Marketing Tips for Log Cabin Owners

Log cabin rentals offer beautiful views and experiences. Yet vacation rental owners may have difficulty with developing a marketing strategy. If you’re a log cabin rental owner, there is a target audience for your property. Marketing to this audience will increase your bookings.

According to statistics in the Smoky Mountains “Even in a slow uncertain economy, the number of cabin-renting visitors coming to the area remained consistent.” In 2016 there were 11.3 million recreational visits.

What do these numbers mean for log cabin rentals? Your cabin location will give you bookings. What you need to do is identify the best ways to market your log cabin to reach this audience.

Who is your target audience?

The first step to marketing is knowing your target audience. Begin with your log cabin’s opportunity. Ask yourself questions relating to its space:

• How many bedrooms does it have? How many bathrooms?
• What is the kitchen size?
• Does your property have outdoor spaces (Deck, porch, or patio)?
• How many people could live there?
• Could your property house a family of five? Or a couple on their honeymoon?

When you understand your property’s accommodations, you can market to your target audience. Highlight the features that best suit this audience.

Location, Location, Location

It is important to consider your property’s location. Nearby activities influence guest bookings.

For some log cabin owners, their rental property targets seasonal vacationers. This includes skiers, hikers, and snow-loving vacationers. If this is true for your property, then describe the nearby area.

Is your location known for the best hiking trails in the state? Does a nearby resort offer seasonal passes for skiing? Is there an annual holiday festival nearby? Is it a busy location for hunters?

Your location is going to set your rental apart from nearby hotels, resorts, or other log cabins. Consider what made you buy/build your log cabin in the first place. What makes it special?

For example, “Our log cabin overlooks the Smoky Mountains. It is surrounded by 100-year-old trees, in a secluded 10-acre lot. A half an hour drive will bring you to the largest ski resort in our artistic town!”

Use your location to market to guests. Emphasize that your location provides different regional experiences. Whether this means access to local cuisine, diverse climates, or languages. When your log cabin’s location has realistic rates, your property books.

Market Your Log Cabin’s Character

Your guests are going to be individuals who love log cabins. Use your log cabin’s character and features as a marketing tool.

Present these features using professional photography. Use photography to play on emotions. Romanticize the seclusion of the property. Zero in on the adventure of the area. Some examples that compel renters to book log cabin properties are:

• Large windows
• Fireplaces
• Beautiful woodwork
• Scenic views

Specify Your Property’s Amenities

Your location is the main motivation for log cabin guests. Such as its proximity to mountains, lakes, and outdoor activities. Yet, not all guests want a dated or camping-style cabin. Some guests expect the log cabin to have the modern features of everyday properties. These features include:

• Modern kitchen
• Game room with flat-screen TVs
• Outdoor deck with hot tub
• Updated interior
• Access to Wi-Fi

It is okay if you do not have all of these features in your log cabin. If you do, it is in your property’s best interest to mention them. This will boost your property's visibility for this target audience.

If your property does not include these features, consider updating. Investing in popular features will add value and gain bookings.

Market on a Variety of Platforms

To market your log cabin to a wide audience, you should use multi-marketing techniques. Consider placing your log cabin in magazines or newspapers. This targets city populations who want to vacation in secluded locations.

You can also create an online newsletter or email list. Send this information to previous guests to book return trips. Highlight events in the area, discounted rates, or updates to your property.

With the expansion and popularity of online bookings, we recommend pairing with Futurestay. Futurestay lists properties on Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo, and more. Your property will reach a wider audience through these channels.

What Marketing Techniques Have You Used?

The first step with log cabin marketing is to identify your target audience. Use your cabin’s features and location to draw them in. Multiple platforms will market your property to your target audience.

Have you had success with marketing log cabin rentals? Share your thoughts and suggestions on social media.