Cyprus Villa Owner

My New Blog

2006-11-09T20:38:00.000Z

Click to view.

My Holiday Home...

2006-10-20T13:14:00.000+01:00

This is a link to a website with my holiday home which is now rented out on long term contract.

This should inspire you if you want to buy a wreck and do it up for fun!

Click here to open the page in a new window

Foreign Office Travel Advice ...For Your Guest Manual

2006-09-25T21:01:00.000+01:00

The information is from the Foreign Office, and useful to guests who like to be "in the know" about where they visiting, once they get there....

SUMMARY

Cyprus shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism.
Crimes against tourists are uncommon
Cyprus has a strict policy of zero tolerance towards drugs
Driving standards are poor, drive with care and caution
Beware of strong seas and only swim at approved beaches
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical
insurance before travelling.
Before purchasing property anywhere in Cyprus you are strongly advised to seek
independant qualifed legal advice

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism

Cyprus shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism. Attacks
could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.

Crime

There have been a number of bombings and torching of cars, mainly in the Limassol
and Nicosia areas over a few years. Although the perpetrators have rarely been identified, these activities are restricted for the most part to in fighting among the criminal fraternity.

Crimes against tourists are uncommon. You should, however, safeguard passports, money and other valuables by using safety deposit boxes where available.

Political Situation

The Republic of Cyprus is full member of the EU. But the country remains divided by theGreen Line which separates the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from the rest of the island. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognised by the British Government.

Local Travel

The partial lifting of restrictions on crossing the Green Line allows Cypriots to cross at designated crossing points from the north to the south. It is possible to travel to the north of cyprus from the south by crossing at several checkpoints, including at Ledra Palace, which is for pedestrians only. You are strongly advised, however, to check the insurance implications with your car hire company before doing so. It is possible to hire a car once you have crossed into
the north. There are controls on the quantities and types of goods that can be purchased in the north and brought into the south. Goods may be confiscated at the checkpoint upon return to the south.

British and foreign nationals who have entered Cyprus through the north are considered by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered Cyprus through an illegal port of entry. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus reserves the right to fine EU (including British) citizens for the illegal entry if they cross into the south. In practice, their current policy is not to do so.

Road Safety

Cypriot driving regulations are similar to those of the UK and driving is on the left hand side of the road. Driving standards are poor. You may be fined 500 pounds or more if you are caught not wearing a seat belt or crash helmet or if you are using a mobile phone or under the influence of alcohol while driving.

Most roads, including intercity highways are of a good standard. Short term visitors and tourists are permitted to drive on a UK driving licences.

When hiring a car, moped, boat, jetski or other vehicle, you should check that it is road or sea worthy and that you have appropriate insurance cover and safety equipment.

Sea Safety

Bathing is generally safe, but you should be aware of strong seas and undertows. You should always comply with warning signs and swim only from approved beaches.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero tolerance policy towards drugs. Being caught in possession of any type of narcotic will usually lead to a prison sentence or a hefty fine.

Do not attempt to make fraudulent claims on your insurance policy. The police investigate such claims and prosecute visitors for this offence. Prison sentences and heavy fines have been imposed.

You should avoid taking photographs near potentially sensitive areas such as military establishments in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

Homosexuality is legal in Cyprus, although it is not generally as openly accepted as in UK.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Cyprus is a full member of the European Union. Holders of full British Passports do not require visas.

HEALTH

You should take with you a completed E111 form which should be completed before you leave UK. They are available free of charge from most post offices. This will entitle you to free emergency medical treatment in Cyprus. It is still essential that you obtain comprehensive medical/travel insurance before travelling to the island.

For more information on health, check the Department of Health Website at: WWW.dh.gov.uk

NATURAL DISASTERS

Cyprus occasionally experiences earth tremors but invariably they are very mild.

GENERAL

Purchasing Property

Before purchasing property anywhere in Cyprus you are strongly advised to seek independent qualified legal advice.

The non-recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the possibility of future political settlement in Cyprus could have a significant practical or financial implications for those considering buying property in the north.

