Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned vacation rental owner, your listing might need some updates and improvements.  Follow this checklist for suggestions and pointers on building the best VacationRentals.com listing possible.    Download a printable version of this checklist. The Headline:

Here are some pointers for creating a compelling headline:

 Use characters available
 Include location type (ex. lakeside, beachfront)
 Include property type (ex. cottage, apartment, cabin, villa)
 Showcase availability or open dates (ex. Aug 8-15 available)
 Feature a special offer (ex. 4th night free)
 Include non-repetitive location info (more specific than the city you're classified under)
 Use consistent capitalization and punctuation
 Show your competitive advantage
 Highlight amenities (ex. pool, WiFi, views, hot tub)
 Incorporate descriptive adjectives
 Explain your home's suitability (ex. pet friendly, perfect for families)
 Name nearby attractions (ex. theme parks, golf courses, beaches)

The First Two Photos:

The two photos you select for the top of your listing are the first thing renters will see after clicking on your ad from the search page.  In order to give a top-notch first impression and encourage them to scroll for more information, you'll want to choose your absolute best photos.

Your first two photos should be:

 Colorful
 Well-Lit
 Properly Staged
 Well Framed
 Clear
 Identifiable
 Well-Maintained/Clutter-Free
 Showcases Feel of Home
 Showcases View, Location or Amenity
 Unique or Exceptional
 Ahh factor

All Photos:

Your photos might be the single most important part of your ad.  Each VacationRentals.com listing can display up to 8 photos, so it is important to take advantage of this space.  However, don't just fill your space with unnecessary shots; be sure to include the aspects of your home that are critical to renters.

Your photos should include all or most of the following:

 The view from your home
 The exterior of your home, building, or complex
 The living Area
 The kitchen
 The dining area
 The master bedroom
 Each additional bedroom
 Other amenities (pool, patio, game room, etc.)

The quality of your photos is just as important as selecting which photos to feature.  Stellar photos could make the difference between an iffy renter and one that's ready to book on the spot.

Be sure your photos are:

 Colorful
 Well-Lit
 Properly Staged
 Well-Framed
 Clear
 In a sensible order (bedroom photos grouped together, exterior photos grouped together, etc.)
 Recent (No Date Stamps)
 Showcasing the feel of your home
 Showcasing the size of the space
 Revealing an ahh factor (exceptional or impressive photos)

The Description:

You should devote a fair amount of space and time to your VacationRentals.com listing.  This is your chance to really feature the benefits of choosing your home over another.  It's important to be specific and provide all the information that renters really care about.  And remember, if you create your description in Word Pad or Notepad, you'll be able to take advantage of the full screen.

Take the following into consideration for your property description:

 Use of available space
 Top-loading of selling points (home's best features listed first)
 Property type (ex. condo, cottage, cabin, villa, townhome, apartment)
 Property size
 Layout of home
 Bedroom info + bed setup (more specific than just the number of bedrooms)
 Amenity info
 Suitability info (ex. perfect for families, couples)
 Capitalization of keywords
 Use of headers or subtitles (creating sections within description)
 Use of bulleted lists (using asterisks)
 Use of numerals (drawing attention to certain features)
 Use of full screen
 Friendly tone
 Consistent spelling and punctuation
 Paints the renter experience

The Amenities:

Because you have an entire section devoted to your home's amenities, take the time to really list out anything and everything that could be considered a selling point for your renters.  The key is developing a detailed yet easy-to-read list.

A thorough amenities section will:

 Take advantage of the available space
 Feature headers  (creating sections within the lists of amenities)
 Incorporate bulleted lists (using asterisks)
 Use capital letters (to draw attention to certain amenities)
 Be thorough
 Explain the suitability or theme of your home (who is your target market?)

The Activities and Attractions:

This section of your ad gives you the opportunity to sell your area and any popular local attractions or special events.  This can also help you with search engine optimization if you include specific area keywords.  Plus, you should also take some time to give renters a feel for the logistics of the area.

Your activities and attractions should include:

 The nearest mode of transportation
 Whether a car is necessary 
 Distance to nearby cities
 Distance to beach, mountain, lake, etc.
 Specific landmarks or attractions
 Area activities
 Events
 A clear sense of where the property is located

The Rental Rates:

The rental rates section of your ad allows you to be pretty flexible with how you display your pricing.  The best way to tackle this section is to be specific and display the information in the clearest and most organized manner possible.

Your rental rates should:

 Be organized
 Be clear 
 Include specific dates
 Designate rates for at least 1 year from today
 Include nightly rates
 Include weekly rates
 Include monthly rates
 Indicate clear minimum stays
 Define holiday rates
 Promote any special offers
 Explain reservation/security deposit info
 Specify extra fees and taxes
 Advise payment methods accepted

The Calendar:

Owners that feature the VacationRentals.com calendar will receive an icon on the search page to let travelers know that the listing will show their available dates.  Keeping your calendar up-to-date is an important tool for attracting serious renters that want to see accurate availability.

A truly thorough VacationRentals.com listing will:

 Feature an up-to-date calendar

The Contact Info:

Your contact info seems like a no-brainer, but make sure that renters can reach you easily or find more information. 

Your contact info could include:

 A primary phone number
 An alternate phone number
 A link to a personal website

Use these pointers as a starting point for building a listing that is both thorough and easy-to-read and shows renters that you are an active and professional vacation rental owner.