Wondering how to advertise your holiday let to its highest potential?
With its breathtaking coastlines, dramatic mountains, and charming villages, South Wales is a top destination for holidaymakers in the UK and beyond. If you own a holiday let in this scenic region, standing out in a competitive market is essential.
Here are our expert tips to help you advertise your South Wales holiday property effectively and attract more guests all year round.
Highlight What Makes Your Property Unique
Start by identifying the features that make your property truly stand out. What makes it memorable or different from others in the area? Is it a cosy, characterful cottage with sweeping sea views, perfect for romantic getaways? Or perhaps it’s a sleek, modern apartment just minutes from the Brecon Beacons, ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Maybe your place is a spacious, pet-friendly retreat with a private hot tub and enclosed garden, perfect for families or dog owners looking to relax in comfort.
Think about what guests are most likely to appreciate during their stay. Do you offer fast Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace for remote workers? Is your kitchen particularly well-equipped for those who love to cook? Are there local walking trails, pubs, or attractions within easy reach?
Once you’ve pinpointed your property’s unique selling points (USPs), make sure to highlight them clearly in your listing title and description. A well-crafted title, such as “Seaside Cottage with Hot Tub & Dog-Friendly Garden” or “Stylish Mountain-View Apartment near Hiking Trails” can grab attention quickly and help your listing stand out in search results. Then, use your description to bring those features to life with vivid language and a warm, welcoming tone that helps potential guests imagine themselves enjoying the space.
Tip: Use vivid, emotive language. “Wake up to sweeping views of the Gower Peninsula” is more compelling than “Sea view available.”
Invest in High-Quality Photography
Photos are one of the most powerful tools for attracting bookings — they’re often the first thing potential guests notice, and first impressions count. High-quality, eye-catching images can instantly capture a viewer’s attention and spark their interest in your property.
Before photographing your space, make sure it’s spotlessly clean, well-lit, and thoughtfully staged. Open curtains to let in natural light, add fresh flowers or cushions for a welcoming touch, and remove any clutter to create a sense of space and calm. If you can, consider hiring a professional photographer who specialises in interiors; they’ll know how to frame each shot to show your property at its very best.
Include images of every key area: all bedrooms, the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and any standout features like a log burner, hot tub, balcony, or garden. Don’t forget the exterior; a charming front door or scenic outdoor space can help set the tone for a guest’s stay.
If you’re wondering how best to furnish your holiday let, check out our blog on how to furnish your holiday let.
It’s also a great idea to include photos of nearby attractions, such as local beaches, walking trails, countryside views, or popular landmarks. These lifestyle shots help guests get a feel for the experience they can expect and show off the location as well as the accommodation.
Remember, guests will often scroll through photos before they even read your description, so make sure your gallery tells a clear, appealing story of your property, one that invites them to picture themselves enjoying every part of their stay.
Bonus: Include seasonal images (e.g., log fire scenes for winter, sunny garden shots for summer).
Use a Descriptive, SEO-Friendly Title
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is all about increasing the visibility of your holiday let online, particularly on platforms like Google and booking sites, so that potential guests can easily find your listing when they’re searching for places to stay. The goal is to appear as high as possible in search results, making your property stand out in a crowded market.
A simple but effective way to start is by optimising your listing title. Your title should include two key elements: your location and a stand-out feature of your property. This not only grabs attention but also helps search engines understand what your listing offers. For example:
- “Charming Cottage with Sea Views in Rhossili”
- “Dog-Friendly Family Retreat in the Heart of the Valleys”
When crafting your listing, think like a guest. What would someone type into Google if they were looking for a holiday like yours? Including specific keywords that match what your target audience is searching for, such as “South Wales holiday cottage,” “coastal retreat,” “family-friendly accommodation,” or “pet-friendly cottage in Snowdonia”, can significantly boost your visibility.
Also, remember that SEO isn’t just about titles. Use those same keywords naturally throughout your description, amenities list, and even in your image filenames if your platform allows it. The more clearly you communicate what your property offers and where it is, the more likely you are to attract guests who are actively looking for exactly what you provide.
Write a Clear, Engaging Description
Your property description should strike a balance between informative and inviting. Structure it in easy-to-read paragraphs, covering:
- Local attractions (beaches, walks, pubs, castles)
- Who the property is suitable for (families, couples, dog owners)
- Booking details and any special offers
Pro tip: Keep it warm and personal. Guests want to feel welcome before they even book.
Leverage Reviews and Testimonials
Positive reviews are powerful; they build trust with potential guests and can significantly influence booking decisions. In fact, many travellers rely heavily on reviews when comparing properties, often choosing a stay based on the experiences of others. That’s why it’s essential to encourage guests to leave feedback after their stay.
Make it easy for them: a polite follow-up message after check-out, thanking them for their visit and kindly asking for a review, can go a long way. The more positive feedback you collect, the more credible and appealing your listing becomes.
To ensure your guests have the best experience in your holiday let, ensure you check out our market insights report to familiarise yourself with what gains more bookings when people search for their holiday home holidays.
Don’t be shy about highlighting standout reviews in your listing description or marketing materials. A line like “Our family had the most relaxing week, we didn’t want to leave!” adds a personal, authentic touch that resonates with future guests. You can also strategically choose quotes that reinforce your key selling points, such as “The perfect dog-friendly escape” or “Ideal base for exploring the Welsh countryside.”
Remember: reviews are also great for SEO. When guests mention specific features, locations, or experiences, they naturally include keywords that help your listing show up in relevant searches. It’s user-generated content that works in your favour, so the more (genuine) reviews you have, the better your visibility and credibility.
List on a Trusted Platform
Partnering with a well-established holiday letting site like Welsh-Cottages.co.uk is one of the smartest steps you can take to ensure your property reaches the right audience. With so many listings online, visibility is everything—and working with a trusted, Wales-focused platform gives your holiday let a clear advantage.
At Welsh-Cottages.co.uk, we specialise in showcasing the very best of Wales, from cosy coastal retreats to dog-friendly cottages and family-friendly farm stays. Our website attracts guests who are specifically searching for a Welsh getaway, meaning your property is promoted directly to people who are already interested in what you offer.
In addition to targeted exposure, you’ll benefit from strategic marketing campaigns, including SEO, social media promotion, and email outreach, all designed to maximise your bookings. Plus, our personalised support means you’re never on your own; whether you’re new to holiday letting or an experienced host, our team is here to help you succeed every step of the way.
By choosing a platform that understands the market and shares your passion for Welsh hospitality, you’re not just listing a property, you’re joining a community dedicated to helping your let thrive.
Promote on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your holiday let, and platforms like Facebook and Instagram are ideal for showcasing what makes your property special. They allow you to connect directly with potential guests, build a following, and share regular updates that keep your listing top of mind.
Start by posting high-quality photos of your property, think cosy interiors, scenic views, and inviting outdoor spaces. Visual content performs especially well on Instagram, where people are often looking for travel inspiration. Mix in guest testimonials, behind-the-scenes moments (like prepping the cottage for new arrivals), and useful local tips, such as nearby walks, dog-friendly pubs, or seasonal events. This not only builds trust but also highlights the unique experience guests can expect.
To boost your visibility, make use of relevant hashtags like #VisitWales, #SouthWalesCottage, #StayInWales, or location-specific ones such as #BreconCottage. Tagging local tourism boards and attractions can also help extend your reach and even lead to shares or features on their pages.
Don’t forget to engage with your audience, reply to comments, share user-generated content (with permission), and follow other local businesses. Social media thrives on connection, and an active, approachable presence can encourage enquiries and repeat bookings.
Keep Your Calendar and Pricing Up to Date
Availability and competitive pricing play a crucial role in turning interest into bookings. In a crowded market, guests often compare multiple options, so keeping your listing accurate, up to date, and competitively priced can be the deciding factor.
Make sure your availability calendar is regularly updated across all platforms you list on. Nothing puts off a potential guest more than finding their preferred dates are incorrectly marked as available, or worse, having a booking cancelled due to a double-booking error.
Responding to inquiries quickly also builds trust and shows you’re a proactive, reliable host. Many guests book the first suitable property they hear back from, so timely replies can give you a major edge.
When it comes to pricing, don’t set it and forget it. Adjust your rates based on seasonal trends, local events, school holidays, and demand in your area. Offering short breaks, mid-week discounts, or last-minute deals can also help fill gaps in your calendar and boost revenue. Using dynamic pricing tools or monitoring competitor rates in your area can help you stay competitive without underpricing your property.
Staying flexible and responsive with both availability and pricing is key to maximising bookings and making the most of every letting opportunity.
Offer Flexible Stays and Added Extras
Flexibility is a major advantage in today’s holiday letting market. With more travellers looking for convenience, comfort, and personalised experiences, small touches and adaptable options can set your property apart from the competition.
Consider offering short stays, such as two- or three-night breaks, which appeal to couples, solo travellers, or families seeking a weekend escape. These can help fill midweek gaps and attract guests who may not be able to commit to a full week.
Adding options like late check-outs or early arrivals (where possible) can make a big difference to the guest experience, especially for those travelling with children or pets. These little extras show you’re thinking about your guests’ comfort and convenience, and that builds loyalty.
Thoughtful gestures also go a long way. Welcoming touches such as a bottle of local wine, Welsh cakes, or a basket of dog treats and a towel for muddy paws can leave a lasting impression and encourage glowing reviews. These inexpensive additions make guests feel valued and enhance the overall stay.
In a market where travellers have plenty of choice, offering flexibility and a few personal touches can turn a good stay into a memorable one, and keep your calendar booked throughout the year.
Monitor and Adapt
Using data to your advantage is one of the most effective ways to boost bookings and make smarter decisions about your holiday let. By tracking what works, and what doesn’t, you can refine your approach over time and maximise your property’s potential.
Start by monitoring which listings, promotions, or platforms generate the most views, enquiries, or bookings. Are guests responding more to certain images? Does a specific title or headline get more clicks? Are bookings higher when you offer discounts or flexible dates? These are valuable clues about what your target audience wants.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with small changes. Updating your listing title to include stronger keywords (like “seafront,” “hot tub,” or “dog-friendly”), switching out your main photo to a more eye-catching image, or adjusting your pricing for peak weekends can all have a noticeable impact. Even something as simple as reordering your photos or refreshing your description with seasonal highlights can help keep your listing fresh and relevant.
Many booking platforms offer basic performance analytics; take the time to review them regularly. If you’re advertising through social media or email, use built-in tools to track engagement and conversions. These insights can guide you to make data-driven decisions, rather than relying on guesswork.
In short, continual tweaking and testing, based on real data, can help you attract more guests, stand out from competitors, and ultimately increase your revenue.
Ready to showcase your South Wales holiday let?
Join Welsh-Cottages.co.uk today and unlock the full potential of your holiday let with expert support, targeted marketing, and the credibility of a trusted brand that proudly celebrates everything wonderful about Wales.
By partnering with us, your property will be showcased to a dedicated audience of travellers seeking authentic Welsh getaways, from scenic countryside retreats to charming coastal cottages. Our team is here to provide personalised guidance every step of the way, helping you attract more bookings and maximise your rental income. Check out our guide on holiday let management to see how best we can support your holiday home journey.
Whether you’re a new host or an experienced one, we’re committed to making the process simple, rewarding, and successful. Together, we can turn your property into someone’s perfect escape, a memorable place where guests can relax, explore, and experience the magic of Wales.
For more information about letting your cottage with us, complete the form below to request contact from our team. You’ll also receive a copy of our FREE Owner Guide.