There are also specific rules for foreigners purchasing property in the North and you should ensure that you are fully aware of these.

Timeshare/property salespersons tout for business in Cyprus, especially in the Paphos area. You should read the fine print very carefully and seek legal advice before signing any kind of contract. Under Cyprus law you are entitled to a 15-day "cooling off" period during which, if you change your mind
you should receive a full refund of any money paid.

HIGH COMMISSION CONTACT DETAILS

High Commissioner:

Address: British High Commission
Alexander Pallis Street
PO Box 21978
158 Nicosia
or BFPO 567

Telephone: +357 22 861 100

Fax: +357 22 861125 - Information
+357 22 861 175 - Management
+357 22 861 200 - Consular
+357 22 861 150 - Commercial
+357 22 861 315 - Chancery

Email: infobhc@cylink.com.cy

Office Hours: Mon to Fri: 05.30 -12.30 GMT
Mon to Fri: 07.30 - 12.30 Local Time

Website: http://www.britain.org.cy

Emergency Numbers etc...For Your Guest Manual

2006-09-25T20:46:00.000+01:00

Health & Safety / Innoculations

Emergency information

In case of emergency, immediate response is given by the following telephone numbers, where English is spoken everywhere:

Ambulance: 199, 112
Fire Service: 199, 112
Police: 199, 112

Night Pharmacies: 192

or automatic recording for:

Lefkosia 1402 (Nicosia)
Lemesos 1405 (Limassol)
Larnaca 1404
Paphos 1406
Ammochostos 1403 (Protoras, Ayia Napa Area)

AIDS Advisory Centre: +357 22 30 51 55

NARCOTICS Emergency Service: 1401

Hospitals:

Lefkosia General Hospital: +357 22 80 14 00, 22 80 14 75 (Accidents & Emergency)
Lemesos General Hospital: +357 25 80 11 00, 25 30 57 70
Larnaca General Hospital: +357 24 80 05 00, 24 80 03 69
Paphos General Hospital: +357 26 80 32 60, 26 30 61 00
Paralimni Hospital: +357 23 82 12 11
Polis Hospital: +357 26 32 14 31
Kyperounta Hospital: +357 25 53 20 21

Medical Services and Hospitals Dialysis Units

Medical care-needs in Cyprus are met through:

1. Government General Hospitals
2. Private Clinics/Hospitals

Government General Hospitals and Private clinics/hospitals are mostly concentrated in urban areas, while health centres, subcentres, and dispensaries function in the rural areas, providing a network to meet the medical needs of the whole population.

All Government General Hospitals as well as some private clinics have Accident and Emergency Departments for emergency cases.

Medical treatment and assistance is offered free of charge to international tourists in case of health emergencies at the Accident and Emergency Department of Government Hospitals/Institutions. Out-patient and in-patient treatment is provided against payment of the prescribed fees. Holiday-makers can also make use of their health insurance, which covers medical expenses, provided that this insurance covers the length of their stay on the island.

Almost all brands of manufactured medicines are available in Cyprus. Local newspapers list pharmacies which are open during the night and on weekends/holidays, as well as the names of doctors who are on call on weekends/holidays.

Information on private doctors on call on weekends / holidays is given by the following telephone numbers:

Ammochostos 1433
Larnaca 1434
Lefkosia 1432
Lemesos 1435
Paphos 1436

Most hotels make arrangements for Medical services for their guests upon request.

The majority of doctors are English speaking.

Private doctors' visiting hours (on weekdays) : 09:00-13:00 hrs and16:00-19:00 hrs.

Cyprus is also free from dangerous infectious diseases.

No vaccination requirements for any international Traveller.

Climatic conditions in Cyprus can be termed as excellent from a health point of view. Therefore, the climate is ideal for holiday travellers throughout the year.

Chemists Opening Hours

Chemists stay open during shopping hours. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of chemists which stay open until late at night, on Public Holidays and on Sundays are listed in the daily papers and on a Friday in the Cyprus Weekly, the english newspaper.

