Your guide to optimizing your vacation rental for Vrbo

Imagine you own a beautiful vacation rental property that is just perfect for travelers looking for a place to stay. But in the sea of choices on Vrbo, how do you make your property stand out and attract those vacationers?

The answer lies in how you present your property. A well-crafted, detailed, and accurate listing on Vrbo is your key to standing out. From your property's hero shot to the comprehensive list of amenities and diligent cleaning practices, each aspect plays a crucial role in creating a high-performing Vrbo listing.

The advantages of optimizing your Vrbo listing are manifold. Not only does it increase your property's visibility among potential renters, but it also boosts your occupancy rates. And higher occupancy means more revenue for you as a property owner.

Ready to dive into the details? In this blog post, we'll explore actionable insights and practical tips to enhance your Vrbo hosting experience. From understanding Vrbo's position in the short-term rental market to leveraging its premium features and creating lasting relationships with guests, we've got it all covered.

So property owners, keep reading and take the first step towards elevating your hosting game on Vrbo.

Understanding Vrbo's Place in the Vacation Rental Market

Vrbo, an acronym for Vacation Rental By Owner, is a significant player in the online vacation rental business, standing toe-to-toe with platforms like Airbnb. Although they offer similar services, the unique features and demographics of Vrbo's customer base set it apart. Vrbo customers, often families and larger groups, tend to stay longer and book further in advance compared to other platforms.

Moreover, Vrbo uses a combination of service fees and booking fees which differ slightly from Airbnb's fee structures. It's crucial to understand these charges as a property owner to set competitive rates without burdening your guests or compromising your profit. To get a handle on these host fees, refer to this detailed guide that provides insights into the fee structure you can expect from major OTAs. With this knowledge, you can navigate the complex landscape of the vacation rental business with more ease and confidence.

Building a High-Performing VRBO Property Listing

The quality of your Vrbo listing can make or break your success in the vacation rental market. An enticing property listing goes beyond attractive photos; it's about painting a detailed and accurate picture of what guests can expect.

List your Key Amenities

Guests place a high value on detailed information about the amenities your property offers. From Wi-Fi availability to the presence of a washer and dryer, these small details can influence a renter's decision.

Include High-Quality Imagery

High-quality visuals are equally crucial, with the Hero Shot (the first image potential renters see) being the most critical. This image should be high-resolution, and well-lit, and should showcase your property's most appealing feature.

Use Keywords in Headlines and Descriptions

Ensure your property's description is compelling, accurate, and filled with relevant keywords to make your listing easier to find.

Detail Your Cleaning Practices

Cleaning practices are another major concern for renters, especially in the current environment. Your listing should clearly detail your cleaning and sanitation protocols to assure potential guests of their safety during their stay. Use our guide to build an effective cleaning checklist for VRBO hosts and convey this information to your future guests.

Ultimately, the key to a high-performing Vrbo listing lies in the details. By providing accurate, in-depth information about your property and its features, you can attract more renters and keep your occupancy rates high.

Navigating the World of Nightly Rates and Refunds

Choose a Competitive Pricing Strategy

Choosing the right pricing for your Vrbo property is critical. It's a balancing act where your rate should be competitive, yet profitable. A high nightly rate might deter potential renters, while a too-low rate might undermine your profitability and attract less than ideal guests. To determine a competitive pricing strategy, consider factors such as location, amenities, size, and the rates of comparable properties in your area. Don't forget to factor in Vrbo's fees like your cleaning fees, because owners/PMs set those and pass them on to guests, host fees, and more into your price structure to ensure you retain a healthy profit margin.

OwnerRez has a guide that can help you determine your pricing strategy. Key points in this guide to help you to determine your pricing strategy include: researching your competition, determining your costs, knowing the value of your location, and understanding seasonal fluctuations. 

