Ready to become a rockstar vacation rental host?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your VRBO game, crafting the perfect listing is the key to attracting guests and boosting bookings. With a little know-how and the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful vacation rental.
Let’s dive into the tips that’ll have guests hitting “book now” in no time!
What Are the Best Practices for a Successful VRBO Listing?
Did you know VRBO has over 2 million properties listed in 190 countries worldwide? Creating a successful VRBO listing is crucial to attracting guests and boosting bookings. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Take High-Quality Photos
Photos are the first thing potential guests will see, so they must look professional and showcase your property well.
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- Step: Use natural light whenever possible and ensure the rooms are tidy and clutter-free.
- Tip: If you can, hire a professional photographer to capture the space. Great photos make a big difference in booking success.
- Tip: Include pictures of key features like the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, and any unique amenities like a hot tub or pool.
2. Write a Clear and Honest Description
Guests want to know exactly what they’re booking. Be descriptive and accurate in your listing details.
- Step: Highlight the main features of your property, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and any special amenities.
- Tip: Mention local attractions or activities to help potential guests see the area’s appeal.
- Tip: Be clear about any house rules (e.g., pet policies or quiet hours) to avoid confusion later.
3. Set a Competitive Price
Pricing plays a huge role in attracting guests. Make sure your price is reasonable based on the market and the value you offer.
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- Step: Research similar listings in your area to see how much other hosts are charging.
- Tip: Use VRBO’s pricing tools to help you stay competitive. Adjust prices based on demand, seasons, and special events in your area.
- Tip: Offer discounts for longer stays or last-minute bookings to encourage reservations.
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4. Respond Quickly to Inquiries
Fast communication is essential for turning inquiries into bookings.
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- Step: Set up notifications to ensure you never miss a message from potential guests.
- Tip: Respond within a few hours, even if it’s just to acknowledge the inquiry and let them know you’ll provide more details soon.
- Tip: Be friendly and professional in your messages, answering all questions thoroughly.
5. Offer Personal Touches
Providing a personalized experience can set your listing apart from others.
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- Step: Leave a welcome note for guests or provide a list of local recommendations like restaurants and attractions.
- Tip: Offer extra amenities like a bottle of wine, snacks, or toiletries to make guests feel more at home.
- Tip: Consider small touches like personalized welcome baskets or a guidebook of your area to add a unique experience.
How to Write an Effective Property Description?
An engaging, well-optimized description is one of the most powerful tools a rental host has. It not only boosts VRBO’s visibility but also helps deliver a memorable guest experience. Here’s how to write one that converts browsers into bookings:
1. Start With a Keyword-Rich Headline
Your headline should clearly state your short-term rental type, location, and a standout feature—like “Modern Downtown Loft with Skyline Views – Walk to Everything.” This helps grab attention and improve search rankings.
2. Lead With the Guest Experience
Open with a line that captures how staying at your property feels. Think beyond the space—what kind of guest experience are you offering? Example: “Enjoy morning coffee on your private deck before exploring the city’s hidden gems.”
3. Keep It Descriptive But Easy to Skim
Use short paragraphs or bullet points to list key features, such as the number of bedrooms, fast Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies, or a fully stocked kitchen—things that matter to modern short-term rental guests.
4. Use relevant keywords naturally
Strategically place keywords like “beachfront cottage,” “family-friendly short-term rental,” or “luxury mountain retreat” throughout your description without sounding forced. This helps your listing stand out on both VRBO and Google.
5. Highlight what makes your property unique
Emphasize the details that set your place apart—whether that’s a rooftop lounge, a game room, or access to local attractions. As a rental host, showcasing your personality and your property’s character can make a big difference.
6. Write for your ideal guest
Tailor your message accordingly if you’re appealing to families, remote workers, or couples. A seasoned property manager knows to mention kid-friendly spaces, a dedicated workspace, or romantic ambiance, depending on the target audience.
7. End with a strong call to action
Encourage bookings with a closing line like “Book your perfect short-term rental getaway now!” A simple prompt nudges guests to take action while your listing is fresh in their mind.
What Unique Features Should You Highlight in Your Listing?
To stand out on your listing on VRBO, you need to show what makes your place special. Guests want more than a bed—they want a fun and easy guest experience.
Show off features like a hot tub, big backyard, or nice views. These help your vacation rental get noticed.
If your place is near the beach, hiking trails, or downtown, be sure to say that—it can boost your occupancy.
Little things like smart TVs, fast Wi-Fi, or a cozy fireplace also matter. They show good property management and make guests feel at home.
If your place is great for families, pets, or remote workers, say so. These details can help raise your occupancy rate.
Even small extras, like games or a coffee bar, can make your vacation rental host profile stand out.
How to Set Competitive Pricing for Your Vacation Rental?
Setting the right price is key for any vacation rental host who wants to get more bookings and better visibility on their listing on VRBO.
Good pricing means finding the balance between profit and high occupancy. As a smart property owner, you should check what similar rentals charge in your area.
Using tools or working with a property management service can help you adjust prices based on seasons, local events, and demand.
