Tag: how to

How To Start Advertising On Booking.com [Step-by-step Guide]

Posted on by Marija Glavonjić

With over 556 million visits to Booking.com in March 2024, the platform is definitely a go-to place if you’re thinking about listing your property there.

At the same time, more than 29 million total reported listings mean the competition is stiff.

So, how to start advertising on Booking.com and make your property more visible? 

It should be pretty doable with our tips.

Let’s dive in!

How Does Booking.com Function?

Booking.com is a commission-based model, which means you pay a set percentage on each reservation you get through the platform.

You’ll receive an invoice at the beginning of each month that includes all your bookings for the previous month and the total commission for those bookings.

On average, it is about 15%, but you’ll know the exact amount once you’ve read the Accommodation Agreement when signing up to the platform.

? Note:

Booking.com won’t charge a commission if your property has been on the platform for less than a month or if you’ve had fewer than 5 overbookings yearly.

Why Should You Advertise on Booking.com?

Spanning over 200 countries, Booking.com provides a huge pool of travelers actively searching for accommodations.

Thus, listing your property can lead to greater visibility, which can consequently attract more guests and bookings.

Besides this, Booking.com also offers:

  • Free listings.
  • An easy-to-use and navigable platform.
  • Multiple-language possibilities.
  • 24/7 access and customer support.
  • Marketing tools to help you better target your audience and track your ad campaigns.
  • A mobile app for iOS and Android.
  • A possibility for guests to leave reviews, acting as powerful referrals.

In order to reap the benefits of advertising on the platform, you should optimize your listing to make it more attractive and clickable.

It can be a lengthy process, covering everything from compelling photos to amenities and pricing.

However, we’re happy to show you how you can list your property on Booking.com to make the process smoother.

How To List Your Property on Booking.com in 6 Steps?

Before you get started, you need to ensure that your accommodation, regardless of its type, meets certain basic criteria.

For example:

  • Is it clean enough?
  • Does it have access to the Internet?
  • Does it have functioning furniture?
  • Is there enough daylight?

Let’s assume you’ve already created a Partner account and signed the Accommodation Agreement.

Step 1: Choose A Property Type 

Once you’ve signed up, you can choose a property type you wish to list: a hotel, B&B, vacation rental, etc.

When you choose a property type, you’ll receive a list of more detailed property descriptions so you can see which one best suits you. 

This is an important step because it will determine how your future guests will find you via the Booking.com filters.

What is other information you can expect to include?

  • You’ll also need to enter basic info about your property, including its name, location, and contact details.
  • Regarding location, you can pin the location of your property so your guests will know exactly where to find you. 
  • In addition, if your property is near famous landmarks or attractions, pinning it can boost its popularity even further.

Again, the input info will depend on your property type. 

For example, for hotels, you’ll be able to fill a star number, whether you are a property management company or part of a group or chain, etc.

? Note:

The more information you provide, the easier it is for possible guests to learn more about your property and make a booking.

When you provide sufficient information to people browsing your Booking profile, you enable them to make an informed decision and more readily hit the “Book now” button.

Step 2: Choose Amenities

The next thing on the agenda is to add facilities or amenities your property provides. The initial list represents facilities that are most popular among guests.

In case you don’t see an amenity or facility you provide, you can add more from a larger list after you’ve completed registration.

Adding amenities is yet another way to showcase your facility and emphasize your property’s selling points.

On top of that, it helps guests narrow their search while helping you target your ideal guest type more effectively.

In addition, you can also choose:

  • Breakfast: Do you provide breakfast? If yes, is it complimentary or paid?
  • Parking: Do you offer parking? If so, is it free or paid? Is it private or public? Do guests need to reserve a spot?
  • House Rules: What are the house rules? For example, what are the check-in and check-out times?
  • Languages: What languages does your staff speak?
  • Pets: Do you allow pets? If yes, are there any additional fees for bringing pets?

