5 Practical Tips for Vacation Rental Owners to Increase Bookings and Revenue in 2025
Competition between vacation rentals in Croatia keeps getting stronger. In 2024, over 67,000 new beds were added, and that number is expected to keep rising. Guests aren’t just looking at price anymore. They care about the whole experience, and they’re quick to move on if something feels off.
So the question is simple: how do you get more bookings in 2025 without more stress or higher costs? Below are five practical steps, with real examples from other hosts who already tried them and saw results.
1. Leverage social media for promotion
Facebook and Instagram are now basic tools for promoting vacation rentals. If you use them the right way, they can help you reach more people and get more bookings. You won’t need to pay commission or deal with third-party platforms. Here’s how to get started.
Post content that shows what makes your place special
Photos and short videos often make the difference when someone is choosing where to stay. You don’t need a professional camera. A phone is enough. Try recording short clips, like the view from your balcony in the morning, and share them weekly. Guests love to see the real experience. You can also ask past guests to tag you when they post photos from their stay. It’s free and it builds trust.
Try simple ads on Facebook or Instagram
You can set up a paid post that targets people looking for places to stay in your area. The "boost post" option is quick and doesn’t need special skills. Some hosts have spent €100 on a short video ad and managed to fill empty dates in a few days. If it feels like too much, a local agency can set it up for you. You can also join Facebook groups where travelers look for rentals.
Even if you’re starting from scratch, just creating a profile and posting once a week is a good step. Small moves lead to bookings.
Stay in touch with potential and returning guests
Reply to messages and comments quickly and politely. Guests appreciate knowing there's a real person behind the profile. From time to time, run a giveaway, like a voucher for two nights in the off-season. These kinds of actions help more people see your listing. They don’t cost much, but they can bring in real results.
Social media doesn't need to be complicated. What matters most is that you're present and approachable. You don't need a huge following. Just start with a simple post and one photo. That first step might bring you your next booking this week.
2. Start email newsletter campaigns
Email is a great way to stay in touch with guests and remind them you’re still around. It’s one of the easiest ways to get more direct bookings without paying OTA chanels commission.
Collect guest email addresses
Ask for an email address when guests check in. If they didn’t already provide it during booking, offer something simple in return, like free Wi-Fi access. Just make sure they agree to receive occasional offers or updates.
Automate your communication
Tools like Mailchimp let you schedule welcome messages, reminders, or tips on things to do in the area. Set them up once and let them run on their own. It saves time and keeps your guests informed without extra effort.
Personalize your content
Not all guests are the same. Some come with kids for a weekend, others are looking for peace and quiet in the low season. Split your mailing list based on their interests and past behavior. Send return guests a discount offer. Give new subscribers a first-time booking deal. A little personal touch makes a big difference.
Email campaigns aren’t just for big hotels. Even if you only rent out one vacation home, this is a tool worth using. Don’t lose touch with past guests. If they had a good time, chances are they’ll come back. You just need to remind them.
Remember: It's cheaper to bring back a guest who's already stayed with you than to constantly chase new ones. A returning guest will usually book directly, which means no OTA channels commission fees and no extra marketing costs.
3. Optimize your Google My Business profile
Google My Business is a free tool that makes your rental visible in Google search and on Google Maps. More and more guests use it as their first stop when deciding where to stay. If your profile is clear, updated, and filled with good reviews, you’re more likely to get clicks and bookings.
Keep your information updated
Double-check that all details are accurate: property name, address, phone number, and links to your website or booking engine. If you manage more than one vacation rental, create separate listings with individual descriptions.
Upload fresh photos
People want to see what your place looks like now. No one’s impressed by outdated photos, especially if reviews mention that. Add new pictures of the interior, exterior, balcony views, nearby beach, or the barbecue area. Fresh images help your place stand out and stay memorable.
Reply to reviews and ask guests to leave one
Reply to everyone. Thank the happy guests and address any complaints politely. Showing that you care about feedback builds trust.
After their stay, send guests a short thank-you message with a link to your Google profile. It doesn’t need to be fancy. A simple note like,
“Thanks for staying with us! If you have a minute and enjoyed your stay, we’d appreciate a quick review here (insert link)".
works well.
Your Google profile is like a digital shop window. If it looks clean and active, people will stop and take a look. Guests often find you first on OTA platforms, then look you up on Google or social media. Don’t miss the chance to make a great first impression. Add your booking engine link and keep the profile fresh with just a few minutes of your time each month.
4. Offer direct bookings through your website
If guests still can’t book directly through your website, you’re missing out on extra income. Every direct booking means no commission fees and more control over guest communication and stay policies.
Implement a booking engine
Already have a website? The next step is adding a booking engine. Tools like Rentlio’s booking engine let guests select dates, check availability, get confirmation, and pay in just a few clicks. No need to confirm reservations manually or exchange endless messages. Just send a link so guests can fill in their details ahead of time, saving you time and increasing your revenue.
Many vacation rental owners who started using a booking engine reported up to 30% more direct bookings during the summer season. Guests appreciate being able to book quickly and securely without having to go through third-party platforms.
Don't forget to add the booking link to every key touchpoint: your Facebook and Instagram bios, each newsletter you send, and your Google Business Profile. The easier it is to find, the more people will use it.
Give guests a reason to book direct
Add a simple message like
“Book direct and save up to 15%”
or
“Direct booking = free parking.”
People like knowing they’re getting something extra for booking with you directly. Your website shouldn’t be just a digital flyer. Turn it into a tool that brings you bookings. A booking engine isn’t hard to set up, and it can lead to more income with less hassle.
5. Work with local tourist offices and partners
Local tourist offices often offer free or affordable ways to promote your vacation rental, but many hosts still overlook these options. If you want to attract more guests, being visible and active at the local level is key.
Join promotional campaigns
Tourist offices frequently organize campaigns you can join at no extra cost. This includes appearances at travel fairs, social media ads, featuring your photos in newsletters, or adding your listing to printed brochures. Usually, it’s enough to send in your vacation rental details or simply apply.
Build local partnerships
Team up with nearby restaurants, tour guides, taxi services, or excursion companies. If your guest gets a recommendation for a great lunch spot or an organized trip right after check-in, they’re more likely to recommend your place to others. You can offer extra value to your guests and receive commission or cross-promotion in return.
Educate and train yourself
Local tourist boards often run free workshops on topics like digital marketing, legal updates, or rental management. Hosts who attend these sessions regularly are usually better prepared to handle changes and are quicker to adopt useful tools. You’ll find info about upcoming sessions on local tourist board websites or through their newsletters.
And finally...
If you want to stay one step ahead, don’t ignore your local community. Working with local tourism offices and other businesses can help you reach new guests, gain exposure, and make valuable connections. And don’t forget, these collaborations are often free but the benefits can last a long time.
In 2025, having a nice vacation rental isn’t enough. Guests judge you based on what they see online. That includes your photos, description, how fast you reply, and how easy it is to book.
This article gave you five clear and practical tips to help you get more bookings and grow your income. From posting on social media and sending out email offers, to adding direct bookings on your website, these are practical steps that have already worked for others..
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with the one idea that feels easiest and try it this week. Small changes can lead to real results.
Daniel Herman is a growth marketing enthusiast with 10 years of marketing experience who enjoys thinking strategically and seeing the bigger picture. He writes about everything related to developing marketing activities and KPIs, branding, and taking a long-term approach to success, always with the goal of sharing useful ideas and inspiring action.
