Scaling your vacation rental business can be very profitable when run effectively. While there’s always lots to do, it doesn’t have to be overly time-consuming. There are many ways you can streamline operations to make them easier. Technology is your friend – you can use it for everything from coordinating your check-ins to managing listings across platforms. Read on to discover four ways you can put automation at the heart of your property management, leaving you more time to focus on what you do best – creating outstanding guest experiences.
1. Make use of connectivity software
Taking advantage of the right tech solutions from a connectivity provider can make managing your property listing much easier and help you grow. With a channel manager or property management system, you can quickly and easily manage reservations, update prices, optimize availability and promotions, keep track of day-to-day operations, and more.
Top Tip: You can streamline your day-to-day operations by working with one of our 600+ trusted connectivity providers.
2. Automate operations wherever you can
Switch to automatic check-in and check-out
Meeting and greeting every guest sounds nice, but isn’t always practical. Automating your check-in and check-out processes saves a huge amount of time and energy, especially if you don’t live nearby. It also makes the experience more flexible for your guests, who won’t feel stressed if they’re running late.
There are plenty of simple and inexpensive solutions to automate access to your property, from a simple key lock box with a combination code, to more sophisticated options such as electronic locks controlled by a code or smart locks accessed via smartphone.
Automate your cleaning
Your guests always expect absolute cleanliness, and will leave negative reviews if you don’t deliver. But managing the cleaning of your property can take up a lot of time, energy, and resources.
While outsourcing to professionals is one of the best options, you could also invest in smart devices to help out. An automatic robot vacuum will quickly learn how to navigate your rental property and leave floors spotless, while a robot mop is a great solution for cleaning tiles and hardwood floors and effortlessly getting to those hard-to-reach corners.
Top Tip: Save time collecting guest info by using our online check-in solution.
3. Manage guest communications with ease
Whatever your guests want to know—check-in times, driving directions, where to park—it’s important you don’t leave them waiting for an answer. Your response time can set the tone for their stay, and have a serious impact on your review score.
To make sure your guests get timely replies and to save you time on repetitive tasks, why not take advantage of messaging tools? For example, you can set up automatic replies to guest questions and use personalized templates that include guests’ names, check-in date, and time for responses to booking requests. You can even take advantage of scheduled templates, which can automatically share important information when your guests need it most.
Automating messaging frees you up to focus on daily tasks that add more value to your business. Our data shows that when guests get quick answers, they’re less likely to cancel their bookings.
Top Tip: Watch our guide to all things messaging for an in-depth look at how to use Booking.com tools to communicate more effectively with guests.
4. Enhance the experience with smart home technology
Adding smart home tech to your property can enhance guest experiences. It also provides many benefits for you like streamlined operations and increased efficiency.
For example, installing smart thermostats offers guests easy control over the air conditioning and heat. Smart energy devices can also reduce energy costs per year, because you can turn the heat down or off when your space isn’t occupied.
There are many smart lighting options available that will impress your guests and make life easier for you. You can install inexpensive color-changing LED bulbs so guests can select lighting effects to match their mood or celebrate a special occasion. Adding smart motion sensors can also help with your utility bills. They detect any rooms that aren’t being used by guests and will turn off the lights automatically. Better for both the environment and your bottom line.
- Using a channel manager or property management system can help speed up the process of managing your listings across different platforms
- Automated check-in and check-out processes save you time and give guests more flexibility
- Using communication tools, such as automatic email replies and messaging templates, can significantly reduce the amount of repetitive operational tasks for hosts
- Taking advantage of smart home technology can make a real difference for guests, while cutting costs and giving you peace of mind
