about changes in traveler preferences, local regulations, and market dynamics. This proactive approach positions you as a dynamic and forward-thinking host, which can contribute to increased bookings and positive guest experiences.

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As a host, a standout on Vrbo requires attention to detail and extra effort. By providing a unique selling point, high-quality photographs, responsive communication, personalized touches, and exceptional customer service, you can differentiate your vacation rental property from the competition and attract more bookings. With these five tips in mind, you can create a memorable experience for your guests, encourage positive reviews, increase your rental revenue, and increase overall guest satisfaction. Learn more expert ways to increase bookings and grow your vacation rental revenue with Beyond. Join the thousands of hosts who trust Beyond to price over 340,000 listings in more than 7,500 cities worldwide: https://www.beyondpricing.com/create-account