Vrbo Tips for Owners: How to Optimize Your Vrbo Listing

Are you a vacation rental owner looking to increase your bookings on Vrbo (Vacation Rentals By Owner)? With millions of travelers searching for their ideal getaway, it's crucial to ensure your property stands out from the crowd. Luckily, there are effective strategies you can implement to optimize your Vrbo listing's ranking and attract more guests. In this blog post, we'll share five proven tips to help you achieve just that. Plus, stay tuned for a golden tip at the end to supercharge your Vrbo success!

1. Offer lower rates for the first few bookings

If you're just getting started on Vrbo, enticing your first few guests can be a challenge. One effective strategy is to offer lower introductory prices. By providing a competitive rate for the initial bookings, you can attract travelers who might be hesitant to try a new listing. Once they've experienced your property and left positive reviews, you can gradually adjust your rates to reflect the value you offer.

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This approach not only helps you secure those initial bookings but also sets the stage for building a strong reputation and listing on Vrbo. As more positive reviews accumulate, potential guests will be more inclined to choose your rental over others, even at slightly higher rates.

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If you would like to include first-time visitor discounts in your rates, you simply need to include that information in the listing description. To give a discount applied specifically to the individual guest, you must edit the quote you send to the inquirer. For example, if you charge €100 a night for your home and offer a 15% first-time visitor discount, you give them the quote of €85 a night after learning they are a new guest. You can edit your quote by:

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1. Logging into your account 
2. Clicking on the “inbox” icon in the left navigation menu 
3. Choose the inquiry you want to address 
4. Scroll down to the quote section of the message 
5. Click on the pencil icon 
6. When the quote opens, edit the rental amount 
7. Click “save” and inform your guest of the changes made.

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2. Optimize Your Listing Title and Description

Your Vrbo listing's title is the first thing potential guests see, so make it irresistible. Highlight unique features, nearby attractions, or special offers. Remember, Vrbo's search algorithm considers listing titles when ranking properties.

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In your description, paint a vivid picture of the guest experience. Mention essential details like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, amenities, and what makes your property special. Above all, showcase your property's uniqueness to captivate travelers.

You can also perform A/B tests to see which descriptions and titles perform best. It is also very interesting to look at the accommodations at the top positions of Vrbo and see what they are doing, which keywords are they using, what information do they include in their description, et cetera. 
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👉 Did you know? 

By ranking higher on Vrbo you also create a Billboard Effect which helps in securing more direct bookings. It works like this: when potential guests find your property on Online Travel Agencies, like Vrbo, they often visit your official website before booking. To make the most of the Billboard Effect, ensure your website is user-friendly and visually appealing. It should guide visitors seamlessly and encourage direct bookings. Read more about the Billboard Effect in our blog.

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3. Use High-Quality Photos

Photos are worth a thousand words, especially in the vacation rental industry. Vrbo's data reveals that listings with 25 or more photos receive 40% more views and 30% more bookings on average. Aim to provide a comprehensive visual tour of your property.

Ensure your photos are well-lit, high-resolution, and showcase the property's best features. Don't forget to include exterior shots, amenities, and local attractions. Choose your thumbnail photo well; the first impression guests get should be captivating and inviting.

4. Collect Positive Reviews

Guest reviews are a powerful tool for boosting your Vrbo ranking. According to Vrbo's data, 92% of travellers want to see reviews before booking. Encourage guests to leave reviews after their stay by providing excellent service. Respond to reviews promptly and professionally, and address any concerns to maintain a positive reputation.

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5. Update Your Calendar Regularly

Keeping your availability calendar up-to-date is essential. Vrbo may hide listings with outdated calendars. Update it at least every 60 days to maintain visibility. For better results, aim to update it every 30 days, especially during peak booking seasons.

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6. Use Technology to Your Advantage

You've made it to our golden tip: use the first-ever ranking management solution - Otamiser Booster®️. This innovative algorithm significantly improves the visibility of your hotel. Thanks to Otamisers’ knowledge of algorithms and market trends, we enhance your visibility on the most used OTAs, like Vrbo. A higher ranking will make your hotel or B&B stand out from the crowd and increase your revenue.

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Curious about how the algorithm can help your hotel score better on your Vrbo listing? Request an audit with our experts, and we'll map out what you can do to make your property stand out even more.

By implementing these six proven tips, including leveraging the Otamiser Booster®️ algorithm, you can optimize your Vrbo listing to increase its visibility, attract more guests, and ultimately boost your rental income.

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