June 19, 2024
So, you’ve got a space you’re planning to rent out, and you want to make sure people actually book it. The short-term rental game can be fun and profitable, but it’s also competitive. Travellers have a ton of choices, which means your place needs to stand out. Don’t stress, though. With a little effort and some guest-first thinking, you can get more bookings than you might expect.
Want a simple trick? Walk into your rental like you’ve never seen it before. Imagine you’re tired, dragging your suitcase, and ready to crash. Does the place feel welcoming? Are the lights easy to find? Is the bed ready to flop into? Small details like extra outlets by the bed or a couple of hooks for jackets can really change the vibe. Guests pick up on those things instantly, and they’ll thank you for making their lives easier.
People shop with their eyes. If your photos look dark or messy, you’re already behind. Honestly, paying for a pro photographer can be worth every penny. But if that’s not in the budget, at least take your photos during the day with natural light. Clear off the counters, fluff the pillows, maybe even throw in a bowl of fruit on the table. Think of it like online dating: you want your rental looking its absolute best.
Forget the boring, copy-paste style. Tell people what’s actually great about staying at your place. Is it a quiet neighbourhood? A kitchen with all the basics? Free parking? Share those highlights in plain language. And the key part? Don’t hide the quirks. If there’s a squeaky floor or a steep staircase, just say it. Guests will appreciate the honesty way more than a surprise when they arrive.
Nobody wants to run to the store because there’s only half a roll of toilet paper left. Make sure the basics are always ready: paper towels, soap, clean towels, and extra bedding. If you really want to earn brownie points, add little extras like coffee pods, local snacks, or a note with your favourite pizza place nearby. Those personal touches don’t cost much, but they make guests feel like you actually care.
After a long day of travelling, no one wants to stand outside trying to figure out how to get in. A lockbox or smart lock makes things painless. Send clear instructions (bonus points if you include photos of the door or keypad). Keep your tone warm, too. A quick “Welcome, glad you made it!” can change how someone feels about their first five minutes in your space.
It’s easy to focus only on décor, check-in, and guest experience, but the financial setup behind your rental matters just as much. If you rent out your property, there are smart ways to maximise what you actually keep from your bookings. Many hosts overlook tax strategies that could save them thousands each year. One example is cost segregation, which helps you take bigger deductions sooner rather than spreading them out over decades. It’s worth sitting down with a professional who understands short-term rentals so you’re not leaving money on the table.
The secret to keeping your rental calendar busy isn’t really a secret at all. Treat guests how you’d want to be treated, show off your place with solid photos, keep it stocked and clean, and stay friendly in your messages. Do those things consistently, and you’ll not only get more bookings but you’ll also build a reputation that keeps people coming back. That’s when hosting stops being just a side hustle and starts feeling like a real business.
Professional photos make a huge difference because people often book with their eyes. High-quality, well-lit images help your property stand out from the competition and create a strong first impression, encouraging more potential guests to click and explore your listing.
Absolutely, you should. Being honest about things like a squeaky floor or a steep staircase builds trust with your guests. They will appreciate your transparency much more than being surprised upon arrival, which can lead to better reviews and happier stays.
Small gestures go a long way. You could leave a personal note, provide local snacks, or offer coffee pods. Ensuring the basics are well-stocked, like plenty of toilet paper and fresh towels, also shows you care about their comfort.
Using a lockbox or a smart lock is a fantastic way to make check-in painless. Just be sure to send clear, friendly instructions, perhaps with photos, so your guests can easily access your property after their journey.
Cost segregation is a tax strategy that allows you to accelerate depreciation on certain property assets, meaning you can take larger tax deductions sooner. This can significantly reduce your taxable income and help you keep more of your earnings from your Term Rental for Maximum Bo. It's wise to speak with a professional about this.
