Tips on Property Description Writing for Rentals to Get More Bookings

A powerful property description writing for rentals is more than a list of facts; it tells a story, creates an experience, and helps the potential guest imagine themself on a dream vacation. Without a strong description, even the most beautiful property could sit dormant. 

So, how do you write a persuasive copy that breaks through and stands out to potential guests? Luckily, there's a tactical strategy for property description writing for rentals that combines the art of storytelling with the science of search engine optimization.

Here are 10 tips to help you create descriptions that help you inform, yet actively persuade and convert inquiries into bookings in the USA.

1. Start with a Show Stopping Title and Opening Sentence

After an enticing picture of your rental property, the title will be the first thing a guest sees, followed by the opening sentence of your description that should hook and reel them in. There isn't a need to have a bland title of a property address or "Three-bedroom house for rent" as your title. This is a chance to make a powerful first impression and redefine the way your property is portrayed, which is essential in an oversaturated market.

• Be Specific and Evocative: Before, "Apartment in Miami," could be "Modern Oceanfront Condo with Rooftop Pool in South Beach." This title gives them the necessary details while highlighting the notable features that set you apart.
• The First Sentence Sells the Experience: The opening line in your description should be a straight-up piece of persuasive copy. Not, "This home has nice views," rather, "Wake up every morning to breathtaking sunrises over the lake from your private balcony with hot coffee in hand." Such sensory language helps a USA guest instantly visualize themselves in your space and creates an emotional connection to the property.

2. Sell the Benefits, Not Just the Features

This could be the most important rule for property description writing for rentals purposes. Guests don't rent a property for the amenities; rather, they rent the property for the experience those amenities provide. Your description should focus on the guest benefits it delivers.

• Transform Features into Feelings: Rather than saying, "The kitchen is fully equipped," tell guests they can "Whip up gourmet meals in a chef's kitchen, stocked with everything you need to create a memorable family dinner." This tells the guest not just what they will get, but how they can use it to create a great memory for their USA vacation.
• Connect to the Guest's Needs: Consider your target market. The family will be more excited to hear "spacious, fenced-in backyard perfect for kids to safely play and enjoy the outdoors", whereas the couple will be intrigued by a "romantic evening with a glass of wine in front of a cozy fireplace".

3. Tell a Story and Show Off Your Property's Personality

A property description writing for rentals has a voice and unique personality. It is not just a factsheet; a description tells a story and leads the guest to envision their stay.

• Tone & Vibe Match Your Property: Is yours a rustic getaway on a mountainside? Use "cozy," "charming," and "serene" in your description. Is it a contemporary urban loft? Use "sleek," "chic", and "vibrant". Maintaining this consistency will help create your brand and attract your target guests in the USA.
• Paint a Picture: Help guests envision a day on their vacation. Spend your mornings hiking the trails, your afternoons soaking in the private hot tub, and your evenings roasting marshmallows around the fire pit under the stars. This persuasive copy allows the rental to feel like a destination instead of a place to sleep.  

4. Identify Your Ideal Guests and Use Specific Keywords

You can't please everyone, so don't. Establish who your target audience is - families, digital nomads, romantic couples, or a group of friends - and then write the guest benefits specifically towards them. This is also a pivotal part of creating SEO-friendly listings.  

• Use Long-Tail Keywords: Don't just use generic words, think about terms the guest would actually enter in a search. For example, while a family with a dog may not be searching for "rental in Florida," they would search for "pet-friendly vacation rentals with a fenced yard near Fort Lauderdale beach." Use these specific phrases organically throughout your description.
• Respond to Their Questions: Consider what questions your ideal USA guest might have and include those answers in your description. For instance, after doing your due diligence and stating that you have "dedicated workspace with high-speed Wi-Fi ideal for remote work," you have made it apparent that you understand the needs of a digital nomad.

5. Format For Readability: Use Scannable Formatting

Guests spend less than two minutes on a listing page and find that they only read about 18% of the words on the page. This combined means that your description needs to be reasonably simple, quick to scan, and read. A large, scary block of text is a booking killer.

• Use Short Paragraphs: Aim to have 2-3 sentence paragraphs.
• Use Bullet Points: Be clear and concise to make certain a list of amenities and key features is available. This way, the guest can quickly find the facts and not have to search the body of text again.
• Use Bold Text and Headings: Try to point out the key points or features using bold, such as "Breathtaking Views" or "Pet Friendly," and categorize your description in logical sections such as "The Space," "The Location," and "Guest Access."

6. Make Your Unique Selling Points (USPs) Clear

What makes your property special in the USA? Is it the unique architecture, the size of the game room, or the view? You want to focus on your USPs in your descriptions. You can't assume guests will see your USPs on their own.

• Tell Guests What is Unique About You: If your property is the only one in your area with a private plunge pool, highlight it. A historic property with a rich history? Share that. This is your chance to build on the basics and show your guests why they should select you over any other property.

7. Create SEO-Friendly Listings on Your Website

If you want to be successful at direct bookings, you need to have SEO-friendly listings. This is where a company like WebdesignVR in the USA can help you; they can not only create a beautiful site, but can also create one that is optimised with the search engines in mind.

• Unique listings: Do not simply copy and paste your descriptions from Airbnb. For your own site, you want to have unique and well-written descriptions.
• Optimize Your Meta Descriptions and Titles: These are the titles and short descriptions that appear in your Google search results. Make them enticing, include your main keyword, and provide an incentive for users to click your link.
• Use Image Alt Text: When you upload photos, please make sure every photo has a descriptive image alt text (e.g., "sunny-living-room-exclusive-mountain-view.jpg"). This is beneficial for search engines to understand what your images are, as well as to assist with accessibility.

8. Finish with a Clear and Compelling Call to Action

Your description is not a run-on sentence, so don't let it go on forever; give the guest some direction for the next move. With your property description writing for rentals, finish with a clear Call to Action (CTA) that will give the guest direction to follow through with the booking.

• Create a sense of urgency: Lines like "Our calendar is filling up quickly!" or "Don't miss out on your perfect getaway" help create a sense of urgency.
• Make it easy: Your CTA should be easy and simple - "Book your stay now to secure your dates!"

How WebdesignVR Helps You Write SEO-Friendly Listings that Convert

WebdesignVR specializes in property description writing for rentals by combining expert web design with high-converting content strategies. Whether you're establishing a brand new property website or need to enhance your Airbnb profile, they can help you with: 

• SEO optimized listing copy
• Mobile-friendly layout
• Visuals and layout
• CTAs and review displays to build trust

They know how to convert browsers into guests in the USA - words and design that convert.

Make Every Word Count

Using these strategic tips, you can turn your property description writing for rentals from a dreaded task to an effective tool for booking. Also, remember that you are not just renting space; you are selling an experience in the USA. Telling that story through your descriptive and persuasive copy is the first step to a packed calendar and a successful business.