Taking on the management of your short-term rental (STR) property can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to run your business. With the right tools and strategies, you can manage everything yourself, from bookings to guest communications. Whether you’re just getting started with one property or thinking about expanding, here’s some advice to help you along the way.
Start Simple: Use Major OTAs
If you’re managing just one property, your best bet is to list on two of the biggest online travel agencies (OTAs)—Airbnb and Booking.com. These platforms offer massive exposure, giving you access to a global audience of potential guests.
One key tip: both Airbnb and Booking.com allow you to sync your calendars, which will help prevent double bookings. As soon as you’ve listed your property on both sites, make sure to link them. This small step saves you from the hassle of managing multiple calendars and ensures that guests won’t be booking the same dates across different platforms.
Expanding? Consider a Channel Manager
If you decide to list your property on more OTAs beyond just Airbnb and Booking.com, this is where things can get a bit more complex. Managing availability, rates, and descriptions across multiple platforms can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where a channel manager comes in.
A channel manager centralizes your operations, allowing you to manage all your listings from one dashboard. You only need to write your property description once, and the channel manager will distribute it across all the OTAs you’ve chosen to work with. It also keeps your calendars, prices, and availability synchronized, saving you time and ensuring consistency across all platforms.
Automate Guest Communication
Both Airbnb and Booking.com offer automated messaging tools that can make managing guest interactions much simpler. These tools allow you to set up pre-written responses to frequently asked questions—things like check-in instructions, Wi-Fi details, or parking information.
Automated messaging helps you respond to guests faster, which can improve their experience and increase your chances of receiving positive reviews. Plus, speedy communication is one of the factors that can push your listing higher in search results, helping you stand out in a crowded market.
Hands-Off Option: STR Management Companies
Of course, managing a short-term rental on your own isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a hands-off experience or want a more professional approach, you can always hand the keys to a short-term rental management company. These companies take care of everything—from listing management to guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance—allowing you to enjoy the income without the day-to-day responsibilities.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to manage your STR property yourself or hire a management company, there are plenty of ways to ensure your rental is a success. With the right tools, managing your property can be both simple and rewarding. If you enjoy staying hands-on, start with Airbnb and Booking.com, and consider a channel manager as you grow. But if you’re seeking a more relaxed approach, passing the reins to a professional management company could be the perfect solution for you.
The key is finding the balance that works best for your goals and lifestyle.
