How to increase bookings

Now that the holiday industry is in full swing, with many Britons choosing to travel domestically rather than abroad, the competition for holiday let bookings is healthier than it’s ever been.

So, how do you stay ahead of your competitors and not only secure that first booking but encourage repeat bookings too? There are a number of ways you can do this, some requiring a little investment on your part, and some that can be easily achieved with some modest forethought.

Continue reading for our top tips on improving the appeal of your property to find inspiration for attracting more bookings throughout the year. 

Welcome your guests and make a great first impression

If the first thing your guests see when they enter their home away from home for the first time is a thoughtful little hamper, courtesy of you, it’s likely to make a big impression and could set the tone for the entire holiday. Little things can go a long way.

The ultimate welcome hamper

Tailoring to your guest make-up and including goodies local to the area will really show that you care and have been thorough. If children are staying, including some activity books will be welcomed enthusiastically; if four-legged friends are scampering in, doggie treats will be snaffled with no arguments; and if your property just sleeps two, consider adding in some romantic delights such as chocolates.

What you can include

Keeping the children safe and entertained

The family holiday market is arguably the most saturated, with statistics showing that, recently, families with children took more holidays and breaks than any other customer group. With this in mind, it’s worth considering the little conveniences that will put parents’ minds at ease and the ones that will keep the kids amused.

Make your home family friendly

Whether it’s providing essentials for babies and toddlers, such as highchairs and stairgates, promoting the benefits of your location to families or providing toys and games for old and young kids alike, the steps you take now to invest in families will ensure a relaxing stay for the whole family later.

Make your let family friendly

Investing in play equipment

If you have a suitable outdoor space, a fantastic way to encourage family bookings is to create an area where children can play safely outside. You can keep it simple and fairly low maintenance if you wish, but providing it’s secure and safe, you'll keep your guests’ children entertained for hours.

Investing in play equipment

Make room for Rex and Rover

If you decide that you want to open your doors to four-legged friends, it could open up a whole new market for you and also increase your revenue per booking but also create more bookings too. Read our guide on how to make your holiday property dog friendly.

Preparing a dog-friendly holiday home

There are many factors to consider here when furnishing your home for dogs. For instance, how many dogs will you allow? Are all breeds welcome? Can you ensure that the garden is fully enclosed and safe for inquisitive pooches? Get these considerations and others nailed down and you will have yourself one pup-pleasing property.

Canine considerations

Expert photography for your holiday let

Let’s be honest, a huge influence on whether your property gets booked or not is the photography. You may have the most amazing decor and mod cons but if your photography doesn’t reflect this, then the take-up rate on your bookings will suffer. Let us help with some photography top tips.

Photography tips from the experts

From the more obvious suggestions, such as removing any personal items from areas being photographed, to the more obscure recommendations, such as tucking away gardening equipment or cleaning products, or removing the hot tub cover, the advice here will walk you through room by room, ensuring your property looks as good as it can.

Expert photography tips

Innovations to help improve your holiday home

The location of your property, how many guests you can house, and the general appearance of the interior and exterior are normally going to be the main factors guests consider when deciding whether to book your property or not. But contemplate that a guest might be ‘umming and ahing’ between your holiday let and your competitor’s, so what features can you showcase to help get said guest over the line and into your camp? Click below.

Sustainable ideas for your property

With more and more people, including homeowners and holidaymakers, becoming more environmentally aware, now is a great time to add those green touches to your property that will set you apart from the rest of the field and stand you in good stead as a more environmentally friendly option for ethically minded guests.

Keeping your property sustainable

There is a plethora of ways in which you can help to make your home more sustainable. Some are more readily viable, including offering recycling facilities and providing eco-friendly toiletries; and some require a bit more time and investment but will prove to be most beneficial in the long run, such as installing solar panels. Whatever your budget or schedule, there are ways in which you can contribute and help make your property greener.

A more sustainable property

Looking to start holiday letting?

We’re always on the search for new owners to let their properties, whatever the style and appeal.

With an exceptional team who are dedicated to showcasing your property to help maximise its true potential, you get a simple, stress-free and successful letting experience that delivers you a healthy return.

If you are considering letting your holiday home, then we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and let us help you on your journey. Call 01237 459991 or send us a message. 

You can also download a free letting guide.

How to start holiday letting