Crafting the Perfect Listing: Photography, Descriptions, and Pricing Strategies for Short-Term Rentals

If you’re a short-term rental (STR) owner, you know that creating a listing that stands out from the competition is essential for attracting bookings. In this post, we’ll share tips on how to take great photos, write compelling descriptions, and set competitive prices for your STR.

1. Take Great Photos

The first impression that guests have of your STR will be based on the photos you post online. It’s important to take high-quality photos that highlight the best features of your property. Here are a few tips for taking great photos:

• Use a good camera. A smartphone camera is fine for taking quick snapshots, but if you want to take truly professional-looking photos, you’ll need a DSLR camera with a good lens.
• Take photos during the day. Natural light is the best for taking photos, so try to schedule your photoshoot for a time when the sun is shining.
• Get close to your subject. Close-up photos of details like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom can help guests visualize themselves staying in your property.
• Vary your angles. Don’t just take photos from one angle. Try taking photos from different angles, both inside and outside the property.
• Edit your photos. Once you’ve taken your photos, you can use photo editing software to improve them. Crop out any unwanted objects, adjust the brightness and contrast, and add filters to make your photos more appealing.

2. Write Compelling Descriptions

The description you write for your STR is just as important as the photos you post. This is your chance to sell your property to potential guests and convince them to book a stay. Here are a few tips for writing a compelling description:

• Start with a strong hook. Your description should grab the attention of potential guests and make them want to learn more about your property.
• Highlight the best features of your property. What makes your property unique? What amenities does it offer?
• Use vivid language. Use descriptive language to paint a picture of your property and make it come to life for potential guests.
• Be honest. Don’t exaggerate or lie about your property. You want potential guests to have a realistic expectation of what they’re going to get.
• Personalize your description. Make your description sound like it’s written by a real person who is passionate about their property.

3. Set Competitive Prices

The price you set for your STR is another important factor in attracting bookings. You don’t want to price yourself too high, or you’ll scare away potential guests. But you also don’t want to price yourself too low, or you’ll lose money.

There are a few factors to consider when setting your price:

• The location of your property. The price of your STR will vary depending on the location. Properties in popular tourist destinations will command higher prices than properties in less desirable locations.
• The size of your property. Larger properties will typically cost more than smaller properties.
• The amenities offered by your property. Properties with more amenities, such as a pool or a hot tub, will cost more than properties with fewer amenities.
• The time of year. Prices for STRs tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as summer and winter.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can set a price for your STR that is competitive and will attract bookings.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can create a listing that will stand out from the competition and attract bookings for your STR.

Here are a few additional tips for marketing your STR:

• Use social media to promote your property. Share photos and videos of your property on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• List your property on multiple rental platforms. Don’t just list your property on one rental platform. The