6 Ways to Advertise A Vacation Rental to One that Got Away

Losing potential guests who showed interest in your vacation rental but didn’t book can feel frustrating. But don't give up! There are several strategies to reel them back in and convert that "almost" into a solid reservation. Here are 6 ways to advertise your vacation rental to those who got away:?

1. Send a Follow-Up Email

If a guest has previously inquired but didn’t book, a follow-up email can serve as a gentle reminder and reignite their interest. Be sure to include:

• A personalized message thanking them for their interest.
• Highlighting any upcoming availability.
• A mention of special discounts or limited-time offers.

This is a great opportunity to make your rental stand out again and show you’re attentive and eager to accommodate their needs.

2. Offer a Special Discount

A missed opportunity can often be salvaged with an exclusive discount or special offer. Consider offering:

• 10-15% off their next stay for those who nearly booked.
• A free upgrade like complimentary early check-in, late check-out, or a free night for longer stays.

Adding urgency by making the offer time-sensitive can encourage quick decisions, helping you convert the lead before they find another option.

3. Showcase New Photos or Updates

Did your property undergo any improvements or seasonal updates? New photos can bring life to your listing, and letting your almost-guest know about these changes could change their mind.

• Send an email featuring fresh, high-quality photos of any updates you’ve made since their inquiry.
• Highlight any new amenities or special seasonal décor that might appeal to them now.

Showing how your property has improved might just convince them to book this time around.

4. Use Retargeting Ads

If a potential guest visited your website or clicked on your listing but didn’t book, retargeting ads can help bring them back. These ads follow users as they browse the web, serving reminders about your rental on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Google Display Network.

• Set up ads that feature stunning visuals of your property, creating a compelling reminder.
• Tailor your ad copy to suggest that their dream stay is just a click away.

This subtle form of advertising keeps your property top-of-mind, reminding potential guests what they’re missing.

5. Leverage Social Proof

Sharing positive reviews and guest testimonials can be a powerful tool in encouraging hesitant guests to reconsider your property. Use reviews from previous guests to:

• Show that other travelers have had a great experience staying at your vacation rental.
• Highlight reviews that praise the exact amenities or features that might have initially caught their attention.

Social proof can reduce uncertainty and assure potential guests that they are making the right decision.

6. Promote a Limited-Time Offer or Seasonal Package

Sometimes guests hesitate because they’re looking for a better deal or a more unique experience. Offering seasonal packages or limited-time deals can grab their attention and push them to book:

• Craft a special package tailored to the season (e.g., a winter wonderland getaway, cozy weekend retreat).
• Use the offer to highlight specific local experiences they can enjoy, such as discounts on nearby attractions, or themed seasonal decorations for holidays.

Add an expiration date to create a sense of urgency, and they might just decide it’s too good to pass up this time.

Conclusion

When a potential guest gets away, all hope is not lost! By using these 6 targeted marketing strategies, you can rekindle their interest and encourage them to book your vacation rental. From follow-up emails to limited-time discounts, retargeting ads, and showcasing property improvements, these techniques are designed to keep your property on their radar and turn a "no" into a "yes."