In the fast-paced world of short-term rentals, standing out is crucial. So much can influence a guest's decision to book your property, but your marketing strategy is one of the most important. We're one of the top Airbnb managers in Tennessee and here are three simple yet highly effective tactics that we know will help you boost your bookings and maximize your rental income.
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Professional Photography
First impressions matter, and when it comes to short-term rentals, photos are everything. High-quality, professional photos can make a significant difference in attracting guests to your property. Hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate photography and make sure you express to them your favorite features of the home. They will know how to showcase your property in the best possible light and highlight its unique features. 

Captivating Listing Descriptions
Once you've grabbed a potential guest's attention with stunning photos, captivate them with an accurate and enticing description of your space. Your listing description should be informative, engaging, and highlight the unique selling points and amenities of your property. Remember to keep your description concise, and easy to read, as guests are more likely to skim through long paragraphs. Resources like ChatGPT can be an excellent help, especially by adding the phrase "Optimize for SEO," but make sure you edit the output so you don't sound too much like a robot! 

Guest Reviews and Testimonials
Positive guest reviews can significantly impact your booking rates, so it's important to encourage satisfied guests to leave feedback. Be proactive in requesting reviews from your guests, and when you do receive a review (positive or negative!) be sure to respond promptly and express your gratitude. Your public interactions with your guests really tell prospective guests a lot about you, so be mindful of your responses.  

Incorporating these three simple marketing tactics into your strategy can help you attract more guests and boost your bookings. Does marketing strategy and management make your head spin? Would you prefer to find an Airbnb manager to trust your business with? We're the guy. Let's get started here. 

1. Ambiance with String Lighting: Create a magical atmosphere with outdoor string lights. Hang them strategically for a warm and inviting glow. Labor Day is an ideal time to find discounts on these enchanting additions.
2. Stylish Sun Sails: Find Labor Day discounts on chic sun sails to add both shade and elegance to your outdoor space. These architectural shades protect you from the sun while enhancing your backyard's visual appeal.
3. Comfortable, Chic Lounge Chairs: Invest in comfortable and durable outdoor lounge chairs during Labor Day sales. These pieces offer the perfect relaxation spot and enhance your property's value.
4. Stylish Outdoor Rugs: Elevate your backyard with an outdoor rug. Look for deals on weather-resistant rugs that define your outdoor area and tie your decor together.
5. Outdoor Entertainment with a Projector: Consider an outdoor projector to elevate your backyard experience. Labor Day sales often offer great deals on projectors, transforming your space into a private cinema or entertainment hub.

At Beckon Homes, we know that an appealing outdoor space adds value to your property. These investments promise both enjoyment and increased property value, whether for short-term rentals or personal relaxation. Don't miss the chance to make your outdoor space shine this Labor Day!

It's the beginning of a New Year, and so many of us are committing to improvement- personally AND professionally. Airbnb hosts are no different! Whether you'd like our help to fully manage and market your vacation rental, or you want to do it yourself, here are 3 quick tips to help make 2017 your most profitable year yet!:

1. Streamline your communication!  In our experience, regardless of what amenities your home may offer, perhaps the MOST important step in being an Airbnb champ is communication. We've found that guests can be forgiving of ALMOST any shortcoming your property may present if they're given fair warning. So many hosts we've seen try to downplay the negatives of their property by NOT talking about them, but ultimately, this just makes for a disappointing experience for guests with too-high expectations. Develop a great strategy to communicate with your potential guests from message #1 all the way through AFTER your stay. Every guest we've ever hosted (and we've hosted about 40,000 guests so far) has REALLY appreciated knowing exactly what to expect at each turn of their travels. When in doubt: OVER communicate! 
2. Ask for reviews...strategically! Reviews are KING and without them, your listing will get lost in a sea of Airbnb properties. Start asking for reviews before the guest even books their trip, and impress upon them just how impactful a good (or bad!) review can be for your business. Make sure guests feel like they have the ability to communicate NEGATIVE experiences to you DIRECTLY and PRIVATELY, so when it's time for them to post something about their experience PUBLICLY, they, at bare minimum, feel as if their concerns have been heard, and hopefully addressed. When guests know how important their feedback is to you, they'll be much more upfront and honest with you about their experience, giving you the opportunity to make things right when things go wrong, and celebrate when things go right!
3. Update and Upgrade! Just like ANY business, your Airbnb should be evaluated at LEAST yearly, if not weekly, monthly or quarterly. Look around at decor that might be outdated, furniture that may be falling apart, area rugs that might be stains, dishes that might be cracked and commit to investing some percentage of your earnings into consistently tending to your property. Pro Tip: When you make big, impactful changes, make sure to take new pictures to upload to your listing and allow viewers to see you're an involved host. 

Hosting is half art, and half science, and we're always here and happy to help find, furnish, market or manage your Airbnb vacation rental. Whether it's full service management, or a la carte consulting, we can help make your Airbnb the best it can be!