They can also be traced through the following automatic telephones:

Lefkosia: 1412
Lemesos: 1415
Larnaca 1414
Paphos: 1416
Ammochostos: 1413

Health Food Stores with a wide range of high quality health food and health-care products and cosmetics are to be found in almost all towns. Furthermore various health food items and health-care products are found in Pharmacies and also in large supermarkets, all over the island.

Food safety and drinking water quality

In Cyprus the safety of food and drinking water quality is monitored by the Health Inspectors of the Medical and Public Services of the Ministry of Health and the Local Authorities. Food and drinking water are of high quality, absolutely safe and no food or water-bore diseases occur.

Water is safe to drink in Cyprus, as water pollution is negligible and every home has fresh running drinking-water. All the District Water Boards are in constant collaboration with the Government Health Services and the General Laboratory for the prevention of any toxicological and bacteriological infection of water in Cyprus. Tap-water in hotels, restaurants, public premises, etc., is safe to drink.

Safety in Cyprus

Crime in Cyprus is, comparatively, at a very low level. The Police are always ready to assist anyone who needs help. In case of emergency, one may telephone 199 or 112 (in all towns). All policemen speak good English.

(courtesy of CTO)

©2004-2006 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com -All Rights Reserved

Car Hire Tips To Include In Your Guest Manual...

2006-09-21T14:07:00.000+01:00

12 tips to make sure your guests have a safe and happy experience...

Always read the terms and conditions of the car hire provider's website carefully.

You may not be given the exact car you ordered - most car hire companies make it clear it will be a particular car or 'similar' and reserve the right to upgrade you to a more expensive model if they cannot supply the one you ordered.

Before taking the car away, check the petrol situation. Have you paid for a full tank? How much is actually in the tank? How must you return the car? If you need to return with a full tank check where the nearest petrol station is to the car hire return depot.

Clarify the excess situation. Even if you pay to reduce the excess to zero you may still be liable for damage to certain parts of the car i.e. tyres/windscreen

Check the insurance covers you for all aspects of your trip, especially if you plan to take your car off road, on unsurfaced or gravel pathways, as you may not be covered.

Make sure the paperwork states clearly what you have paid for i.e. insurance, taxes and charges for additional drivers and car seats etc.

Ensure you reserve the correct type of car for your needs i.e. is there enough space for you luggage, pram, have you pre-ordered infant seats and given the correct age details?

When you collect the car, make thorough checks for any damage to ensure you are not blamed for any you have not done on your return.

Ensure you keep the car hire company's contact details with you in case of emergencies. Check if there is any breakdown cover or what to do / who to contact in the event.

Check where you need to return the car to. If it is off the airport site, make a note. Make sure you have enough time to drop the car off and get it checked over.

Most car rental agreements are made on a ’24 hour’ hire basis. Therefore returning your car late may incur an extra day’s rental to be added to your bill.

Check your credit card statements after your hire to ensure that no unauthorised extras have been charged to your card. If they have, request a full explanation of the charges immediately via the broker, or car rental company, keeping a record of any correspondence.

Are Mobile Phones A Good Idea...?

2006-08-08T17:50:00.000+01:00

A mobile phone is a useful item to leave in your rental for your guests along with some useful telephone numbers. They may wish to contact a local restaurant to book a table, book car hire, or simply just have a means of communication with them on their travels around the island.

You might want to just charge a deposit for the phone plus the cost of a top up card for the phone when your guests check in or when they book in advance. Your property manager can probably deal with this on your behalf or someone you can trust. You will need to know that someone has not walked off with the phone in their luggage either by mistake or on purpose!

It is also probably a good move to use the least amount of credit and guests can top up when they need to themselves by going to CYTA.

If you use a fresh card with each guest you are not then having to credit bits of money because someone only used 3.37 and they want the rest back....!!

You can use the spare money on the cards on your own phone...

The Cyprus telephone company came up with a really useful product when they created SO EASY.

It is designed for those who wish to enjoy the basic advantages of mobile telephony without signing a contract. By paying in advance (using soeasy top-up Cards) you will be in control of your expenses without having to pay any monthly subscriptions or bills.

