5 Tops Tips To Write An Advert That 'Sells' Your Property To Bookers

    1. Always describe your property as succinctly but as descriptively as possible.

    Summarise the key features about your property in one sentence.

    Example: 'Traditional, well-equipped, cosy fisherman's cottage close to Sandsea beach with private enclosed garden and unspoilt views of the bay'

    Most self-catering accommodation sites will also enable you to write in more detail about your property on the main Property Description Page - this is your opportunity to tell guests why they want to book it.

    Example: "Bonny Cottage was built over 200 years ago and was completely renovated and refurbished in 2004 to offer the highest standards of comfort and convenience without losing any of the original charm and character of the cottage. The cottage enjoys an uninterrupted view of Sandsea Bay from the patio area and is surrounded by a beautifully kept cottage garden. Facilities include gas-fired log burner, luxury kitchen, en-suite bathroom with separate shower, and a large double bedroom with balcony. Less than 10 minutes walk to the beach and perfectly sited for excursions to the nearby historic towns of Fishby and Manorgate. Wonderful choice for romantic getaways and peaceful short breaks all year round. We welcome well-behaved dogs"

    Is there any practical information about your property that your potential guest needs to know about? Perhaps there is a steep flight of steps to your front door which would make the property inconvenient for baby buggies or elderly guests. Perhaps your property has a resident dog or cook - or the property is either very remote or next to fine restaurant.

    What is the immediate area surrounding your property like? Are you close to a pretty village where your guests can enjoy a morning coffee? Is it an easy stroll to the beach or a childrens play area or a mass of historic and artistic treasures?

    2) Take the best photographs you can. Don't skimp on the photographs. Take them on a clear bright day and make sure the house and rooms look their very best. 'Dress' the rooms with additional soft furnishings and flowers to make them look more appealing. Add additional lighting if the rooms are a little dark. If you're not confident in taking good quality digital photographs, it can pay to commission a professional photographer who can set up professional lighting and may have a better eye for taking the most advantageous shots.

    3) Keep your availability and pricing up to date. Some owners don't advertise their availability or prices because they would rather get the enquiries. This is fine if you have your own small website without very much traffic - but if you advertise on a large well-established holiday accommodation site, you may get many, many time-wasting enquiries asking the same repetitive questions about price and availability. It is often better to attract only the 'pre-qualified' enquiries that you can confirm or respond to immediately.

    4) Invite holidaymakers to enquire about weekends and shortbreaks. Even if you only advertise rental prices by the week, invite holidaymakers to enquire about shorter breaks if you can handle them. This often gives you many additional bookings out of season - and these customers often convert into longer bookings in following years.

    5) Provide lots of 'little extra's' for your guests which will help make their stay in your property all the more special. If you can offer something like this, make sure you tell your visitors about it!

    Example: "A basic food & supplies hamper is supplied to all guests on arrival. As well as house linen and towels, we also provide our guests with beach towels and picnic blankets. In the garden shed you will find a selection of beach equipment to borrow - such as windbreaks, parasols and an inflatable boat. There are also two adult bycicles (with padlocks) which you are welcome to use. Mr Crosby will place fresh roses from the garden in the cottage (in season)."

     
     
     
    Copyright 2006. Copyright protected by HolidayBank Ltd, Sunway House, Raglan Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk. NR32 2LW.

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