Why Professional Photography Will Boost Your Rental Business

By Gabby Champagne

 

Yes, it is another expense added to an already long list, but just like any expense put into vamping up your rental venture, it will pay off in the long run, maybe even more so than you think. Before you write it off and settle for the old iPhone photos, just hear it out and learn why it is always best to invest in a professional photographer for your future, or current, listing:

 

First Impressions

First impressions are everything. Whether big or small, how we initially perceive something ultimately influences the decisions we make on a day-to-day basis.

With this in mind, why would the principle be any different when it comes to renting out your property and/or picking a rental to vacation in? Since your future guest cannot physically see the property prior to booking, their decision will lie fully within the quality of content you share. You don’t just want them to see it and like it, you want them to see it, love it, and feel confident in their decision to book with a trusted host and trusted property (that is not sketchy at all).

Guests will always look at pictures first, as an article by HomeHost puts it best. Properties that please the eye upon viewing are more likely to be booked. Professional photography allows your property to stand out amongst the crowd, making it more likely for prospective guests to remember and circle back after scrolling through a handful of others.

Quality is Key

Now don't get me wrong, phone companies make a great camera these days and really have the ability to make the consumer feel like a professional photographer, but don’t be fooled by this. As stated in an article by Xplorie, “bad photography, dark or blurry images, can absolutely negatively affect bookings.”

Even the most luxurious of properties can be conveyed poorly, or as untrustworthy, if the quality of its content does not match what the host is trying to deliver.

Trained professional photographers using proper equipment have an eye for capturing these things and a way of highlighting your property in its best light- showcasing all the features and angles that scream “PICK ME! CHOOSE ME!” They understand that images sell and use the power of post-production to create the perfect content to be utilized.

In the age of digital scrolling, attention is only earned when it captivates its audience. From personal experience, and I'm sure all can say this, it takes a lot to break that scroll and actually stop to appreciate something.

What Photos Should Be Included??

“Travelers are 83% more likely to inquire if your property listings contain 20 or more photos,” found a study performed by FlipKey. But what kind of photos are they wanting?

Most commonly, guests are going to be looking for spaces that are comfortable, unique, and practical depending on their needs. As a host, you want to answer all their questions before they even have to ask. Having more than enough photos of the space helps to reinforce the guest’s confidence to book knowing that what you have to offer will accommodate all their needs.

Great photos to include are:

• Living spaces
• Kitchen
• Dining
• Appliances
• Bedroom(s)
• Bathroom(s)
• Storage
• Quirks and highlights
• Amenities
• Neighborhood /Location specks
• Anything that SCREAMS “Pick me! Choose me!!”

Drone/Aerial Photography

To take it a step beyond traditional photography, aerial photography and videography have absolutely taken over the real estate world which is not much different from the rental world. Aerial photography allows guests to get a “better understanding of what the property looks like, its dimensions, and the surrounding area” (VanEd). By giving them a unique overlook of the property and all its specks, you are already setting your property apart from others nearby. Want them to know how close you are to the beach or downtown? Let's show rather than tell. Aerial photography takes into consideration your property’s overall ‘curb appeal’ and relative proximity to amenities.

The Return

Professional photos are more than just an aesthetic element added to your addendum, but rather a return on your hard work. According to Airbnb, hosts with professional photos are likely to see a 20% increase in earnings and bookings compared to other listings in their area while quickly recovering the cost of photography with future bookings. Who doesn't want to stand out amongst the crowd and get more bang for their buck?

Your rental property is an investment. You have poured money, time, and likely some choice words and tears into making it the most tasteful, cozy, and/or weird abode on the block, so you may as well capture it in the same way.