The more facilities you offer, the bigger the chance to attract more guests. Now, you’ve officially completed the Property details section.

Step 3: Add Rooms

When it comes to the room details, here you’ll add information about the room type, number of beds, their size and the room’s size.

Same as with the 2 previous steps, the more details you provide, the better because it makes it transparent what future guests can expect.

You’ll also include how many people a room can accommodate and if smoking is allowed.

Other info you’ll have to provide is:

  • Bathroom Types: What types of bathrooms are available? (e.g., private, shared, ensuite)
  • Bathroom Items: What items do you provide in the bathroom? (e.g., toiletries, towels, hairdryer)
  • Room Amenities: What general amenities are available in the room? (e.g., TV, wardrobe, heating, electric kettle)

? Note:

Including the room size can be a great upselling option if, for example, your room size is larger than an average hotel room.

Step 4: Set The Price

All aspects of listing your property on Booking.com are essential, but pricing is utterly important because you need to set it right to make a profit.

Furthermore, you still want to have a competitive advantage and not set prices too high or too low.

A good thing about listing on Booking.com is that you can always alter your price according to the current market and seasonal trends.

? Note:

Although you can always come back and change your price, it is good to think upfront about what price you are comfortable and profitable with after the commission rate.

Step 5: Add Photos

High-quality photos are essential when renting out any kind of property.

Potential guests form their first impression based on these images, influencing their decision to learn more and ultimately book your property.

Booking.com allows you to upload multiple photos in .jpeg and .png formats. Each photo should not exceed 47MB.

? Note:

Step 6: Set Up The Final Details

The final step in listing your property is to add payment methods, invoices, and licenses.

While this task may seem tedious compared to the previous steps, it is crucial for ensuring transparency in how you run your property.

This transparency helps eliminate potential questions or disputes about payments and refunds.

In this section, you can also indicate if you use a Channel Manager and integrate one if applicable.

Booking.com offers multiple payment options, including debit and credit cards, PayPal, WeChat Pay, and AliPay.

Optimizing your listing is essential as it is the initial step to effectively advertising your property.

?ProTip

If you advertise on other sites, then make sure you link all the calendars to the channel manager to avoid double reservations.

OTA SYNC’s Channel Manager allows you to connect to major OTAs and easily manage all your listings from one place while expanding your reach.

How to Leverage Advertising on Booking.com in 5 Effective Ways?

Having a listing with high-quality photos and accurate descriptions will nudge visitors to check your property in more detail and possibly make a booking.

Nonetheless, there are additional “tricks” you can use to leverage advertising efforts.

1. Join Genius Program

The Genius program helps you achieve higher levels of visibility and recognition based on the percentage of Genius bookings your property receives. 

If you offer discounts to Genius members, you are more likely to be featured prominently on the Booking.com website and search results.

In addition, this way, you can:

✔️ attract more bookings,

✔️ increase occupancy rates, and

✔️ build customer loyalty.

To qualify for the Genius program, you must have a minimum of three reviews with an average score of 7.5 or higher.

2. Offer Mobile Rates

Did you know that over half of all bookings on Booking.com are made via mobile devices?

With the increasing number of mobile users, offering a mobile rate is an excellent way to attract more guests, especially millennials.

This demographic writes more reviews than others, and more positive reviews can enhance your property’s credibility and appeal.

Providing an exclusive discount of 10% or higher for mobile users will earn your listing a special badge.

This badge is displayed next to your property, making it easily identifiable to visitors.

3. Join The Preferred Partner Program

To join the Preferred Partner Program on Booking.com, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • High Average Score: Maintain an average guest review score of more than 7.
  • High Conversion Rate: Ensure that a significant number of guests who view your property end up booking it.
  • Updated Booking Calendar: Keep your booking calendar up-to-date with minimal blocked days.
  • Timely Invoice Payments: Pay all invoices on time.

