Posted by fuzzlekins on June 11, 2004 at 11:29:33:
Here’s what has worked well for me … Business cards and magnets. I used vistaprint.com b/c they’re cheap. I picked a nice scene with water and a sailboat (b/c my vacation property is at the beach) and put on some brief highlights about the property (BRs, BAs, proximity to beach, etc.) as well as my phone # and website address. People always comment on the cards b/c they’re pretty – they grab your attention. Then I went to WalMart and picked up some peel and stick magnets (you can get 25 for about $3.50). They’re made for business cards so it’s simple and much cheaper than ordering them from a printer. I give a card or a magnet to everyone I come into contact with (waitresses, hair stylist, neighbors, etc.).
Be sure to submit your site to search engines (for what it’s worth – I didn’t spend any money on this). You can try local papers for advertising. We use a property mgmt company but try to circumvent them whenever possible for the break on commission.
Hi All
Thanks in advance for any responses. I have helped a friend rehab house for a vacation rental near Asheville NC. I am looking to jumpstart the bookings for the first summer. I am pretty sure that repeat business will come after a few summers.
My best idea so far is to have the website address for the rental printed on note pads, the (post-it type) and distribute them around our touristy little town, as well as summer camps.
I also want to get some traffic directed toward the website when it is up.
Anyone have any helpful ideas that might help me promote this house? It is a 1800 sf, rustic, for 1600.00 per month.
HC
Re: marketing ideas for vacation rental? - Posted by fuzzlekins
Posted by fuzzlekins on June 11, 2004 at 11:34:37:
One more simple thing I do that does seem to result in some clicks on the website … I add a “signature” to the bottom of my email advertising my property. It’s very short and simple. I use a nice dark blue color for contrast from the regular text and a basic italicized font and simply say:
Get Away to Diamond Bay!
Ocean City, MD http://www.ocmdbeachrentals.com
[Phone #]
This won’t cost you a dime and you just never know where your rentals will come from so it doesn’t hurt!