Keeping a flexible cancellation policy can also help boost your occupancy rate since many guests look for listings they can cancel easily if plans change. This is also a part of VRBO’s promotion to not only stay competitive to Airbnb and Booking, but also to follow customer demand.
Your rates should match the quality of your vacation rental and the kind of guest experience you offer—don’t price too low or too high without a reason.
When your pricing is fair and your home is well-managed, it shows you’re a professional vacation rental host ready to welcome happy guests.
How Can New Hosts Improve Their VRBO Listings?
If you’re a new host on VRBO, there are simple ways to make your listing better and get more bookings.
VRBO doesn’t always show your full listing right away in search, so make your title and first sentence count. That’s what guests see first when they scroll.
Update your calendar often and respond to messages quickly. These small steps show you’re a reliable host on VRBO and help improve your ranking.
What Are the VRBO Host Requirements?
To become a host on VRBO, you need to meet some basic rules to keep your listing active and guests happy.
Your property on VRBO must be clean, safe, and ready for guests. It should also have working amenities like running water, electricity, and heat or air conditioning.
VRBO doesn’t allow listings that break local laws, so check city or state rules before hosting. Some places need a license or tax registration.
A platform like VRBO also expects you to respond to guests quickly, keep your calendar up to date, and follow through on all bookings.
Meeting these rules helps you stay in good standing and build a strong reputation as a host on VRBO.
How to Use VRBO Tools to Boost Your Listing?
VRBO and Airbnb both offer tools that can help you make your listing stand out. One of the best ways to improve visibility is by using the property’s best features in your description and photos. Highlight amenities that guests want, like a hot tub, a pool, or a fully equipped kitchen.
You can also use the VRBO and Airbnb pricing tools to adjust rates based on demand and keep your listing competitive. Offering discounts for early bookings or longer stays can help attract more guests.
To make it easy for guests to book your property, turn on Instant Booking. This allows guests to confirm their stay right away without waiting for approval, leading to more bookings.
Another great tool is the VRBO Guest Reviews feature. Good reviews increase your chances of standing out, so always ask satisfied guests to leave feedback.
💡Shining the Spotlight
Sending automated emails has never been easier with OTA Sync’s Property Management System. Creating messages that send out on check-out date automatically, with personalized touches, can help with increasing good reviews.
How to Rank Higher on VRBO Search Results?
Ranking higher on VRBO search results starts with optimizing your rental property listing. The more complete and accurate your listing is, the more likely you are to show up higher in searches.
Focus on improving your property’s best features in the title and description. Be sure to include keywords that guests commonly search for, like “pet-friendly,” “oceanfront,” or “walking distance to downtown.” This helps your listing appear in more relevant searches.
Another way to improve your ranking is by getting more bookings on VRBO. Higher occupancy and positive reviews help your listing appear in more searches. Always respond quickly to inquiries and maintain an active presence on the platform.
Lastly, offering Instant Booking can increase your chances of getting more reservations. The quicker you confirm bookings, the better your chances of rising in the search results.
What Are the Steps to Become a VRBO Premier Host?
Becoming a VRBO Premier Host is a great way to build your reputation and attract more guests. This status helps you stand out and gain trust as a top-tier short-term rental host.
Focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience by maintaining your property well and offering excellent communication. Always keep your calendar up to date and ensure that your listing is clear, accurate, and attractive.
Positive reviews are key. As a short-term rental host, ask guests for feedback and respond to reviews—especially the positive ones. A good reputation built on guest satisfaction will help you reach Premier Host status.
Lastly, to keep your status, consistently meet the VRBO performance requirements, such as a high response rate, on-time check-ins, and low cancellation rates.
How to Encourage Positive Reviews from Guests?
Encouraging positive reviews is essential for building credibility and attracting more bookings. As a vacation rental host, your reviews directly impact your success on platforms like VRBO.
Start by offering an excellent guest experience from the moment a guest books your property. Clear communication, a clean home, and thoughtful touches like welcome baskets or local guides can set the stage for a glowing review. Use host tools to streamline your communication, respond promptly, and keep guests informed.
After their stay, kindly ask your guests for a review. A personalized message thanking them for their visit and encouraging them to share their feedback can go a long way. In the vacation rental market, guests appreciate being reminded to leave reviews, especially when they’ve had a great time.
What to Do with Negative Reviews on Your Listing?
Negative reviews can be tough, but they’re a chance to improve as a vacation rental host. When responding, stay calm and professional—acknowledge concerns, apologize if needed, and explain how you’ll resolve the issue.
If the problem was related to clear house rules, kindly remind future guests of the guidelines. If property damage was mentioned, explain how you’re addressing the issue and maintaining the property.
Use feedback to make changes—whether it’s updating amenities or improving cleanliness. Regularly keep your property in top shape to avoid recurring complaints.
By handling negative reviews well, you show future guests that you care and are dedicated to providing a great stay.
5. How OTA Sync Can Help
OTA Sync is an all-in-one, cloud-based software solution for managing hotels and apartments. Because of cloud-based technology, costs are drastically reduced, daily tasks are automated, and the overall efficiency and revenues of the property are increased.
OTA Syncsoftware is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has over 2.000 satisfied users in 17 countries around the world.
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