Click here for pay as you go information...

©2004-2006 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com -All Rights Reserved

Word of mouth...Golden Advertising...

2005-10-20T20:30:00.000+01:00

When you first have an apartment or villa for rent, the whole concept of advertising and locating guests/clients/customers seems like a mountain to climb.

Where do you start, and what is the best method?

Newspaper/local free paper?
Online?
Local/word of mouth?

Well, you should probably be thinking about all of them but the one I like best is, word of mouth and the reason is simple, it is easy to do AND you can theme your marketing very easily. The other major benefit is, it is usually free!

Among a host of other reasons, people will buy from you when they feel safe. When they start to think about their holiday in a villa or apartment, they can start from scratch once they have chosen the destination:

They might use a travel agent
Or look in the local paper
Look online
Ask their friends, relatives, people at work

Now which is the easiest thing to do?

What do I mean by theming your marketing?

I once worked in a police headquarters administration department.

On the local intranet, quite a few officers had a villa in spain, or an apartment in lanzarote, a gite in france or something similar somewhere else.

They advertised their properties for free, using this service and were fully booked for the season.

The owners did not have to advertise outside, anywhere else.

This effectively was word of mouth marketing. People would go, and tell others what a great time they had, some people left messages in the online guest book, always a good thing to encourage, and people talked among themselves at the coffee machine about where they had been or were going on holiday.

As the number of employees numbered around 40 on each floor, someone usually knew someone else who had used the property. A great opportunity for some real feedback of a positive nature (or not of course!) to create a feel good factor and of course, brilliant use of word of mouth marketing.

The property owners also themed their efforts because in effect, they were only advertising to police officers and staff who worked there, and presumably members of their family. Small but very targeted numbers of potential guests. Most people have at least 1 major holiday per year.

Can you do something similar in your working environment?

©2004-2006 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com -All Rights Reserved

Have you thought about a CD Brochure...?

2005-10-09T16:07:00.000+01:00

Ok, so you don't have a video camera, and you want to really show off your holiday home to its best advantage. The property, the area, the pool, the local colour and so on.

Well, the next best thing might be to take some digital photographs and produce them on a CD. You can fit loads of pictures on, it is simple to do for most people, and if you are technophobe, it is not outside the realms of possibility you could find someone easily to create what you need.

People these days, really want lots of information. The day of the 1 picture in a brochure have long gone. People are very discerning about their holidays, and while it is true, the package holiday maybe suffering and diy holidays are the latest thing, you need to remember you are competing with a lot of properties, types of holiday, and a mixed market place.d

Choose your best features, what makes your area unique and sell it.

You need to make your "brochure" very very attractive. That said, I would not recommend a sound track of Zorba the Greek, or anything remotely similar, that would be a step too far and could turn people off. Leave the music score to John Williams, he has made millions, he knows what he is doing...!

Good luck with your rentals!

©2004-2006 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com -All Rights Reserved

Have You Thought About Using Video...?

2005-09-23T12:11:00.000+01:00

Video in your listing can really enhance the whole package.

You get a further opportunity to show off your local area as a moving scene.

You don't need expensive equipment. The latest digital cameras often have the facility built in to create a short video. You can of course have it professionally done, which would be ideal but the cost can be prohibitive.

Beg or borrow a camera if you don't have one and get shooting!

Here is an example of a villa in Kapparis in the Famagusta district, the east side of the island.

I love this little video, I found this website on a page of about 20 other properties.

What stood out for me was the fact that the owners had bothered to make the effort to promote their villa. I don't expect oscar winning filming and direction, but it
is important to get a feel of the whole property and the local area.

After this video I feel as If I know what to expect, and it will feel familiar when I get there.

Well done guys...you did good. I can't remember the other 19 properties on the page, but I remember yours!

This link will open in a new window. If you don't have broadband it will take some time to load up, and you will need to have real player installed to view it.

The video link is situated just above the photographs.

http://www.protaras-villa.co.uk/index.asp

© 2004-2006. cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Do You Know Where The Most Popular Cyprus Beaches Are For Your Guests...?

