A website for vacation rental properties is a key to success
Having your own website for vacation rental properties can open new business opportunities, generate more revenue, increase traffic and guests loyalty.
Short-term rentals offer lucrative opportunities. Renting apartments for short stays continues to gain popularity among travelers, allowing individuals to generate a substantial income. However, professional agencies compete with homeowners offering private apartments for vacation rentals and online travel agencies (OTAs). Property managers must distinguish themselves from the agencies to thrive in this market. One effective strategy is to build a solid online presence by creating a website for vacation rental properties.
A vacation rental website allows you to gain online visibility and make your brand more recognisable. The first objective is always to gain more direct bookings, since your website for vacation rental includes a booking engine making guests book your place directly without a need of passing through OTA or any other intermediary. Also, it gives you a possibility to offer advertising spaces to third parties, which can bring you more revenue.
Benefits of a website for vacation rental
Increase your direct bookings
Most travelers searching for accommodations go online. They start with different channels and OTAs, but once they see your brand name they tend to go to your own website. Property management agencies should put more emphasis on creating their custom website because nowadays travelers are more willing to book directly than any ever before. They hope to have a more personal approach with the owner or agency, get better prices and more detailed information about their stay. A custom website offers a smooth booking experience, as well as help to create more loyalty which gives guests a reason to come back. Also, it is possible to have it integrated within a vacation rental management software in order to smoothly manage all the operations around the bookings.
Building a strong brand presence is essential for success in the holiday rental industry. Despite the dominance of major OTAs like Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking, it's crucial to increase brand visibility among travelers proactively. Their impression of your brand directly impacts their likelihood of recommending your properties to others and choosing to return for future stays. A well-crafted vacation rental website is the foundation for making a lasting impression on your guests. They not only associate it with exceptional services but also feel reassured by a seamless booking process and concise, informative content.
A custom website for vacation rental properties, offers a distinct advantage by providing greater control compared to third-party channels. You have the final say on your brand image, including marketing messages, eye-catching photos, and compelling videos that align with your vision. Unlike an OTA listing, a custom site provides a comprehensive rental overview that effectively communicates your unique values and selling points.
OTAs offer undeniable advantages by leveraging their established brands to increase visibility and attract guests. However, these benefits come at a cost, with fees ranging from 5% to 20% for each guest booking. Here's a valuable insight: while investing in your vacation rental website may require upfront expenses, the long-term cost savings outweigh the initial investment. Having a direct website gives you better control over your pricing, enabling you to differentiate your offerings from competitors. You can create personalized deals and promotions that make your vacation rentals stand out, ultimately making them more enticing to potential guests.
How to design your website for vacation rental properties?
If you need more expertise within your team, the ideal approach is to hire external professionals. Several tech companies offer comprehensive packages that include vacation rental web design tailored to your standards and branding. This ensures effective communication with travelers using your unique tone and visual layout. A custom booking engine is a crucial component of any vacation rental website, allowing guests to make reservations directly on your site.
Integrating an accounting tool and syncing with all relevant OTAs also prevents the risk of double bookings. A professional will consider all these aspects and create a tailored website that meets your business needs.
Creating a website for vacation rental properties is not just an investment; it presents a unique opportunity. It enables you to engage with guests directly, strengthen your brand, and save on OTA commission fees. Assuming full responsibility for guest bookings provides a platform to showcase exceptional hospitality, offer outstanding customer service, and provide exclusive extras not found elsewhere.
About Avantio
Avantio vacation rental software is a leading global provider of vacation rental management software solutions, with a broad customer base around the world. Founded in Valencia, Spain, Avantio is known for its innovation and commitment to excellence in the vacation rental industry.
