Owner-direct Vacation Rental Marketing
Whistler Info Session - August 20, 2005

Who is Troy Assaly and why would you listen to his advice?

Accommodation Network owner operator in Whistler since 1994.
B Comm, management experience, entrepreneur - Blackcomb Sales Mgr, Cdn Snowmobiles Sales Mgr, EagleTours.com founder
Internet marketing junkie - just ask my wife!
Student of marketing gurus - Corey Rudl, Yanik Silver, Dan Kennedy, Perry Marshall, Brad Fallon
In for the long haul - Whistler is the prototype for other resorts

Best websites to advertise Whistler vacation rentals:

ResortAc.com - $780 per year - monthly option
AlluraDirect.com - $775 per year
OwnerDirect.com - $100 per year + 10% commission

Other Options:

perfectplaces.com - free with ResortAc.com subscription
10kvacationrentals.com
vrbo.com
greatrentals.com
cyberrentals.com
ultimatevacationrentals.com

The Future?

One owner admin area - one data source (rates, calendar, contact info)
Property details 'broadcast' to many vacation rental websites i.e. Tourism Whistler, Whistler.com, Expedia?
Live reservation systems
Commissions - 5 to 15%

How to handle rental requests from multiple websites:

Goal is to use one rental request form and one booking calendar on all sites.
Not possible? Keep one master calendar (MS Outlook is good) and be diligent.
You don't have to be a computer whiz to do this! VRBO books, including Christine Carpinski's book, recommend using a notebook.

Build your own website for free:

MS FrontPage
Wizards - often come with web hosting account
Student, family or friend project

Do your own search engine submissions:

Takes time, yes, but it's free.
Only worry about the majors, see below.
Some web hosting accounts offer wizard.

Easy to use online reservation systems:

Several new options available - i.e. Rent1Online.com, Rentalbot.com - Simple yet powerful
Web-based - access from any Internet connection
Easily convert rental requests into bookings without retyping
Follow up with rental contract via email

Reservation Systems - What to watch for:

1. portable rental request form and availability calendar - 1 data source feeds multiple sites - no more updating multiple calendars!
2. fees - sign-up, monthly, transaction / commission

Search Engine tips and secrets:

Top Search Engines:

Below is the latest aggregate information off HitsLink.com Search Engine referral visitor % for last month (July) vs. June. Top U.S. Search Engine Traffic referrals for June are as follows:

Data for this article was compiled from world wide traffic statistics from Web sites tracked by HitsLink.com. This data is compiled from a panel of over 31 million unique monthly visitors.

Recommended Articles: SearchEngineWatch.com - By Danny Sullivan

How to get into Search Engines:

Site Optimization - Titles, descriptions, headings, and page text must have common contents with the same keyword phrase.
Maximum 2 or 3 keyword phrases per page - "theme".
Links from other busy websites will drive you up Google search - "PageRank"
When your site is ready don't forget to submit it to your search engines of choice.
Several software packages available to automate page optimization, search engine submissions, and search results monitoring.

How to Deal With Guest Check-ins & Service:

Local rep - Whistler Reception Services - great option for absentee owners

How to Process Rental Payments Securely Online:

Getting your own merchant account - Fantastic program available from Paradata Whistler

Is it worth the cost? Yes, for these reasons:

• adds credibility, builds renter confidence, resulting in more bookings
• improves cash flow - rental revenue deposited into your bank account immediately

Vacation Rental by Owner 101

Getting the booking:

Lots of competition out there recently - stand out!
Good photos & guest testimonials
Pick up the phone.
Make yourself a Whistler Expert

Rental contracts - why you need them:
Clearly defines check-in check-out, cancellation policy, who pays for what - cleaning, damage
Sure-fire way to communicate important details
Reduces in-resort problems
Required for credit card or payment disputes

Collecting the rent:
Electronic transfer, money order, certified check, credit cards
Getting your own merchant account - Fantastic program available from Paradata Whistler
Use existing merchant account from different business
Barter - trade dollars - gaining momentum

How to deal with guest check-ins:
Keyless locks - mixed reviews...
Mailing keys - security issue, especially keys for common areas in vacation rental complexes
Good clear instructions for all house features - gas fireplace, hot tub, sauna, garbage removal, etc.
Emergency contact - 24 hours
Local rep - Whistler Reception Services - great option for absentee owners

Damage deposits:
Standard practice
Electronic transfer, money order, certified check, credit cards

Repeat business is key:
Keep guests happy - monitor satisfaction - listen to feedback
Provide postcards in suite for guests to send to friends & family
Start a database of guests and contact them frequently

We need your feedback

Your wish list for vacation rental websites

Packaging with activities, transportation, etc. or accommodation only?

To print or not to print - Where should we advertise?

Combining resorts i.e. Silver Star, Sun Peaks good for business?

Copyright 2005 Troy Assaly www.ResortAc.com 1-888-205-0649