Clustering for Property Managers
What is Clustering for Vacation Rentals?
Vacation rental property managers have many options when it comes to boosting production.
The number of different tools out there is actually a bit staggering, especially once you start breaking them down channel by channel. Optimized content, promotions and merchandising, advertising platforms such as Expedia TravelAds—it’s a lot to consider!
With so many options swirling around the industry, a few are bound to get lost in the shuffle. “Clustering,” for instance, is one of those vacation rental distribution strategies that property managers might not hear much about even though it packs some major benefits.
VacayHome Connect is a leader in clustering for vacation rentals. Below, we answer some fundamental questions about it, including which channels enable it and—most importantly—the productivity numbers that back it up.
What is clustering for vacation rentals?
Clustering is actually a pretty simple concept: it’s combining multiple units under one listing. When you cluster, that one listing benefits from multiple-units availability, as well as reviews and conversion.
Where is clustering available?
It’s available on Expedia and Booking.com. (Click here to view an example.)
Clustered units on an Expedia listing
Are there any rules for clustering?
The two big rules are straightforward: clustered units must share the same physical address (such as a condo building) and they must have access to the same “property-level” amenities (such as a swimming pool). Outside of sharing the same address in a property or community, clustered units can be their own entities—room-level amenities, fees, cancellation policies, and other details can be different from one unit to the next, if necessary.
Clustering: A great tool to add to your repertoire
Who can use clustering for vacation rentals?
Any property managers with units that share an address.
What are the benefits of clustering for vacation rentals?
On average, there is a 40% booking increase for property managers who cluster. Even better, some properties have experienced up to a seven-fold increase in their production, proving that clustering is an extremely effective strategy when it’s utilized properly.
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Clustering units on Expedia and Booking.com is certainly a tool that eligible property managers should explore. Like keeping up with and running promotions, though, this is one of those strategies that requires know-how and attention.
If you’re curious about clustering, reach out to VacayHome Connect to learn more. Our team of industry experts utilizes this and many other strategies to boost production, increase conversions, and save property managers loads of time. And while you’re here, check out some other articles in our “Ask an Expert” series:
Ask an Expert: What are Promotions and How Can They Help Property Managers?
Ask an Expert: How Do I Improve My Vacation Rental Reviews?
Ask an Expert: How Do I Write Amazing Vacation Rental Descriptions?