2005-09-20T21:41:00.000+01:00

Cyprus beaches are renowned because there are no tides and the waters in the main are very safe. What a bonus for a family holiday? You may not be a 100 percent familiar with all areas of the island so if you want to advise your visitors about where to go for a change from being poolside...

Here are the most popular cyprus beaches:

AYIA NAPA

Liminaki Beach - This is the beach directly in front of the marina and stretches from the sea caves on the outskirts of town to the harbour area. There are plenty of facilities to be found here, cafes, restaurants, sun beds, ice cream...Ideal for families and a very popular choice from the cyprus beaches.

Nissi Beach - Probably the most famous of all the cyprus beaches. Beautiful white sand, turquoise waters and plenty of facilities. This is the beach for the younger holiday makers and where all the beautiful people go. Go see it though, it's gorgeous. It is probably the Number 1 for cyprus beaches.

Lanta Bay - If you want a lovely cyprus beach but escape the dizzy heights of Nissi Beach, then move along the coast a little. There are plenty of facilities such as sunbeds, showers, bars and tavernas. Great if you want to read that book you brought!

Ayia Thekla - A personal favourite. Located just past the water park, this beach is perfect for everyone. The shallow waters make it great for the kids, and there is a resident lifeguard, sun beds and shades for hire. The little taverna completes the picture. Get there early as it is extremely popular here with tourists and the locals, but it is lovely...Number 2 in the cyprus beaches book for me.

PROTORAS

Fig Tree Bay - A beautiful beach in the heart of Protoras surrounded by fig trees. Very busy in the summer, but a lovely family beach. Facilities available include watersports for the action orientated among, enough tavernas to satisfy everyone and the obligatory sunbeds and sun shades.

Penera Beach - A small cove with plenty of facilities. Many novice scuba divers explore the waters in this area. Plenty of bars and tavernas and you can rent a sunbed and shade.

Konnos Bay - This cyprus beach is located halfway between Protoras and
Ayia Npa. It is a small cove with shallow waters. Watersports are popular here and you have all the usual facilities. This beach is not recommended if you have any kind of walking difficulty because it is only accessible by using a steep pathway.

LARNACA

There is only 1 main beach in the town and it stretches from the Marina
to Mackenzie, consequently it is named Mackenzie beach. There are plenty of places to eat and drink here as the beach area runs parallel with the main promenade area. Lovely to walk along at night time or wander and have a look at the yachts during the day.

LIMASSOL

The main beach runs just about the whole length of Limassol. In fact it is one of the longest coastlines in Europe. It has everything you could think of, watersports, fishing, new cafes have been built right by the waters edge recently, and there is a very nice coastal walk that runs past many of the top hotels. A lovely thing to do after dinner if you are in town and want to walk off the 3 course meal you just had..including dessert...!

Governors Beach - So called because it used to be frequented by the governor of Cyprus in days gone by, when the British ran the island. It can be found to the East of Limassol and has a very nice taverna close by.

Ladies Mile - West of Limassol and allegedly so called because the beach is still in the Sovereign Base Area belonging to the British, and it was used by the ladies of the officers who were serving there in days gone by.They could promenade along this beach and not be too far from home.

Nowadays it is popular with everyone, locals and tourists alike and it is particularly child friendly in the list of cyprus beaches because it is shallow for quite a long way into the sea. It is also the longest beach on the island and you need a car, be prepared it is a bumpy ride but lovely when you get there. There are a several tavernas and they offer very nice local food.

Curium Beach - If you have the time it would be worthwhile to spend some time driving up to the beautifully preserved amphitheatre that sits above the beach. A beautiful view awaits you and a lot of history to take in. This beach is quite pebbly/sandy and has 3 excellent tavernas to choose from. A personal favourite is Chris Blue Beach Taverna in the middle. The octopus is wonderful...!!

Take care here, the currents can be a little strong sometimes.

