Don’t just dump 37 random photos of your kitchen. Instead:
• Start with 5–10 shots of your biggest crowd-pleasers (hot tub, mountain views, fireplace).
• Then create a logical flow, as if you’re walking the guest through the front door and room by room.
• Add captions that answer questions before guests have to ask: “King-size bed with smart TV,” “Fully stocked kitchen with espresso machine.”
It feels like holding their hand, but trust us—guests love it.
4. Rewrite Your Listing Description (Ditch the Wall of Text)
Most descriptions are a snoozefest and read like IKEA assembly manuals. Instead:
• Start with a short, welcoming paragraph that helps guests imagine themselves there: “Wake up to panoramic views of Kootenay Lake and sip coffee by the fire.”
• Break the rest down by room with bullet points:
Living Room: Smart TV, Netflix, gas fireplace
Kitchen: Espresso machine, stocked pantry, locally roasted beans
Easy to skim = more bookings.
5. Adjust Your Pricing (and Ditch Annoying Fees)
Guests don’t mind paying a fair nightly rate, but they hate being nickel-and-dimed. Drop the extra “pet fee” or “additional guest fee”. It’s a hassle for you and a red flag for them.
Instead, use a dynamic pricing tool (like Wheelhouse or PriceLabs) that adjusts your rates automatically depending on demand, season, and local events in Nelson. This way you’re never leaving money on the table and avoid scaring off guests with sky-high rates in the off-season.
6. List on More Than One Platform
If you’re only on Airbnb, you’re missing out. Add your property to Vrbo, Booking.com, or Google Vacation Rentals to reach different audiences.
• Smaller units (1–2 bedrooms) → Booking.com often performs better.
• Larger units (3+ bedrooms) → Vrbo tends to win.
One listing = one audience. Multiple listings = more eyeballs and more bookings.
7. Collect Guest Emails and Do Simple Marketing
This one’s a game-changer. Install a Wi-Fi splash page tool (like StayFi). Guests enter their email before connecting to Wi-Fi. Voilà — you’ve built your email list.
Now, send a short monthly email with:
• Upcoming Nelson events (Shambhala, ski season, farmers markets)
• Special offers (“Stay 3 nights, get the 4th free in March”)
It’s basically free advertising to people who already love your place.
8. Set Up a Direct Booking Website
Airbnb and Vrbo take a cut from every booking. But if you send repeat guests to your own direct booking site, you both win: guests save on fees, and you keep more profit.
Most property management software can generate a booking site with a few clicks. Start by offering direct bookings only to past guests (less risk, more trust).
9. Upsell and Extend Stays Automatically
Want to earn an extra $500+ per booking? Offer upsells like:
• Early check-in / late checkout
• A stocked fridge with local goodies
• Discounted extra nights
Tools like Hospitable, Lodgify, and Besty AI can automate this so every guest gets a personalized upsell offer. You set it once and forget it because the tool does the heavy lifting.
10. Nail Your Reviews (and Reply Like a Human)
10. Nail Your Reviews (and Reply Like a Human)
Reviews are the lifeblood of Airbnb and Vrbo. To get more 5-stars:
• Leave a handwritten note and a small local treat (Oso Negro coffee, chocolate from Chocofellar, or Nelson Brewing Company craft beer)
• Be proactive: message guests mid-stay to check in.
• When you get reviews, reply like a human. Instead of: “Thanks for staying,” try “So glad you loved the hot tub — it really is the best spot after a day of skiing Whitewater.”
Future guests see those replies and instantly feel the vibe of your hosting style.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to knock down walls or buy a $20,000 hot tub to make your Airbnb or Vrbo thrive in Nelson BC. With a few smart tweaks (better photos, sharper headlines, simple email marketing, and upsells) you can dramatically increase bookings without spending a fortune.
The golden rule of any successful business is to work smarter, not harder. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, that’s exactly why companies like GOAT Vacation Rental Management exist. We handle all of this (and more) so you can earn more and stress less.
