It's likely that you already rent to travelers if you own a rental property in a scenic location, for example, surfers who travel from all over the country to catch the waves or mountaineers who enjoy hiking in a national park.

However, you only get a few inquiries. Often, even if you do, you're lucky if anyone rents. Despite the popularity of your town and the success other landlords have in getting tenants, you're lucky if you have any occupancy at all.

If this is the case, then you're likely making some common mistakes.

Mistake #1: Your House Disappoints Visitors

There may be issues with your property that turn people off when they come to look at it. For example, you may have a toilet that doesn't flush properly, the paint on the wall is peeling, one of your windows doesn't shut properly, and there's a wasp nest in the tree near your front door.

Perhaps you have tried to fix the toilet but can't figure out why it overflows. Is it because of a clogged drain, a blocked vent pipe, or a high filler float? Search for "plumbers near me" online instead of doing it yourself.

Similarly, find a local painter to add a fresh coat of paint, get a handyman to replace the window, and contact a pest control company to handle the wasp problem.

Work on your business, not in it. Put your attention on marketing rather than trying to save money by struggling with your maintenance.

Mistake #2: You Don't Use High-Quality Photos in Your Advertising

You need to use high-quality photos of your property when trying to attract guests.

People viewing your advertisements will want to see what they're booking.

Make sure your photos are well-lit and show off the best features of your home. Hire a professional photographer to take photos of your rental. It may cost you a few hundred dollars, but it will be worth it if you get high-quality photos that will attract guests.

Mistake #3: You're Not Getting the Word Out

Perhaps you already have a few flyers around town, advertise in the classified column in your local newspaper, and use Craigslist. However, if you're only getting a few inquiries, you should advertise more.

Here are some ways you can attract more attention to your property.

1. Create a Professional Listing:

Once you have high-quality photos, create your listing. Write an attention-grabbing headline and include key information about the property such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the square footage, and amenities.

In your listing, include plenty of photos so that potential guests can get a good sense of what your property looks like. 

2. Promote Your Property

Now that you have a professional listing, promote your rental property. You can market your property in several ways, such as through online listing sites or print advertising in multiple newspapers in your area.

Listing your property on rental sites is one of the best ways to attract vacationers. Potential guests will be able to easily locate your property when they are searching for a place to stay.

3. Use Social Media Marketing

You can reach potential guests and market your property with social media. Create a profile on popular social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share photos and information about your property.

You can also use social media for promotional campaigns, such as contests and giveaways. For example, you could offer a free night's stay at your property. Be sure to promote your contest or giveaway on your social media profiles and in your email newsletter.

Additionally, you can attract vacationers by offering specials and discounts in social media ads. It could be a discount for guests who book a certain length of stay or who book during off-peak hours.

Fix These Common Mistakes

Take constructive action to make your rental property more appealing to vacationers. First, hire tradespeople to fix up your property. Second, use high-quality photos in your advertising. Third, use a lot more media to reach potential guests. If you make these corrections you can increase your chances of attracting tourists to your rental property.