Below are a series of tips created to better attract guests to individual property listings. The most popular listings are those with clear details and attractive photos. The following will help get your listings booked as soon as possible.
Step 1: Listing Information
Firstly include an intriguing and descriptive Listing Title.
When entering the Listing Address, it is best to omit the State/Province and Postal/Zip Code. Click on Verify Address when you are finished inputting the address.
If the address is not verified, check for your location on Google Maps. Our mapping system is based off of Google Maps, and often cities and streets are spelled differently on Google than they are commonly spelt. Click on Verify Address again.
Figure 1: Listing Title and Address.
The Listing Details & Description should be at least around 250 words. You should enter as many details that will describe what you are renting out as possible. It is best to split the description into at least 3 separate paragraphs:
The 1st paragraph should talk about the place itself
- How many rooms, beds, bathrooms?
- Is there a kitchen, patio, living room, any other facilities?
- Are there any specific design/layout features?
The 2nd paragraph should talk about the location
- Is the neighbourhood safe?
- Is it close to any shopping, restaurants, or entertainment?
- How far is the closest stadium?
The 3rd paragraph should talk about any rules or regulations of your place
- Security deposit information
- Are pets allowed?
- Is smoking allowed?
Below is an example of a detailed and clean-looking Description.
Figure 2: Example Description
The Guest Instructions can only be viewed by Guests once they have confirmed their booking and paid. In this section please include:
- The full address of the accommodations
- The Host contact information
- Any specific arrival arrangements
Below is an example of effective Guest Instructions.
Figure 3: Example Guest Instructions
Step 2: Posting Photos
Photos are perhaps the most important part of a listing, and the more you upload the better. Host should upload 10 high-resolution photos that are well-taken, crisp, and show off the place.
The photos should show the space that the Guest will be renting, but don't stop there. Other useful photos are ones that show common areas in the place such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room, dining room, etc.
Exterior shots or photos of the patio or balcony can also help sell potential Guests on your property.
Step 3: Rates & Availability Calendar
The rate and availability calendar is where rates for specific dates can be changed. If there is a peak season or weekend, many Hosts prefer to inflate their rates.
It is recommended to disable the availability calendar for Hosts with multiple listings. This will help make many listings easier to manage. To disable the calendar uncheck the Manage Your Bookings using our Calendar box above the calendar.
Figure 4: Rate and Availability Calendar
Step 4: Publish your Listing
Be sure to Publish the listing so that visitors to iStopOver will be able to view the listing. An unpublished listing can only be viewed by the Host and administrators at iStopOver.
Step 5: Places of Interest
It is best to include 3 Places of Interest. The places of interest can include restaurants, shopping, or other attractions nearby. These will be shown as blue pins on the map in your listing. This feature many Guests find especially useful.
These must be entered with their full address. The best way to get a place of interest address is by Googling the place.
These tips are a guide to help make your listings more attractive and grab the attention of visitors to iStopOver. Clear descriptions, vivid photos and multiple places of interest let you highlight the specific features of your listings and give visitors a great feel for your accommodations. Remember, a picture can tell a thousand words, so the more photos you include, the more information you can pass onto potential Guests. This is just a tool; feel free to edit your listing from time to time and experiment to see what works best for your listings!