Pissouri Beach - This is actually about 15 minutes from Limassol but well worth the drive. It is a very pebbly/sandy beach and may not suit everyone but the location is lovely. If you are looking for cyprus beaches with local atmosphere this one will be for you. You drive through vineyards to get to the sea. There are several tavernas to choose from for some lovely local food. If you can spare the time, combine your day out with a trip up into the village. It is one of the most lovely in Cyprus, and try not to leave without seeing the new Columbia Beach Resort Hotel. It is the only hotel in the area, but one of the most lovely you will see. The setting is perfect and you might wish you had stayed there instead!

PAPHOS AREA

Coral Bay - This is a very popular beach and just north of Paphos town. 15 years ago this area used to be just a beach and a taverna. Now there is a thriving resort. The beach is lovely and sandy and well used by local families. Take care here as the currents can be a little strong sometimes.

Lara Bay - Very beautiful part of the island and home to the famous green turtles. This beach is usually only accessible when on jeep safari in a fourwheel drive vehicle. There aren't any facilities here and people don't swim. It is worth mentioning to be aware of if you want to go on jeep safari. It is part of the Akamas National Park.

Latchi - Again, years ago this was a jetty and a fish restaurant and now it is a thriving resort. One of the most peaceful parts of the island, the beach is pebbley but lovely. It doesn't usually get too crowded even in high summer. It is a relatively unspoiled area and you have the ridge of the Akamas Peninsula as a backdrop...it is just beautiful.

Use Your "About Us" Page To Connect To Your Potential Guests...

2005-09-04T19:23:00.000+01:00

Ponder on this one..... It is a real page from a real site that is competing in a very large market for the destination.

"Here at xxxxxxxxx, we aim to give you the opportunity to make this the holiday of a lifetime in your own private villa - all for the price of a hotel room! As there are so many things to do and even more to see in xxxxxxxx, it is nice to be able to start with a few days of relaxation in your luxury villa with private pool.

All homes are maintained to the highest possible standard and are privately owned, with extras available."

Now tell me where this mentions anything about:

Who owns the website?
Who the people are who own the villas?
WHAT about them?
Are they experts on their area?
Do they have local knowledge
Why I should choose them?

Among other things.

Time and time again people fail to use this opportunity to write something interesting, worthwhile, and friendly to help connect with anyone reading their website. Why do people think that the above kind of statement on their "about us" page fits the criteria as satisfactory information. That is if they have an about us page at all.

This is your chance to shine, tell people who you are, and sell them your little part of the world. YOU are the one who knows it well, has the intimate experience of spending time there, eating in downtown little restaurants, sunbathing on the beaches,and has the story to tell about the locals in your area. Share it, people will love you for it.

Tell your story to the world and people will connect.

This is not the time to enter dullsville and be like everyone else. Just a little bit of thought and you could enhance your site beyond your expectations.

Just for fun, randomly visit half a dozen villa sites and see how many of them hit the personality button? And then decide if you can make changes.

Good luck with your rentals.

What About A Safe...?

2005-09-04T00:23:00.000+01:00

It will be an added bonus for your guests if you can provide a safe. Valuables such as cash, jewelry and passports will be secure and that will provide peace of mind. A safe can be purchased fairly cheaply these days. Don't forget what the combination is in case your guest does. You will need to advise the people who look after your property, in case they get a phone call for help. It will also be extra security that you can mention when you are applying for insurance.

They are not really expensive to buy these days, you can pick one up in most good DIY stores around the island.

Good luck with your rentals.

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Property Management ..a key to your success...

2005-09-04T00:22:00.000+01:00

If a booking agency is taking your bookings or you advertise your property and take bookings yourself, you still need a local person or company to do the cleaning, maintenance and welcoming and be the emergency contact plus be a key holder if necessary. Make sure they speak English, as your guests may not speak the local language.

It is best to ask locally for recommendations for a reliable person or company. Again make it very clear in advance, probably with a contract what service they will provide and to what standards. It is probably worth paying a bit over the market rates to make sure you get the best service, as this is such a key factor in the success of your holiday rental.

