Published on Jan 27, 2025
Are you looking to catch the eye of holiday bookers, stag and hen organisers, or corporate groups seeking large group accommodation?
Sure, you may be advertising on multiple 3rd party platforms like Airbnb and Group Accommodation, but without a strong web presence all of your listings are going to suffer with the same issues.
With the 10 tips outlined in this blog, we’ll help you master your group accommodation listing and stand-out from the competition in a crowded market!
First impressions count! Make sure your listing has high-quality, well-lit photos that showcase your property in all its glory. Highlight key features like stylish living spaces, cosy bedrooms, and any extras like hot tubs or pool tables. The more enticing your photos, the more likely guests are to click through and book. Be sure to put the most eye catching photos on your listing first. The Grange Townhouse is an excellent example of top-notch property photographs.
Looking for vacation rental photography tips? Here are a few:
Hire a professional photographer – If you’re hiring out your property to groups regularly then you need to invest in a professional home photographer. This will turn your house from an amateur listing into a truly desirable holiday letting.
Make the Most of Natural Light – Shoot in bright, natural light for the best results. The ideal time is in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is soft and diffused, avoiding harsh overexposure. If natural light isn’t an option, switch on as many indoor lights as possible to brighten up the space.
Find the Right Angle – Shooting at waist height offers a natural perspective and prevents distorted “leaning walls.” This angle helps showcase the space accurately and attractively.
Go Wide with Landscape Mode – Always shoot in landscape mode for wider, more spacious shots that capture the full beauty of your property. Plus, landscape photos can easily be cropped into portrait if needed. For a more dynamic look, try angling your shots towards a corner.
Skip the Zoom – Avoid using zoom, as it can reduce image quality and create blurry or grainy photos. Instead, move closer to capture the details guests want to see clearly.
Use a Tripod for Precision – A tripod helps keep lines straight and ensures a professional finish. When photographing features like a kitchen island or dining table, make sure the edges are level and parallel to the bottom of the frame for a clean, balanced look.
Declutter and Stage Thoughtfully – A tidy, well-presented space not only looks great in photos but also appeals to potential guests. Less is more when renting out a property, so remove unnecessary items and stage your accommodation with welcoming touches like plants, flowers, throws, and cushions to create a homely feel.
Guests looking for group accommodation aren’t just after a bed for the night – they want an experience. Highlight the best features of your property; if your place has an epic games room, a sprawling garden, or a BBQ area, make sure these are front and centre in your pictures and high-up in your listings description and highlights. Also be sure to tick the relevant amenities so that your listing appears in search results for those specifically.
Your listing should speak directly to the type of group your property is perfect for—whether it’s a glamorous hen party retreat, a wild stag do venue, or a charming family getaway. The key is to use engaging, casual language that reflects the vibe of your property and excites potential guests.
It’s also important to keep up to date your list of amenities and features at the property. This not only creates a realistic and accurate listing for guests so they know exactly what to expect, but can also increase search visibility for your accommodation too. For example, a hot tub is a highly desirable amenity that will attract searches. For a complete list of amenities that are important to group bookers, read our blog here.
Put time and effort into crafting a compelling description that allows readers to picture themselves enjoying their stay. Choose words that resonate with your target audience. Think “charming” or “luxurious” for a female-focused group like a girl’s getaway or hen party, “ultimate” or “sleek” for stag parties, and “welcoming” or “comfortable” for families. Writing a great description is one of the best ways to attract guests to a holiday rental and increase your bookings.
Show potential guests that you know your area. Include some local attractions, popular bars, or hidden gems near your property. This personal touch makes your listing feel more relatable and helps guests picture their stay. If you know that there is something big happening near you, let them know!
For example, we work with a property in Manchester called Heaton Park Spa House which backs onto Heaton Park where regular festivals and large scale gigs take place. This is both attractive for guests looking for nearby experiences, and groups specifically looking for accommodation to attend these events.
Nothing’s worse than showing a property as available only for it to be booked out. Keep your calendar up to date so guests can easily see when they can book. Turn on-instant book where available to do so as this can increase your properties visibility in the search results. If guests can see a property is high in demand with lots of sold out dates, it can also have a positive impact on generating new bookings quickly as groups won’t want to miss out on a desirable holiday letting.
Pricing plays a major role in making your property stand out online. Research similar group accommodations in your area to ensure your rates are competitive while still reflecting the value and unique features of your property. Striking the right balance between affordability and quality can make your listing more attractive to potential guests.
Consider offering special deals for longer stays, mid-week discounts, or early booking incentives to encourage more reservations. Transparent pricing, with no hidden fees also builds trust and helps guests feel confident in their booking decision.
We know you’ve got a busy schedule, but responding quickly to enquiries or to your agents can make all the difference. A speedy reply shows that you’re committed and helps build trust with potential guests and agents. Some third party platforms will also penalise you for taking too long to respond, so it pays to be quick and attentitve.
Happy guests are your best marketers! Encourage your guests to leave reviews after their stay. Real, glowing reviews can be your most effective selling point. The more positive feedback, the better. These can also give you a positive boost in third party platform’s algorithms too – double win!
With more people searching and booking from their phones, it’s essential that your listing looks great on mobile. Check that all your images, descriptions, and booking buttons are easy to navigate on smaller screens.
A short video tour can give potential guests a sneak peek into your property in action. Show off the rooms, the vibe, and the amenities – anything that makes your accommodation a must-book. A little video magic can go a long way in how to make group accommodation stand out online!
By implementing these ways to make your group accommodation stand out online, you’ll increase visibility, attract more guests, and boost your bookings. Whether it’s enhancing your photography, fine-tuning your pricing, or adding those special touches, small changes can make a big impact in setting your property apart from the competition.
Want to increase your group accommodation’s visibility to big groups? Join the Adventure Connections portfolio for FREE!