How to Manage Multiple Listings Across Different Platforms
Multiple short-term vacation rental listings on different platforms present significant challenges to property owners, as they have to juggle the management of their listings across various websites. The rental property market shifts dramatically, making it essential for property owners and managers to find innovative ways to optimize their presence on online platforms beyond their own websites. Embracing online travel agency (OTA) websites has become a core part of Airbnb marketing strategies. Although listing short-term rental properties on numerous platforms can help boost bookings, managing communications with guests across the different websites can prove stressful and time-consuming. However, the good news is that vacation rental property managers can improve their properties’ visibility and bookings by following the best guidelines.
3 Strategies to Effectively Manage Multiple Vacation Rental Listings Across Different Platforms
Tourist hubs like New York City have become a hotspot for Airbnb hosting. However, industry regulations are constantly evolving as platform influences grow. Understanding the Airbnb NYC law can help you navigate the complex landscape of operating a short-term rental business.
If you are facing issues with managing your short term rental properties across several platforms, make sure you implement these strategies to streamline the process.
- Select the Best Listing Options
Choosing the right OTA options is crucial, as some listing websites are more popular than others. Major platforms such as Airbnb, Agoda, Vrbo, and Booking.com are worth listing your property on, as these reputable sites provide opportunities for broad recognition. For vacation rental business owners, these platforms could be a goldmine. Relying solely on your rental website may limit your customer base. Some online travel agency websites are designed for specific niche audiences, so consider this and any associated fees when deciding where to list. It’s advisable for hosts to familiarize themselves with the benefits provided by various platforms and select OTAs that suit their vacation rental business values.
- Use Trusted Vacation Rental Management Software
Investing in proven vacation rental management software, such as the one built by IGMS, is one of the most practical ways to seamlessly manage your property listings across different platforms. You can use a channel manager app to manage listings on several platforms and promote your properties. Channel manager software features a central dashboard that enables managers to post all of the details of their listings, including photos, pricing info, and descriptions. These can then be published to their chosen OTAs. With the leading vacation rental software, managers can also edit their listing details when required and publish the updates to various channels within seconds. The biggest advantage of vacation rental software is that property owners can auto-block off dates that have been observed through any channel. This makes it easier for guests to consider pursuing other channels.
- Use a Multi-Calendar
Adopting a multi-calendar can help you manage short-term vacation rental listings on a single platform. It can be used to fetch bookings from various channels and display what’s booked and at what time. Another benefit of using a multi-calendar is that it makes it easier to track your property listings in a single dashboard and gain relevant insights into the most popular properties and those that require cleaning before guest arrival.
The most successful hosts list their properties on multiple platforms. One report by Hostfully revealed that 65% of all property managers with over hundred properties list on popular websites like Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com. More channels means more visibility and revenue, so utilize the above steps to effectively manage your multiple listings for maximum profit.