Florida is a desirable place to own a rental property, and that’s due to a number of reasons. There’s the lack of a state income tax, the business-friendly and landlord-friendly policies, and the access we have to fantastic tenants and guests.
Another great reason to invest in Florida is that there are so many options for what you can do you’re your asset. You can rent it out on the traditional long-term market. But, many owners find it’s more lucrative and rewarding to rent their property out as a vacation home.
This is Florida, and really, nothing says vacation like Florida. On the southwest Gulf of Mexico coast, we have beaches and boating, fishing and frolicking, golfing and gallivanting. There’s as much of a family-friendly atmosphere as there is a spring-break vibe.
There’s also no slow season. Vacationers come to Florida all year long.
The vacation rental market has grown tremendously over the last decade, and it’s never been more competitive. For property owners, the true measure of success is often the rate of repeat guests. When you have the same people returning to stay in your vacation home every time they travel, you know you’re providing a great service and a comfortable home.
How can you achieve this sort of success? What exactly compels a guest to rebook your vacation rental rather than explore a new destination or accommodation?
We can tell you that their experience the first time will count for everything. When they feel comfortable, supported, and relaxed, they won’t bother looking for somewhere else to stay. Your job is to leave a lingering impression so that they’re eager to return.
Our team of vacation rental managers at Realty Group of Southwest Florida has been working with owners for years to provide great rental experiences. Today, we want to talk about how you can cultivate a loyal guest base and ensure you have recurring income from the same source year after year.
Here are some of the strategies we recommend when you’re cultivating a guest registry of repeat visitors.
Create a Welcoming First Impression
First impressions are going to stick with each guest you welcome into your vacation home.
The moment your guests step through the door, they form an opinion about your rental space. Ensure the property is spotless, well-maintained, and that checking in is a breeze. Personal touches, like a welcome basket or a handwritten note, can set the tone for their stay and show that you value their business.
Some hosts like to meet their guests at the property. There are certainly some good reasons to do this; it gives you a chance to meet the people who will be staying at your property, and you can give them a brief tour of the place and explain where everything is and how it all works.
However, a lot of guests today find it easier and even preferable to check in on their own. They’ll appreciate immediate access to the home. Consider a digital keypad or some other sort of remote entry system.
Consistent and Responsive Communication
Read any of the reviews on popular vacation rental websites, and you’ll see that guests almost always praise good communication. When hosts are good about responding to inquiries and messages before the visit and then willing to call or text back right away during the stay, they’re making their guests feel important and supported.
Communication has to be a priority.
Timely and clear communication can alleviate travel anxieties and build trust. From the initial booking confirmation to the final thank-you message, keep the lines of communication open, respectful, and responsive.
Provide detailed information regarding check-in procedures, house rules, and local amenities prior to their arrival. Consider creating a guidebook that not only lists the essentials like Wi-Fi passwords but also personal recommendations for dining and activities.
You’ll have to be on call, unless you’re working with a property manager or another partner to manage your vacation rental. Make sure your guests know how to reach you at all times, and remain available and accessible to them.
Creating Comfort and Ease
Comfort goes beyond just aesthetics; it’s the feeling that your guests are enjoying their “home away from home.” To create the kind of guest experience that keeps them coming back, we recommend that you invest in quality furnishings, especially mattresses and bedding. You’re looking for hotel-grade linens. Everything should look like it’s being used for the first time. This will make a difference in guest comfort.
The process of renting your vacation home should be easy. And, once your guests are in place, you’ll want to make sure they have everything they need. Ensure your rental is well-equipped with conveniences like a stocked kitchen, efficient heating or cooling systems, and reliable internet service. It’s these thoughtful provisions that make a difference in whether guests will want to return.
Personalize the Experience
There’s a lot of benefit to getting to know your guests. Even if you don’t meet them in person, you can take the time to find out why they’re visiting Florida, and who will be in your property. This can help you to tailor the experience to their preferences and can turn a positive experience into an unforgettable one.
How can you create a personalized experience?
- Arrange for a crib or a stroller to be in the home if they have a baby.
- Recommend the most romantic restaurants and activities if you know it’s a honeymoon or a getaway for a couple.
- Leave some board games and card games when you’re hosting a big group of friends or family members.
- Provide golf course recommendations if you are told guests are coming to hit the links.
Showing guests that you understand their needs creates a personal connection and a sense of belonging while they’re on vacation. They’ll be eager to repeat such a special experience when they’re booking a trip back to the area.
Ask for Reviews and Act on Feedback
You can attract additional guests and drive repeat business when you ask them for reviews and recommendations.
Invite guests to provide feedback after their stay. This can give you valuable insights into how you can improve the guest experience. Respond to both positive comments and constructive criticism with professionalism and take actionable steps to address any issues raised. A guest who sees that his or hers feedback led to tangible improvements may be more inclined to rebook, knowing that you’re attentive and committed to providing excellent service.
Provide a guestbook for a stylistic, handwritten touch. This can be left at the property so that your guests can see that others have had beautiful experiences as well. Always ask for those reviews to be shared online so that your future guests can read them and make decisions based on the amazing experiences you’ve provided in the past.
Feature reviews and testimonials on your website and social media pages. Positive stories from past guests serve as powerful social proof that can influence others to book—and rebook. Encourage happy guests to share their experiences online and to tag your property in their posts.
Reward Loyalty and Incentivize Return Guests
Consider implementing a loyalty program or offering special discounts to guests who choose to rebook. Simple gestures like priority booking options, special rates for returning guests, or small tokens of appreciation during their stay can foster goodwill and encourage repeat visits.
Always offer a discount when a guest asks about returning. Do what you can to ensure their preferred dates are available and stay in constant contact so they know how much you hope that they come back.
Market According to Seasons
As we said earlier, Florida really doesn’t have a high season or a low season. We’re busy entertaining tourists all year long. However, each season brings new opportunities to attract specific guests. This includes your past guests.
Update your listings to highlight seasonal attractions and offer themed packages or promotions. For example, market your proximity to the beach and the warm winter temperatures when you have guests who live in winter climates. You can also market around local festivals that certain guests may have enjoyed previously. By staying relevant and in touch with guests’ interests, you keep your property top of mind when they think about upcoming travels.
Turning guests into repeat visitors requires a blend of really good customer service, proactive communication, and personal touches that leave a lasting impression. By focusing on your guests’ overall experience and creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, you create a reputation for your property and your ability to be a perfect host. You want your guests seeing you as not just a place to stay, but a destination they’ll want to return to.
Let’s talk about how we can help position you for return guests when you’re renting out a vacation property. We have experience with this, and we’d be happy to evaluate your unique property and make some additional suggestions. Please contact us at Realty Group of Southwest Florida.
