Last year was a record-breaking time for tourism in South Carolina, having a $29 billion impact. As more people flock to Columbia, SC, that's an opportunity for you as a vacation property owner.
Of course, there's also a lot of competition. Plus, you want visitors to stay with you even in the off-season. That's why optimizing your vacation rental occupancy rate is crucial.
Not sure how to do it? We've got you covered. In this brief guide, we'll go over actionable tips to use to increase bookings and start maximizing rental income.
Improve Your Response Time
When you get messages and inquiries, it's vital to respond to them as soon as you can to avoid missed opportunities. This is a business, after all. You must handle customer service the way any other business would.
You can make communications easy with saved responses and templates. SMS messaging is also a great alternative to email, as responses are less likely to get lost in an inbox.
Implement Seasonal Pricing
The high season will always be your busy time when you have the most interest. As such, guests expect rates to be higher at this time.
However, you shouldn't use fixed rates year-round if you want to optimize your vacation rental occupancy rate. Seasonal pricing is one of the best ways to entice guests to come and visit Columbia in the off-season.
Offer a Great Guest Experience
One way to ensure you always have guests booked for your vacation rental is to offer a five-star experience. It's the little touches that can sway a guest to book with you in the future, like vacation rental amenities and upgrades. Showcase the parts of your property that make it stand out, like a pool, outdoor kitchen, or a beautiful view.
If you have a Keurig or coffee maker, provide them with a nice supply of coffee. Write a little thank you note and leave it on the table. Make sure guests have extra toilet paper, pillows, blankets, etc.
Design your vacation rental so it's cute, cozy, or wow-worthy. You want to create a place that your guests will want to tell their friends and family about.
Work With a Property Management Company
There's a lot to handle as a vacation rental property owner, especially if you have other properties or responsibilities. For instance, there are legal considerations for vacation rentals, as well as the marketing aspect.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but working with a property management company will make it easier for you. We provide customized solutions to make the most of your investment.
Begin Optimizing Your Vacation Rental Occupancy Rate
Whether it's high season or off-season, optimizing your vacation rental occupancy rate is key to maintaining a steady income. You can use these tips to get started.
Handling your Columbia vacation property is a lot of work, especially when you have to keep up with market trends, legal changes, maintenance, and so on.
Let PMI Palmetto manage your short-term rental for you. We offer a wide range of services to help you maximize your investment and avoid low occupancy rates. Contact us to learn more today.
