Maximising Marketing Opportunities
When it comes to marketing your rental property you should be as creative and energetic as your time allows. Try different advertising options and always ask enquirers how they hear about you to get the most feedback on which things are working well. Keep your eyes and ears open for new marketing avenues and talk to other property owners in your area to glean their advertising secrets. If you can put yourself in the shoes of the holidaymakers you want to reach and think laterally about how to contact them, you can maximise your marketing opportunities without having to overspend on your budget. Read on for some tried and trusted marketing ideas:
- Spread the word. Word of mouth is a great way to drum up business. Make sure you let your friends, family and colleagues know that you’re renting out – it’s easy and it’s free! Starting with guests you know will also help you build up confidence.
- Get the timing right. Start marketing your property sooner rather than later but not at the stage where the builder is still working on it. Always make it clear in your advert when the property is available to rent to avoid any confusion.
- Advertise online. The Internet is the best place to advertise, with thousands of Holidaymakers using it every day to search for accommodation. See our article on Bringing in the bookings for more details and sign up with a rental listing site like www.holidaylettings.co.uk.
- Photo Album. Collect some wonderful photos of your property – as well as those of your holiday – whilst you’re visiting. Put them together in a photo album at home and you can show them off to friends, neighbours and family when they visit you.
- Get some business cards. Having business cards to hand is great for casual meetings and conversations where someone seems to be interested in your holiday home. You can design and order business cards online very cheaply. Be sure to include the property’s location, mention its unique selling points and give your contact details. For an extra cost, consider including a photo as well.
- Print some posters. Print out some posters to display in local newsagent windows and at work. Choose one or two really inviting photos, and write some simple text. Include a short description of the property, its unique selling points and a basic price. Give your contact details. Use no more than two font types and two font sizes. Avoid using clip art and keep everything very simple.
- Make some Postcards. Choose a high-resolution photo of a spectacular sunset or the property itself at its best on a bright sunny day. You can then design and order your postcards online. Leave a couple of postcards for your guests at the property, and get your place seen by their friends and family when they write home.
- Advertise at work. Get permission to put a small poster on notice boards where you work, see about getting into the office newsletter or in-house intranet.
- Advertise locally. Ask about putting posters up at local gyms, community centres and cafes.
- Newspapers and magazines. Advertising in print can be expensive and often brings little return, however, local newspapers are always on the look out for little stories especially if they have some local interest. If you have a funny tale of renting out or buying abroad pen a few short paragraphs and send these with a few well chosen photos to your local paper – they may get in touch if they’re ever looking to use a short human interest piece – free advertising!
- Get on the shortlist. If your area has a festival or big event going on, the chances are that lists of recommended accommodation are being given out as well. Get in touch with the tourist board and get your property included.
- Networking. You might be in competition, but working with other owners can benefit everyone. Make contact with other property owners and if you get a holidaymaker asking for a week you can’t fill, pass it on. Hopefully they’ll return the favour! Being in touch with other owners is great if a large group want to rent two properties and you can accommodate the booking between you.
