Branding is an important part of the vacation-rental industry. As a property manager, you should do your best to establish a sleek, consistent brand with your content on whichever travel sites you’re listed on. Great visual content is a huge piece of the branding puzzle, but other things like well-written copy, unique color schemes, and yes, property names, can also be extremely impactful.
Here are five quick reasons why you should name your vacation rentals:
Names make properties special: With a name, a property isn’t just an address anymore. Visitors aren’t going to remember the address, nor are they going to remember that they stayed in Villa B012 during their last vacation. Property names, though, indicate to travelers that rentals are one-of-a-kind accommodations—not to mention, it differentiates your properties from the competition.
Higher conversion on OTAs: This is especially meaningful right now, as online travel sites experience a boom driven by pandemic-related travel trends. Vacation rentals are commoditized on OTAs, and travelers browse those sites searching for the best deals and experiences. Rentals with memorable names stand out, and they’re also easier to find on search engines.
Enhanced SEO: Quite simply, names make your rentals findable. Beyond that, though, travelers tend to broadcast their adventures on social media, and a house or a condo with a name is easy and fun to share—especially if it’s part of a larger community. All that posting and sharing can only help your cause, since it’s basically free advertising.
Names tell a story: Visit the website for Chesa Madrisa up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This isn’t just a “Cozy Cabin” or “Lodge #541” or something generic; no, this is a Swiss-inspired mountain home owned and run by an actual person. That person’s grandparents built this home—it exudes charm and unparalleled singularity based on its name and story alone. That sort of context appeals to travelers, all while setting the expectation that this rental is not like others.
Simplified logistics: These days, many (if not most) guests skip checking in at a typical office and go directly to their unit. Clearly displayed rental names are a lot easier to navigate than lock boxes and key codes, so instantly, guests have an more pleasurable time getting settled.
Whatever you name your rental, it should mean something. What is the property’s history? Does it have a legacy? How about its location—any amazing views or famous landmarks? These are all good jump-off points, just keep in mind: the more unique, the better. That way, your guests will be excited to share their experience.
Advertising your vacation rental by using the unique name you’ve given it requires a little bit of patience and a little bit of knowhow. A well-rounded strategy means your property’s name will appear in the following places:
Finally, when naming and advertising your rentals, take some time to consider your strategies as part of your larger brand. A solid name for your property is also a solid foundation for your brand. To close, here are a few quick tips to elevate your branding game: