By - Friday, November 08, 2024
Many new hosts are concerned about attracting corporate clients for mid-term rentals. The process may seem challenging if you’re unfamiliar with where to find clients or how to meet their needs. However, in my experience, it’s actually simpler than it appears—especially with the right resources and strategies in place. After a decade in this field and with a community of over 100 members, I’ve found that the key is knowing where to look, how to negotiate, and how to build strong, lasting relationships.
Why Corporate Clients Are Easier to Retain Than Vacationers
While vacation rental hosts work hard to satisfy short-term guests on a weekend getaway, corporate housing offers a different—and often simpler—client experience. Here’s why:
Longer Stays, Lower Turnover: Corporate clients generally stay for extended periods, often weeks or months. This means hosts can focus on fewer turnovers and longer-term relationship building.
Flexibility in Service: Vacationers expect a flawless experience because they’re on a tight schedule. If something breaks, they need it fixed immediately. Corporate clients, however, are here to work. Minor inconveniences aren’t as disruptive because they understand that staying for months involves occasional maintenance. This flexibility makes it easier to meet their needs.
Clearer Expectations and Communication: Corporate clients usually require straightforward amenities—a quiet space to work, reliable Wi-Fi, and a comfortable, home-like environment. Hosts who understand these specific needs can design their offerings accordingly, which makes it simpler to satisfy corporate clients.
Steady Income Stream: Corporate clients are more predictable when it comes to payments. Companies and organizations often cover the accommodation costs for their employees, which can lead to timely payments and fewer payment issues.
How to Attract Corporate Clients Without the Struggle
Building a reliable network and accessing the right resources are critical in this industry. Over the past decade, I’ve curated a list of proven sources to find high-quality corporate clients, as well as strategies on how to approach them, what to say, and how to negotiate. With our established community, our members share exclusive insights, support each other, and ensure they’re always able to attract a steady flow of clients.
Here are some essential tips to attract and keep corporate clients:
Know Where to Look: There are specialized platforms, networks, and partnerships that focus specifically on corporate housing needs. Getting listed on these platforms immediately raises your visibility to the right audience.
Craft the Right Offer: Corporate clients are looking for amenities that suit their specific needs—think in-unit laundry, dedicated workspaces, fast Wi-Fi, and even pet-friendly options. Curate your listing and highlight these key features.
Build Relationships with HR Departments and Relocation Services: Reaching out to local businesses and relocation companies directly can open doors to a consistent stream of corporate clients. Relationships in these areas are invaluable and often lead to repeat bookings.
Use Professional Communication: Corporate clients expect professionalism. From the booking process to your day-to-day interactions, maintain a professional tone to create a lasting impression.
Why Our Community Makes It Even Easier
In our network of over 100 members, we help each other by sharing insights on what to do, where to find clients, how to negotiate, and what language works best. With our combined experience, it’s much easier to avoid the trial and error most hosts go through alone.
We’ve also seen that corporate clients are more than willing to stay for months and are generally respectful of the properties, making them ideal for those who want a hassle-free rental experience.
Conclusion: Corporate Clients Are Worth the Effort
If you’re considering corporate housing but are unsure how to attract or keep corporate clients, it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a supportive community, it’s possible to grow a steady business that brings in reliable income with fewer headaches.