Branding Your BnB
We’re here to talk all things branding and how it relates to your BnB! If you’re reading this, you have probably already put in the hard work to make your vacation rental special so…now what? Branding is so much more than just creating a name or logo. It is what will ultimately set you apart from other listings in your area and keep you relevant in a competitive industry.
Think about how you want to be perceived by your guests, as the saying goes, you only get one shot at a first impression. We recommend that you begin thinking about your branding during the design phase of your BnB. This includes but is not limited to; a vacation rental name, fonts, colors and logos, external website, social media platforms and design styles for your marketing material. If you are hiring a professional management company, they may have packages from you to choose from. At TurnKey BnB we also have customization available to mimic the overall design so it feels cohesive from the start. The most successful vacation rentals have a system in place, whether you have one property or several. Branding is how you will set expectations and create guest loyalty.
New Identity
The first step in building your brand is to decide what your homes’ name will be. This should be something that is catchy and describes your property or the location that it’s in. Here are a couple of examples: for a clever cabin name, ‘A-Frame of Mind’ or ‘Misty Mountain Hideaway’. Have a beachy cottage? Try ‘Shore Beats Work’ or ‘Anchors Away’. ‘Hook, Wine and Sinker’ and ‘Sail Away Bay’ are some fun Lake-house ideas.
Having a unique property name allows you to be more creative in your marketing strategy and in the experiences you are creating for your guests. In addition, when your potential renters are searching through the hundreds of available options in your area, it will cause you to stand out and create a memorable impression. You will want to use your name in the title and description of your listing as well as mentioning it throughout your marketing material and websites. Adding it as a keyword that someone can search for you by is great for SEO.
Photography
We can’t over emphasize this step. I want to cringe when I see a listing with cell phone images. Yes, we know you have the latest and greatest phone available but this is not acceptable for your brand! Research real estate photographers in your area and preview their work online. Most successful, talented photographers will be a median price of $200 for the type of photography you will need and you may even want to choose to add on drone photography if you have some amazing outdoor areas you want to feature. Travel enthusiasts have high expectations in 2022 and will simply not pay top dollar or provide 5 star reviews for homes that skip this step.
Logo’s and Fonts
Creating a logo sounds daunting and you may be thinking it’s just too difficult or outside of your wheelhouse. This is far from the truth. There are plenty of reputable logo designers just waiting to get your business. Sites like Etsy or Fiverr have logo design for as low as 5 dollars. You can work directly with those designers to get your logo up and running quickly and apply it during the next step. Fonts are also important. You will want to decide what those will be, save them in a file and use them for any and all material going forward.
Marketing Material
There are loads of unique ways you can incorporate your name and logo into your branding. After you have set up your hosting sites cohesively, you will want to create your guest book. This is important so that your guests have access to it in the property as well as on the hosting sites. This is where you can incorporate all of your beautiful photos, logos, information about the house, access, rules, sites to see etc. Having a professional guest book also creates a more professional looking appearance and enhances their experience during their stay. Next, consider adding your brand throughout your home in unique ways. Create labeling for your provided toiletries, monogram towels and aprons, outdoor murals, etched glassware and welcome mats. Another popular trend is creating a unique photo opportunity. Think about where you can set up your insta-worthy shot so your guests can tag their new favorite BNB and show your potential guests what all the hype is about.
Create your own website and social media accounts
This step is for the over achievers, the hosts who really want to create the ultimate brand experience. Online is the best place to showcase the masterpiece you have created and having your own vacation rental website makes you look like the super host you are. There are lots of customizing options available to you with fonts and colors. Plus, there are ways to incorporate SEO for higher traffic drives and maximum exposure.
These are just a few tips and tricks to get you started on your way of becoming the best host in your area. Gone are the days where you can set it and forget it. Branding your vacation rental is a sure way to increase your bookings, length of stay and 5 star reviews. Reach out to us for more information on getting started on this step! TurnKey BnB Design
