Pictures Pictures Pictures!
Does this angle make my (back porch) look big?
When it comes to vacation rentals, a crisp, clean picture is worth $1000 (or way more) in bookings.
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Picture yourself scrolling through Airbnb or Vrbo, comparing locations to base your perfect vacation out of. You may be comparing prices, location relative to attractions you’ll be visiting, the cancellation policy, and the minimum number of nights you’ll need to stay. But more than any of these, it’s an extraordinary first thumbnail picture that will get people to click on your listing as they scroll through the numerous options. Remember, travelers to your area likely won’t know which neighborhoods are the “good” ones, and other information a local person would know. All they have to go off of is your profile, and as very visual creatures, the photos will make or break your booking rate.
6 key tips for pictures that will keep your house booked:
1. Select a STUNNING first image
Remember, potential guests will be rapidly scrolling through the listings available in your area. Without a captivating first picture to pique their interest, many people will just keep scrolling. For some people, it is a very cute bedroom, others an incredible view from their balcony, and others some other part of the house. Put your best foot forward first.
2. Ensure all areas are sparking clean and well-lit
Few things are as important to guests as cleanliness. The guest should be able to "smell the Pinesol" in your photos.
3. Max out the number of pictures the booking website will allow
As the potential guest is viewing your listing, they are trying to imagine exactly what to expect, and how it will impact their trip. The more time a person is engaged with your listing, the higher the likelihood they will book with you! So, be certain to include pictures of each room from various angles, and even random parts of the house that though aren't central to their stay, give a more complete impression of what staying in your home will be like.
4. Pick your angles to make the spaces look at open as possible
Shooting pictures from a high elevation looking down tends to make a space appear larger than if shot at eye level. Also, position the camera in one corner of the room shooting outward to ensure you're capturing as much of the space as possible.
5. Include pictures showing the amenities that a guest can expect
Even though your listing will already describe what the guest should expect for amenities, it is smart to reinforce this with pictures. After all, most people will scroll through all of the pictures for a listing prior to going through the "less fun" task of reading the listing details.
6. Be certain to include all areas your guests will have access to
Will guests have access to the laundry? or the kitchen? or a desk to work at? If so, be certain to include pictures of these areas!
If you follow these tips for photos, you’ll be well on your way to building an effective listing! For privacy reasons, many people elect not to include pictures of the outside of the house. In my experience, this has been fine.