You may choose to outsource different parts to different companies, the pool, the garden and the cleaning. I often think people do a better job if that is their specialism. Just because someone knows how to clean a pool, it doesn't necessarily follow that they will know how to clean thoroughly or understand about the technicalities of mediterranean gardening......

Get advice and go with your gut instinct. This is a hugely crucial area to your business so it is worth spending time and effort getting it right. A badly managed property service can destroy your fledgling business.

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

How To Market Your Small Business.. For Next To Nothing...

2005-08-26T19:00:00.000+01:00

"How can I market my small business when I don't have any spare cash?"

For Small Business READ ... Market Your Holiday Property...

The problem facing many small business owners is that they have a great product but don't know how to market it effectively.

In your case your "product" is your property.

But there are many ways to market your small business on a tight budget ... 114 ways in fact!

Having a small bank balance and an effective marketing strategy that will send your sales soaring can go hand-in-hand! And this e-book, 'How To Market Your Small Business For Next To Nothing' will show you how.

This 78 page e-book will give you all the ideas and tips on how to market your business on a tight budget (or in some cases no budget at all!)

In 'How To Market Your Small Business For Next To Nothing' you'll learn exactly where your marketing campaigns should start. You'll get everything you need to know about promoting your business on a small budget...

How to get referrals from your customers for free
Why marketing yourself is just as important as marketing your business
How to get the most out of networking
Why you must keep a profile of all your customers and how to use it to boost your sales
How to get to the most out of your local newspaper so you can get free publicity worth thousands of pounds
The secrets of writing adverts that will have people banging on your door!
How to make cold-calling a little more inviting!
In this e-book you'll find 114 ways of marketing your business for little or no money at all and also ways of saving you money on potentially costly adverts and promotions.

Click on the link below for some interesting reading...and it is completely relevant to your rental business if you think about it!

How To Market Your Small Business for Next to Nothing (PDF)

© 2004-2006 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

The Apartment Looks Awful..but I Want It Now...!!

2005-08-25T23:40:00.000+01:00

Well, frankly this apartment doesn't actually look that great, but you know what..it wouldn't really matter because the rest of what you see is FABULOUS!

In fact the picture of the studio comes last! What you do get to see is the complete picture of the area, the vibrancy, the colour, the people, the culture, everything you could possibly imagine about a place.

The concept that the whole thing is squashed into a small area frankly doesn't mean a whole damn lot.

Your mind is there, you want to go and you decided because of the fantastic pictures.

If this page doesn't emphasise to you how you need to present your little piece of wherever, then I give up. You ain't gonna get it ...

AND I can hear you say "but I don't live in Nice, or anywhere that glamorous" and I say, well, what did you like about where you bought your holiday home, there must be something to take a picture of?

If you can't think of anywhere to photograph and turn into a lovely montage like this..then don't bother, and live among the hordes of the average for ever more and continue to complain that you don't have any bookings....

YOU HAVE TO SELL YOUR PRODUCT - unless you just want to rent it to a few friends for the odd week...

http://www.antibes.co.uk/nice/studio.php

What do you think?

© 2004-2006 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved.

Luxury Villas Cyprus - What Exactly Does That Word Luxury Mean...!

2005-08-17T23:11:00.000+01:00

Luxury is the most overused word in the world for advertising villas or apartments.

So what exactly does the word mean; well the definition in the dictionary is as follows:

"lux·u·ry ( P ) Pronunciation Key (lgzh-r, lksh-)n. pl. lux·u·ries
Something inessential but conducive to pleasure and comfort.
Something expensive or hard to obtain.
Sumptuous living or surroundings: lives in luxury"

One of a few descriptions but you get the picture I think.

That leads us on to:

"sump·tu·ous ( P ) Pronunciation Key (smpch-s)adj.
Of a size or splendor suggesting great expense; lavish: “He likes big meals, so I cook sumptuous ones” (Anaïs Nin). "

If you use the word luxury, can you find a better one to differentiate you from the crowd.

Try the Thesaurus for another slant of words or just get out the dictionary and choose something else. It is suprising how your brain will connect with ideas you had never even thought about.