It’s important to note that participating in this program requires giving Booking.com a 3% higher commission than your current rate.

4. Tweak Your Availability

Increasing your property’s availability can significantly enhance its visibility to potential guests.

The more dates you have open, the higher the chances of attracting bookings. Additionally, being flexible with dates and offering various rates and rate plans allows you to cater to a broader audience, meeting diverse needs and preferences.

5. Offer Special Promotions

Every now and then, it’s good to get an extra boost by offering special deals and promotions. 

They can range from last-minute, early bird, free nights to basic discounts for guests who book a larger number of nights.

You can also create a geo-price list through which you can give special offers to guests from certain countries.

All these promotions and special discounts affect the number of reviews of your accommodation and also represent an additional motivation for potential guests to book.

? Note

Our advice is to attract guests with discounts during low seasons and to give early-bird discounts to count on some reservations in advance.

On the other hand, during the high season, we’d recommend pausing The Partner Program because, due to high demand, there is no need to pay additional commission.

How Can OTA SYNC Increase Your Property’s Visibility?

While listing your property on Booking.com is a fantastic way to start, it’s important to diversify your advertising efforts across multiple platforms.

This ensures broader visibility and maximizes booking opportunities.

OTA SYNC, an all-in-one PMS, is the ultimate solution to help you manage and advertise your property across various OTAs from a centralized dashboard.

Here’s why OTA SYNC stands out:

✨ Centralized Management: View and manage all your channels and multiple properties from a single interface.

✨ Unified Calendar: Easily move, change, and cancel reservations in one place with just a few clicks.

✨ Enhanced Booking Capabilities: Maximize your website’s potential for direct bookings with live availability, rates, special offers, and reduced dependence on OTAs.

✨ Seamless Communication: Improve guest experience with automatic replies and template messages, ensuring smooth and efficient communication.

✨ Robust Analytics: Gain insights into which channels bring you the most bookings and revenue, thanks to real-time performance tracking across multiple platforms.

Ready to take your property management to the next level?

Sign up for a 14-day free trial of OTA SYNC and start promoting your property more effectively today!

Keep Learning:

13 Tips on How to Improve Hotel Sales In 2024 [Complete Guide]

How To Start On Airbnb And What You Need To Know [Rental Guide]

11 Tips to Manage Multiple Properties Effectively [Guide]

How To Start On Airbnb And What You Need To Know [Rental Guide]

Posted on by Marija Glavonjić

If you want to advertise your accommodation on the Airbnb platform, you must first ensure that you have everything you need to be a successful host.

This site is specific because it focuses on giving guests a local experience of the place, making them feel at home, and providing everything they need for a relaxed stay. 

For that reason, it is important to define your role as a host: will you be there for your guests or just hand over the keys to them? 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps and show you how to start on Airbnb, from defining your business to optimizing guest experience, ensuring you maximize your potential in the rental market.

Let’s begin!

Why should you start an Airbnb business?

Airbnb provides short-term rentals for travelers looking for a place to stay. 

It makes the rental process easy for both hosts and guests. 

Whether you’re renting out a spare room in your home or a beach house across town, being an Airbnb host is a great way to make money.

Here are some benefits to start your own Airbnb business and what renting here can get you:

  • Earning a recurring income
  • Saving money on taxes
  • Diversifying your investments
  • Gaining experience in running a rental business
  • Having more free time

How to Start an Airbnb Business in 9 Steps

1. Research and Analyze Your Location

You can host your listing wherever you want, but not every property is a good fit for Airbnb. 

A strong Airbnb usually has some of these features:

  • Close to popular tourist spots (e.g., museums, historical sites)
  • Limited competition
  • Steady demand throughout the year
  • Near public transportation (e.g., buses, trains)

You should also consider other factors, such as the strictness of Airbnb rules in your area and the maintenance needed to keep the property in good shape.

For example, paying high upkeep costs doesn’t make sense if your area doesn’t get many visitors.

