Writing a Description

Tell a story

Telling a story engages potential guests emotionally, making your listing more compelling than a straightforward description. Stories help guests visualise their stay and highlight the unique experiences your property offers, setting it apart from competitors.

Property types best suited for storytelling

Storytelling works best for properties with distinctive features or unique settings, such as historical homes, cabins, beach houses, urban lofts, and countryside retreats. These properties naturally provide rich material for engaging narratives. If you’re the proud owner or manager of one of such properties, you’re in luck. But if you’re not… there’s still hope for you yet.

How to Find a Story Even When You Think You Don’t Have One

Every property has a story. Look into the history of the building or the local area. Highlight unique guest experiences, such as beautiful views or proximity to local attractions. Use past guest reviews to identify memorable aspects of their stay. Even small details, like a cosy reading nook or a garden, can be woven into a captivating narrative.

Tips for Crafting Your Story

1. Focus on unique qualities: Identify what makes your property special. It could be its history, location, design, or the experiences it offers.
2. Be descriptive: Paint a vivid picture with your words. Use sensory details to help potential guests imagine themselves at your property.
3. Get inspired by your location: Mention nearby attractions, activities, or cultural experiences that guests can enjoy during their stay.
4. Highlight guest experiences: Incorporate snippets from positive reviews to add authenticity and highlight what previous guests loved about their stay.
5. Make it personal: Share a bit about yourself or your connection to the property. This personal touch can make your listing more relatable and appealing.

Story examples

1. Historical Context:

• • Victorian Cottage: “Stay in our Victorian cottage, once a haven for local artists. The original hardwood floors and vintage decor evoke the creative spirit of the past. Relax and muse in the antique-filled parlour, as countless other great minds have done before you.”
  • Mid-Century Modern Home: “Our mid-century modern home, designed by a renowned local architect, offers a unique glimpse into 1960s innovation. Each room features original furnishings and decor, transporting you back to an era of sleek, minimalist design.”

2. Guest Experience:

• • Rustic Cabin: “Wake up to the sound of birdsong and enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony, overlooking the serene countryside. Our rustic cabin offers an escape from city life, with hiking trails and a peaceful lake just steps away.”
  • Beach House: “Spend your days basking in the sun and your evenings watching the sunset over the ocean from our beachfront deck. Our cosy beach house provides direct access to the sand and surf, perfect for a relaxing seaside getaway.”

3. Local Culture:

• • Urban Loft: “Nestled in the heart of the city, our modern loft provides an insider’s access to the vibrant downtown scene. Explore trendy bars, artisan shops, and eclectic galleries, all within walking distance.”
  • Countryside Retreat: “Experience the charm of rural life in our countryside retreat. Visit nearby farmers’ markets, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and explore scenic trails that showcase the natural beauty of the area.”

4. Unique Features:

• • Treehouse: “Stay in our enchanting treehouse, perched high among the treetops. Perfect for a romantic getaway or an adventurous retreat, the treehouse offers stunning views and a unique connection to nature.”
  • Tiny Home: “Experience minimalist living in our cleverly designed tiny home. Despite its small size, the home is fully equipped with modern amenities and creative storage solutions, offering a cosy and efficient space.”

5. Family-Friendly Amenities:

• • Spacious Suburban Home: “Our spacious suburban home is perfect for families. The large backyard features a play area and barbecue setup, while the nearby park and community pool provide endless entertainment for kids.“
  • Mountain Lodge: “Ideal for family vacations, our mountain lodge offers plenty of space for everyone. Enjoy the large game room, outdoor fire pit, and easy access to skiing and hiking trails.”

Perfect is the enemy of good

Don’t worry about making your description perfect – update regularly whenever you’re inspired and incorporate excellent guest feedback whenever possible.

Don’t mention amenities

Remember to Keep it brief – don’t talk about amenities – most detailed info can be found in the amenities section.

Don’t oversell

Do not oversell your property in an attempt to avoid negative reviews. Focus on the positives, but remember to list things that could be a challenge for certain types of guests – like those with limited mobility or people with children.

A description is limited to a thousand characters. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Now that you’ve got a great title and description ready, you’re ready to take on your photos. Tune in for the next lesson for some tried and tested tips to get your photos attracting more clicks and more bookings.