Whether you’ve been listing on TripAdvisor for years or your vacation home is a brand new addition, we want you to get the most out of the platform’s features. That’s why we’ve put together a quick checklist of “dos and don’ts” to help you get noticed and drive as much interest (and as many bookings!) as possible.

First impressions

Travelers browse and scan listings very quickly before deciding which ones to take a closer look at. With this in mind, you need to catch their eye and stop them in their tracks! Check your listing in the context of others surrounding it in the search results and make sure your lead photo really stands out. If it blends into the background, travelers might not notice it.

DON’T: A dark, interior photo at a wonky angle with your finger half over the lens
DO: A bright, eye-catching shot that shows off your home’s best features

Extra tip: Try to make each photo relevant to your listing. That ocean view will look far more appealing if your garden, terrace or balcony is in shot.

   

Learn more:  How photos can capture the eye of eager travelers.

 

Image captions

Most travelers will look at all the photos on your listing before they read the longer description (mainly because it’s a quicker way to process information). Use this to your advantage by adding descriptive captions to your images. This is the best possible way to show potential guests around your place and start selling the experience even before they read your description.

DON’T: “Terrace”
DO: “Start the day with breakfast in the sun on your own private terrace”

 

An exciting description

Once a traveler is reading your property description, they’re already interested and looking for reasons to book. This is your chance to talk to your potential guest and give them all the information they need to make a decision. But take care your description doesn’t turn into a list of everything in your home: remember, this is the hospitality business – not real estate. Your guests are in the market for a vacation, not a house purchase.

DON’T: “40sqm living area, two sofas, lamps, big windows.”
DO: “A light and spacious living area with comfy seating for up to eight people – ideal for socialising with friends and family.”

Extra tip: You should also try to make your description easy for travelers to scan. Try breaking it up into chunks or use bullet points.

Learn more:  How to write a listing description that will sure to impress travelers.

 

Show your insider knowledge

Aside from great accommodation, privacy and space, travelers are looking for knowledgable hosts who can tell them the best local places to go and things to do. Not only is this impressive, it gives travelers confidence that you know the area and shows them you care that they have a great stay.

DON’T: Let your guests miss out
DO: Add details of the best things to do in the area, nearby attractions and your
own personal recommendations e.g. bars and restaurants, kid-friendly spots

Learn more: Provide local hot spot tips to ensure the best traveler experience.

 

Let reviews do the hard work

Beautiful photos, an exciting description and displaying your local knowledge will all help to tempt travelers. But what gives them that all-important push to click the Book button? The answer is reviews. Who better to confirm everything your listing says than another traveler who has booked and stayed at your rental?

DON’T: Rely on your pictures alone
DO: Request as many reviews as possible, especially from guests who’ve told you
what a great time they’ve had

Learn more: The power of reviews and how they can help drive more bookings your way.

 

An up-to-date calendar

The date you last updated your calendar is a key piece of information for browsing travelers. If your calendar was last updated on the same day they’re looking, they know you’re active and ready to answer questions or accept their booking. If your last update was a while ago, it can sow the seed of doubt. A traveler will probably keep looking rather than risk dealing with an unreliable owner.

DON’T: Give potential guests a reason to look elsewhere
DO: Update your calendar daily (or set up Calendar Sync and maintain accurate
availability automatically across all the sites you list on.)

 Learn more: Manage your availability calendars with ease!

 

Seasonal rates

We automatically calculate the total cost of a guest’s stay when they enter their booking details. But it’s important you remember to enter seasonal rates. These allow you to charge different amounts at different times of year, so you to make the most of peaks and dips in demand.

DON’T: Just have one price all year round
DO: Research what’s happening in your area and alter your prices accordingly.

Extra tip: Take a look at what your competition is charging so you can keep your rates competitive.

Learn more:  How having the right rates can help boost booking!

With more travelers than ever before opting for rentals over traditional hotel stays for their vacation, there’s never been a better time to optimize your listing using the tips above. Get noticed and give yourself the best chance of getting a booking.

Interested in more listing tips? You’ll find even more resources here.