2. Check the Rules and Regulations

Checking the rules and regulations in your area is a key step when starting your Airbnb rental business. 

This is important enough to highlight on its own.

Vacation rental rules and regulations are becoming more common across the country, and ignoring them could cause problems for your business. 

What to do to prevent that?

Look into local laws to see if vacation rentals are banned, strictly regulated, limited by a cap, fined, or anything else. 

Regulations don’t necessarily mean you can’t move forward, but they might require extra steps. 

For example, if you already own a property, you’ll need approval from both your mortgage provider and your homeowners’ association.

There might be other rules to check, too, so before starting, you should make sure everything is fine.

3. Create a Business Plan

Creating a thorough business plan will help you stay organized, set clear goals, and achieve success with your Airbnb business.

Here are the most important steps to do it properly and include them in your business plan:

  • Define Your Business Goals – Determine what you want to achieve with your Airbnb, such as generating extra income or creating a full-time business.
  • Financial Planning – Calculate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential revenue. Create a budget that includes maintenance, cleaning, and marketing costs.
  • Legal Considerations – Check local regulations and obtain necessary permits or licenses. Consider forming a legal entity like an LLC to protect your personal assets.
  • Marketing Strategy – Develop a plan to promote and get more bookings on Airbnb. Use high-quality photos, engaging descriptions, and highlight key features. Leverage social media and listing sites like Vrbo and Booking.com.
  • Operations Plan – Outline daily operations, including check-in/check-out procedures, guest communication, cleaning schedules, and maintenance plans.
  • Customer Experience – Plan how to provide exceptional guest experiences. Think about amenities, personalized touches, and how to handle guest inquiries and feedback.
  • Risk Management – Identify potential risks and how to mitigate them. This could include property damage, guest issues, or fluctuations in demand.

4. Register a Legal Business Entity

Registering a legal business entity for your Airbnb can protect your personal assets and make your business look more professional. 

The most common options are limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations. 

Talking to a lawyer can help you decide which is best for you.

An LLC offers flexibility like a partnership and benefits like a corporation. 

Its main advantage is that it protects your personal assets from any problems related to your Airbnb business. 

Plus, with pass-through taxation, you might save some money on taxes.

A corporation is a more formal setup that separates your personal and business assets. Incorporating your Airbnb business provides limited liability protection and may offer certain tax benefits. 

However, forming and maintaining a corporation can be more complicated and expensive than other business structures.

5. Define Property Management Strategy

There are many ways to be a successful Airbnb host, so you need to decide what strategy works best for you. 

Here’s how to clarify it:

Step 1. Figure out when and how often you will host guests. 

Step 2. Decide whether you’ll handle everything yourself or hire a property manager or other service provider to help you.

Some tasks you might need to delegate include maintenance, laundry, cleaning, or even responding to guest messages. 

If you prefer to be less involved, consider hiring a top property management company. 

You can also automate some messaging by scheduling or using Airbnb’s Quick Replies feature.

No matter your management style, you’ll need to create a list of rules for guests. 

Some rules may come from a homeowners association, while others may be specific to your property. 

Rules might include:

  • The number of guests
  • Check-in and check-out times
  • Smoking policy
  • Pet Restrictions
  • Eating areas
  • Quiet hours
  • Extra services

A clear list of house rules will help ensure guests know what is expected in your property.

Pro tip:

To help you manage your properties, OTA Sync might be of help.

This cloud-based property management system can help you manage your daily operations from one place, from single-unit vacation rental to a large hotel with 500+ rooms.

6. Prepare your Airbnb for guests

Once you get approval, you should prepare the property for guests. 

Think about what amenities guests want and add them to your unit. 

Airbnb found that guests mainly look for:

  • WiFi – Upgrade your internet to offer high-speed WiFi.
  • Self-check-in option
  • A kitchen
  • Air conditioning and heating
  • A washer and dryer
  • Free Parking
  • Workspace
  • Pets allowed

If still don’t have, try to include these amenities in your listing. 

