Once you have made the decision that short-term rentals are the right investment for you and after you have identified the perfect vacation rental asset that is placed well in Branson's unique rental market, now you are ready to optimize your investment. Here are 7 things you must do to supercharge your Short Term Rental (STR) and stand far and above your competition.

1. Cleanliness

Cleanliness is one of the most critical factors in maintaining a successful nightly rental. A spotless unit not only meets guest expectations but also contributes to positive reviews and repeat bookings. It reflects the host's commitment to providing a comfortable and safe environment, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and valued. Exceptional cleanliness can be a key differentiator that sets your listing apart from others. Make a detailed checklist for turning over your rental each time to ensure that the snacks are always refilled, the inside of the microwave is wiped down, the baseboards are clean, etc.

‍

2. Boost your Occupancy Rates

Arguably the most important Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to monitor is your occupancy rate, which measures how many days of the month your rental is booked. The average occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Branson in 2023 was 70%. The higher your occupancy rates, the higher you can raise your rates. A good owner will use dynamic pricing based on demand rather than using a set-it-and-forget-it schedule. Tools like AirDNA can help you set your prices based on seasonal demand and your competition's rates. Another strategy to boost occupancy and decrease turnover expenses is to increase your minimum night stays. While a two-night minimum is typical in Branson, consider implementing three-night or even four-night minimums on holiday weekends to take advantage of increased tourist traffic during peak times like Labor Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, Spring Break, and Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas.

Another tool to boost occupancy and decrease turnover expenses is to increase your minimum night stays. In Branson, it is typical to have a two-night minimum. However, I have seen great success in implementing three-night and even four-night minimums on holiday weekends. Take advantage of the increased tourist traffic on Labor Day, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Independence Day, Spring Break, and Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas.

3. Furniture and Decor

Your nightly rental should feel bright and clean, with a mix of white, warm tones, and cheerful colors. While it's tempting to go completely neutral, properties that perform best in Branson have memorable and bright elements with an overall clean feel.

• Choose durable, comfortable finishes for your furniture that stand up to high traffic while still being appealing.
• Opt for king-size beds with high-quality mattresses, as one bad review about an uncomfortable bed can affect future bookings.
  

• Provide large, smart TVs with Roku capabilities so guests can log into their streaming subscriptions.
• Always opt for a fold-out couch in the living room to accommodate extra guests and upgrade the mattress to higher-end memory foam.
• As you decorate, remember that you're primarily appealing to a female audience, who are often the ones booking the trip. To appeal to the male audience, consider adding a recliner chair if space allows.

• Decor and wall art can add photo ops and color to your unit. Consider artwork featuring Branson's breathtaking views. Think about how each area will look in listing photos and guest photos. Ensure your rental has photo ops at every turn for a memorable vacation experience.
• Leave more room for living space and conserve dining space, as most vacationers will eat out and need extra seating for relaxing in the evenings. If you choose a larger table, consider bench seating to save space. If your unit has an island, get stools with a smaller footprint to maximize living area space.

‍

4. Pet Friendly

Seventy-eight percent of American pet owners travel with their pets each year. Whether or not your unit allows pets, some guests will still bring them, so it's better to advertise that you allow pets to reach more potential customers. Advertising that your nightly rental unit allows pets has also shown to help in the shoulder months.

Invest in LVP flooring, which is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and pet-friendly and choose durable furniture that is easy to clean.

5. Family Friendly

Branson is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, so your rental should include fun activities for families.

Stock your STR with a library of board games, add a grill if you have a walk-out unit (check COA guidelines for restrictions), and have a corn hole set ready. Invest in comfortable patio seating and consider adding e-bikes for guests to enjoy.

6. Stellar Marketing

Invest a few hundred dollars in professional photography to make your rental listing stand out. The more photos, the better. Upload them in order to create a virtual walkthrough of your rental. Great lighting and professional photography will position your rental above the competition.

Craft thoughtful listing remarks highlighting all the great features that boost your property, making it the perfect place for guests to stay. Use keywords that guests search for, like pet-friendly, lake view, and pull-out sofa, and feature them in your listing.

7. Audit Your Property Regularly

Stay at your property at least a few nights a year to ensure everything is as expected. Touch up paint chips, make minor repairs, and give your property a deep clean. Check the state of linens and towels, ensure all dishes are present, eliminate any unpleasant odors, and address any creaking doors. The small details matter to your guests.

8. Customer Service and Great Reviews

Strive for a 5-star review every time by providing excellent customer service and offering a suggestion box for guests to make helpful suggestions. If you hire property management, ensure they care for your business and customers as you would. Have a local roster of professionals for maintenance requests. Following a guest's stay, request a 5-star review and add them to your drip campaign for future bookings. Your reviews can make or break your business, so prioritize this task.

‍

By optimizing your STR investment property, you are giving yourself an advantage over your competition and the more you can stack these advantages, the better your investment will do in the Branson vacation rental market.