How to Attract Contractors / Trades to Your Short-Term Rental Property

 

As a short-term rental host, you're always on the lookout for ways to maximize your property's occupancy and income (especially in the slower, winter season). One often-overlooked yet lucrative market is targeting contractors and skilled professionals coming to work in your local area.


In this guide, we'll explore proven strategies to attract contractors to your short-term rental property, ensuring a steady stream of bookings and increased revenue.


1. Understand the Needs of Contractors


Before you can successfully attract contractors to your short-term rental property, it's essential to understand their unique needs and preferences. Remember, they are not going to be your typical tourists who want a list of local attractions and a hot tub in the garden. These people are coming here to work, so they will most likely need a comfortable sleep, a place to cook meals and a way to relax. 


Don’t try to compete with super fancy private villas. For this target audience, your competition ae budget hotels like Travelodge or Premier Inn.

Contractors typically seek:


  • Proximity to work sites:

    Contractors value properties close to their work sites, minimizing commute times and ensuring convenience.

  • Large parking spots:

    able to fit a van or a couple of them. Garden or backyard parking would be ideal, but large street parking would also work.

  • Functional kitchen amenities:

    Complete kitchen equipment is a must. Good to have: deep fryer, more than 1 microwave, crockpot.  

  • Extended Stays:

    Contractors often require longer stays, so offer competitive weekly or monthly rates.

  • Reliable Internet:

    High-speed and reliable internet access is a must for contractors who need to stay connected and connect with their managers in the HQ.

  • Entertainment:

    Darts are a frequently requested amenity (just make sure to protect the wall before hanging the board on it), followed by large TV with an extended choice of channels.

    Good to have: table football, projector to turn a wall into a home cinema.

    Super extra good to have: an arcade machine.

2. Optimise Your Property Listing


To attract contractors, your property listing must highlight the features and amenities that cater to their needs:


  • Craft a compelling headline emphasizing large parking space available

  • Provide detailed property description that showcase functional amenities.

  • Include high-quality photos of every room and the surrounding area.

  • Offer flexible booking options, such as weekly and monthly rates.

  • Mention reliable internet and workspace availability in your listing.

  • Explicitly mention that the property is a great longer-stay option for contractors or traders.


3. Build Relationships with Local Businesses


Establishing partnerships with local businesses can be a game-changer in attracting contractors:


  • Contact construction companies, local factories, and businesses to introduce your short-term rental as a convenient accommodation option for their employees.

  • Offer special rates or incentives to businesses that refer their contractors to your property.


4. Leverage Online Platforms


Make the most of online platforms to reach contractors:

  • Create a dedicated website or landing page showcasing your property's appeal to contractors.

  • List your property on online platforms catering to business travellers:

  • Comfy Workers

  • Trade Stays

  • Furnished Finder

  • Beds For Builders

  • Book Trade Rooms

  • Optimise your property's presence on major booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com with targeted keywords like “contractors” “trade” etc.


5. Highlight Safety and Security

Contractors value their safety and security during extended stays:

  • Install security measures like well-functioning locks and outdoor lighting.

  • Provide emergency contact information and local resources for contractors' peace of mind.


6. Gather Positive Reviews


Encourage contractors to leave positive reviews after their stays:

  • Deliver exceptional service to contractors to generate positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

  • Promptly address any issues or concerns to maintain a stellar reputation.

7. Offer Flexible Check-In and Check-Out


Contractors often have varied schedules, so flexibility with check-in and check-out times can make your property more appealing:

  • Communicate your willingness to accommodate different arrival and departure times.

  • Consider providing self-check-in options for added convenience.


About Us


KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 5,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property already.

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point, which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times.

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more, visit our website: https://keynest.com/

 
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