A Guide to List Your Property on Vacation Rental Platforms

If you're considering turning your property into a vacation rental, platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com offer fantastic opportunities to reach a global audience. But getting started can feel a bit overwhelming—how do you list your property, what makes a listing stand out, and how do you ensure your property gets booked?

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of listing your property on popular vacation rental platforms. From creating an eye-catching profile to optimizing your listing for search, these tips will help you market your property effectively and start generating bookings quickly.

Whether you're a first-time host or looking to expand your rental business, this beginner’s guide will provide you with the key steps to succeed in the vacation rental world.

Step 1: Choose the Right Vacation Rental Platform(s)

The first decision you'll need to make is which platform(s) to list your property on. Each vacation rental site has its own audience and unique features, so it’s important to consider which is best suited to your property type and location.

• Airbnb: Known for its wide variety of properties, from single rooms to entire homes, Airbnb is one of the most popular platforms globally. It’s a great option if you’re targeting a younger, tech-savvy audience looking for unique or budget-friendly stays.

• Vrbo: Vrbo, now part of Expedia, focuses primarily on entire homes, making it a great platform if you're renting out a whole property. Vrbo caters more to families and groups, so if your property is well-suited for that demographic, this is an excellent choice.

• Booking.com: Originally a hotel booking site, Booking.com has expanded into the vacation rental market. This platform is ideal if you want to reach travelers who might otherwise book hotels and are used to instant bookings and hotel-like services.

Tip: You don’t have to choose just one! Many hosts list their property on multiple platforms to maximize visibility and bookings. Just be sure to sync your calendars to avoid double bookings.

Step 2: Set Up Your Account

Once you’ve chosen your platform(s), the next step is to set up your account.

• Create a Host Profile: Start by creating a profile as a host. Use a professional yet friendly photo and write a brief bio that lets potential guests know a little about you. Being personable helps build trust with guests.

• Verify Your Identity: Most platforms require identity verification to ensure that you're a legitimate host. This typically involves uploading a government ID or linking social media accounts. Completing these steps will also give your listing credibility and boost guest confidence.

• Set Your Preferences: You’ll be asked to fill in some preferences such as booking settings (instant bookings, pre-approval process, etc.), check-in/check-out times, and house rules. Set clear rules from the start to manage guest expectations and reduce the chances of problems down the line.

Step 3: Create an Attention-Grabbing Listing

Now that your account is ready, it's time to create your listing. This is where you’ll sell your property to potential guests, so take the time to make it stand out.

1. Write a Compelling Title

Your listing’s title is the first thing guests will see, so make it count! Be descriptive and highlight what makes your property unique. For example, instead of simply saying “2-Bedroom Apartment,” try “Cozy 2-Bedroom Apartment with Ocean Views & Private Balcony.”

2. Write a Detailed Description

Your description should tell potential guests everything they need to know about your property. Be honest and thorough, and be sure to highlight your property's best features, such as proximity to popular attractions, unique amenities, or family-friendly features.

Key points to cover:

• The type of space (entire home, apartment, shared room, etc.)

• Number of rooms and bathrooms

• Kitchen facilities (fully stocked, modern appliances, etc.)

• Any additional amenities like Wi-Fi, pool, parking, etc.

• Nearby attractions or transportation

Use bullet points to make important details easy to read, and remember to keep the tone warm and welcoming.

3. High-Quality Photos Are Essential

Photos are arguably the most important aspect of your listing. Good photos can make the difference between someone booking your property or scrolling past it.

• Hire a Professional Photographer: If possible, invest in professional photos. A pro will know how to make rooms appear bright, spacious, and inviting.

• Stage Your Property: Clean and declutter every room before taking photos. Add fresh touches like flowers, throw pillows, or a nicely set table to make your space feel warm and inviting.

• Take Exterior Shots: If your property has a garden, patio, or great views, be sure to include photos of these areas as well. Guests love knowing what the entire experience will be like.

Step 4: Set Competitive Pricing

Pricing is one of the most critical factors in getting bookings. To attract guests, you’ll need to set a competitive rate while ensuring your rental is still profitable.

1. Research Local Rates

Check what other similar properties in your area are charging. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo allow you to see the pricing of nearby listings, giving you a good idea of the local market rate. Be mindful of the amenities you offer compared to others and price your listing accordingly.

2. Use Dynamic Pricing

Consider using dynamic pricing tools, which adjust your rates automatically based on demand, seasonality, and special events in your area. Some platforms even offer their own pricing recommendations. This helps you get the most out of high-demand periods while staying competitive during slower seasons.

3. Offer Discounts for Longer Stays

To encourage longer bookings, offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays. This helps reduce the frequency of guest turnovers and keeps your property booked for extended periods, providing more consistent income.

4. Add Cleaning Fees

Most platforms allow you to add a cleaning fee. This should cover the cost of hiring a cleaning service after each stay and prevent your base rate from being too high.

Step 5: Optimize for Search and Visibility

To get your listing seen by as many potential guests as possible, you need to optimize it for search visibility on the platform.

• Use Relevant Keywords: Just like with search engines, vacation rental platforms have algorithms that help rank listings. Be sure to include important keywords like “family-friendly,” “downtown,” “close to attractions,” and other relevant terms in your title and description. This will help your listing show up in searches when guests are looking for properties like yours.

• Enable Instant Booking: Many guests prefer instant booking over waiting for a host to approve their reservation. If you enable this feature, your property is more likely to appear higher in search results, especially for last-minute bookings.

• Maintain a 5-Star Rating: Positive reviews play a huge role in how well your listing performs in search results. To get good reviews, focus on creating an exceptional guest experience (more on this in the next step).

Step 6: Focus on Guest Experience and Reviews

Your guests' experience will make or break your listing. Satisfied guests will leave good reviews, which not only boosts your property’s visibility but also builds trust with future guests. Here’s how to provide an excellent experience:

• Clear Communication: Prompt and clear communication from booking to check-out sets the tone for a positive stay. Send a welcome message with check-in instructions, and be responsive to questions throughout their stay.

• Offer Thoughtful Amenities: Think about what guests might need during their stay, like high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchen essentials, fresh linens, and extra toiletries. Small touches like a welcome basket with local treats or a guide to nearby restaurants can leave a lasting impression.

• Keep the Property Spotless: Cleanliness is non-negotiable. Ensure the property is thoroughly cleaned before each guest arrives, and invest in professional cleaning services if necessary.

After each stay, kindly ask your guests to leave a review. The more 5-star reviews you accumulate, the more likely your property will be seen—and booked.

Still Not Sure How to List Your Property On Vacation Rental Platforms?

Listing your property on vacation rental platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com is a fantastic way to generate income and reach a global audience of travelers. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a listing that stands out, attracts bookings, and provides an excellent guest experience.

Remember, success in the vacation rental market depends on several key factors: having high-quality photos, competitive pricing, and creating a seamless experience for your guests. With these strategies in place, your property will not only gain more visibility but also become a preferred choice for guests looking for their next vacation stay.

If you’re new to the vacation rental business or want help managing your property, consider working with an experienced property management company like TruStay. We can help you navigate the ins and outs of vacation rental platforms while maximizing your income with less hassle.