Make your accommodation listing work

We would like to give you some tips how to make your listing attractive to holiday makers.

The most important factor to achieving success is the photograph of your accommodation. You are selling a lifestyle, a dream and you need to show people how they could be enjoying themselves. It is your photograph that will sell your property.

The saying a picture paints a thousand words is totally true when selling your holiday. The photograph is commonly the first thing someone will see about your accommodation online. Remember this is your hook, this image has to get interested in what you are offering, so you at least have a chance to sell your holiday.

Look at the types of images the other holiday owners are using. This will give you idea in your head as to what you should aim for.

Take time to get photographs on a sunny day and make the subject look appealing: place fresh flowers in the vase, light the fire place and when take your pictures. Make sure you use bright and clear photograph that show your property in the best possible manner. People want to see the style and quality of the décor. It's a good idea to include both exterior and interior images covering the main living room, kitchen and at least one bedroom. If you have a garden, beautiful view or pool, include those too.

Make sure the image is high quality. When you compress it or reduce the actual size of the image make sure not to lose image quality. There is some excellent software available for this process. If you are unsure, you can always email or post them to us. Our email address is info@your-cottage.co.uk and info@your-bandb.co.uk.

Consider having a small professional portfolio of images made. They can be used many times over and over again for the internet, brochures and other promotional applications. If you divided the cost against the uses and the potential increase in bookings it becomes a realistic cost.

Once you created your listing ask yourself ' Would I stay there?' 'Has it got impact required to make people look more closely?' Be honest with your answer.

If you follow these simple guidelines then your investment in time will be rewarded and your chance of success is greatly improved. Online holiday advertising is growing and some thought and planning will help to make your business a success.