For example, turn a corner of a living room into a workspace with a desk, a comfortable chair, a printer, and other supplies. 

Ensure Guests Can Self-check in

Including a self-check-in process means guests can enter the property without meeting the host.

You can do this by installing a keypad or a smart lock for your property. 

Another option is to leave a key with the building staff if they are available 24/7.

Provide Basic Amenities and Safety Features

Keep supplies like extra towels, bedsheets, pillows, and soap. 

Make sure your listing has safety features such as:

  • smoke alarm, 
  • fire extinguisher, 
  • emergency numbers, and 
  • a first-aid kit.

Add Amenities for Family and Pet-friendly Stays

If you plan to host families with children or pets, add amenities to accommodate them. 

This might include:

  • high chairs, 
  • water bowls, 
  • a crib, and 
  • other items to make their stay easier.

Consider pet-proofing by moving things to higher shelves and ensuring pets can’t knock over trash cans.

7. Create a Unique Guest Experience

Though not required, adding the following items can make your guests’ stay better and boost your listing’s rating:

  • Snacks (like chips or granola bars)
  • Coffee or tea
  • Cooking supplies (pots, pans, bowls, plates — good-quality ones are a nice bonus)
  • Glasses (wineglasses, cups)
  • Adapters and chargers

To make sure your listing is well-prepared, use this checklist.

You can also send them email to personalize the experience and make it extra pleasing for them:

8. Take High-Quality photos of Your Property

A listing is the next step after becoming acquainted with your rights and obligations as a publisher. 

But first, you need to have photos of the apartment in the best possible resolution.

You can use a good camera or, better yet, hire a professional photographer to take pictures of your space. 

To get great photos, make sure to:

  • Clean the property
  • Let in natural light
  • Take landscape photos instead of portrait ones
  • Highlight unique features, like cool artwork or a nice kitchen
  • Take pictures of any accessibility features

9. List Your Property on Airbnb

So, now that you’re ready to list your property and start accepting guests, we’re moving on to our next move: listing your property on Airbnb.

Begin by creating your Airbnb account. 

Note: To do this, you will need your ID for verification. 

Then, create a listing within your profile section.

Your title should attract your target guests, whether it’s an apartment for remote workers or a family vacation spot. 

Note: The title can only be 50 characters, use them wisely. Shorten words like “bedroom” to “BR” and “with” to “w/.”

Here is an example:

In your description, highlight what guests will experience:

  • Will it help them be productive and stress-free? 
  • Will it feel like a home away from home? 
  • Will it place them in a lively downtown area? 

Share the experience you want guests to have, but also don’t forget to mention any possible downsides.

For example, if your property is on a busy street, light sleepers might want to know about the noise.

Note: Make sure to set the availability of your unit. One-night stays can increase bookings but require more time and effort for check-ins and cleanups.

Pro tip: You’ve worked hard to start your Airbnb business and get some visibility. 

You can get more visibility by listing your vacation rental on other sites such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, etc. 

OTA Sync channel manager helps you manage all your listings from one place.

Just connect and synchronize your OTA channels, and you’re ready to go.

Start an Airbnb Business the Proper Way

By now, you should have a good idea of how to start on Airbnb. 

If you’re ready to jump in, there’s a lot of work—and rewards—waiting for you.

But before you start, here’s one last tip: don’t stick to just Airbnb!

Since you’re putting in the effort to start your Airbnb rental business, expand your reach by listing your property on other sites like Vrbo and Booking.com. 

This will boost your online visibility without adding much extra work. 

OTA Sync’s channel manager and property management software lets you manage all your listings, bookings, tasks, finances, and guest communications from one place.

But don’t just take our word for it! 

Try the full version of OTA Sync for free with a 14-day trial to see for yourself and start your Airbnb business properly right from the beginning!