OwnerRez also has integrations with leading dynamic pricing companies that have invested time and research into analyzing rental markets in order to dynamically generate prices based on demand on a real-time basis, so you too can maximize your revenue based on complex algorithms, big-data number crunching, and ongoing research. Each of these companies has its own strengths and advantages, so you'll want to research the most appropriate one for your needs.

Create a Cancellation Policy

Equally important is the crafting of fair and clear cancellation policies. Both the host and the guest need protection. While a strict policy might safeguard your revenue, it might deter potential renters who prefer flexible options. On the other hand, a lenient policy might attract more renters but leave you vulnerable to last-minute cancellations. A good policy takes into account the likelihood of rebooking and provides a full refund for cancellations made within a reasonable timeframe.

Making the Most of Vrbo's Premium Features

Vrbo offers premium features that can help property owners optimize their listings. Becoming a premier host, for instance, comes with benefits like better ranking in search results, a special badge on your listing, and priority customer support. There are eligibility requirements to achieve this status, but the potential boost in bookings and visibility can be well worth the effort.

Vrbo also offers two major subscription models: pay-per-booking and annual subscription. The pay-per-booking model is ideal for owners with fewer bookings or seasonal rentals, as it involves a fee only when you receive a booking. The annual subscription model involves a flat yearly fee and is optimal for owners who have a high number of bookings throughout the year. This model may be changing soon, so check the Vrbo.com for the latest. 

Another way to increase your property's visibility is to integrate your vacation rental property with other channels beside Vrbo. This involves listing your property on multiple platforms to reach a broader audience. Consider leveraging property management tools like OwnerRez, which integrates seamlessly with Vrbo and other rental channels, simplifying the management of multiple listings.

By effectively using these premium features and integrations, you can significantly enhance the visibility and attractiveness of your property, leading to increased bookings and revenue.

The Importance of Building Relationships

While creating an optimized listing and setting competitive prices are vital, the true heartbeat of a successful vacation rental business is found in the relationships you build with your guests. Effective communication is the cornerstone of these relationships. Start by responding promptly and professionally to inquiries from potential guests. Ensure your tone is friendly and informative, as this will help guests feel comfortable and welcome.

Providing a memorable stay is another essential aspect of building strong relationships with your guests. It's the little things that often make a big difference, from a personalized welcome note to quick and efficient problem resolution. Strive to make your guests' stay as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, and they will be more likely to leave positive reviews and even rebook in the future.

Remember, building relationships with your guests doesn't end when they check out. A simple thank-you note can leave a lasting impression and foster a sense of connection. A personalized note thanking them for choosing your property and inviting them to stay again can go a long way. Check out our hospitality guide for tips on writing a great thank-you letter.

As a homeowner, your reviews on Vrbo play a crucial role in attracting new guests. Positive reviews act as social proof and can significantly impact your property's visibility on the platform. By building strong relationships with your guests, you're not just enhancing their experience but also investing in the success of your vacation rental business.

Master Your Hosting on Vrbo

Mastering the art of hosting on Vrbo involves combining several key elements. It starts with a well-optimized listing, complete with engaging descriptions and high-quality photos, and extends to competitive pricing that balances profitability and market appeal.

However, remember that a successful vacation rental business goes beyond the tangible. It's about the intangible experiences you provide to your guests and the relationships you build along the way. Stellar guest relationships are the lifeblood of your business. By fostering a memorable stay and communicating effectively, you're ensuring positive reviews and repeat bookings, both of which significantly contribute to your business's success.

For property owners looking to streamline their hosting efforts and further optimize their listings, tools like OwnerRez offer comprehensive vacation rental software solutions. From channel management to automation of communications and processes, OwnerRez can simplify your operations, letting you focus more on your guests.

At the end of the day, Vrbo is not just a platform for you to list your property; it's an avenue for you to create unforgettable experiences for your guests, build lasting relationships, and run a successful vacation rental business.

Ready to take your vacation rental business to the next level? Learn more about how OwnerRez integrates with Vrbo and other rental channels and makes optimizing your property for multiple channels a breeze.