Top Tip: A luxury villa NEVER has plastic garden furniture!

Think about it.

Good luck with your rentals

What Would Make Me Choose These Two For My Holiday...

2005-08-14T21:32:00.000+01:00

http://www.poolsidevilla.com/

http://www.watersidevacation.com/

Florida again, BUT really to illustrate the point about a well designed site and photographs. There is no getting away from it, the photographs have got to be good, and they are really good on these sites.

Their web designer knows about marketing property and showing it off to its best advantage. The 3D Tours are great and really add to the feel.

So in a nutshell:

Add to Favourites Button (so I don't lose the site)

The testimonials page speaks for itself. The villas are booked, booked, BOOKED!

What Makes This Villa Special Out Of A Cast Of Thousands...?

2005-08-14T21:28:00.000+01:00

http://www.thesunshinevilla.com/

I like this villa website because, in a sea of thousands of villas in Florida, this site stood out.

These people want to sell you their villa and they do it with pictures.

The site is bright, colourful, clear, themed and well presented.

My favourite marketing tool of all The 3D Virtual Tour is on here too. Big clear photographs so you can see around the house. Florida is a long way to get to, and not like where you are staying..don't you think?

I think Florida Villa owners have to really work hard to sell their weeks. They have huge competition. I would certainly be putting this one in my favourites folder. Mostly, I remembered this one!

What do you think?

© 2004-2006 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

This Is How To Promote A Villa...

2005-08-14T21:26:00.000+01:00

Everyone wants to have the best property for rental, so why not take a tour with me on this one and see what grabs your attention. You can take the "elements" of it and use it for your own part of the world.

The following website, to my mind is a brilliant example of what a villa for rent site should be. After all you want people to visit don't you? You are selling what you have and in this day and age you have to sell better than the next person.
Particularly if you live on a complex of similar designs. This information is as relevant to you if you have property in France, Florida or Fiji. The principals are the same.

Differentiate or die as they say...

This will open in a new window.

http://villahanorah.co.uk/index.htm

So what exactly is it about Villa Hanorah? Well let me tell you...

The Website:

It is very clear, well laid out and has a simple colour choice.

The Photographs are excellent, a good size so you can see things clearly and the text is written in a really friendly style.

I feel I could really get to know the owners as friends, and if I brought children, they would be most welcome and very well looked after.

The Villa Page:

I loved the personal comments from the guests, it makes you connect with the villa.

The Tour:

The photographic tour gives you a good insight into the property. The size, the quality of the decor and furnishings and a little peek at the local area.

The Services Page:

Well, the services offered are about as comprehensive as you could hope they would be.

I liked the idea that safety was mentioned, this is an oft overlooked area but very important.

The Welcome Book is a great feature. Lots of personal comments from previous guests who really want to tell you what a lovely time they had. I always think that customer testimonials are priceless. You can't buy the real thing. If you can get people to write to you with their thoughts, feelings and comments about their holidays in your property, use them at EVERY opportunity.

The Photo Album is smashing. You can get so many pictures set up. Have a page for this where possible. People really like to see what the area has to offer. In this region you get a marvellous idea of the location before you even set foot in Turkey.

The Floor Plan is a great idea too. Some people like a physical representation of the size of the property. Don't know why, they just do..

DETAILED INFORMATION:

This was written in a very personable style, I felt the owners really wanted to connect with their guests and make a friend before they had even met you..

Private Cook & Chauffeur

What a fabulous treat to offer your guests. If your guests have a special occasion or even if they don't, but they fancy something different, how lovely to be able to hand over the kitchen to a local cook who will serve up some traditional meals or have the chauffeur take you down town to a wonderful restaurant. I think they should come as standard for everyone's holiday.

Babysitting

If I had children I would feel very much at home with this family looking after the kids. There is a sense of care with them. It is important to emphasise babysitting as it is a crucial service that can be offered, but people need to feel at ease with who they are leaving their children with.
It is worth thinking about how you would approach writing about this service.

Guest Reviews

Already mentioned briefly, but it is worth you having a complete page for them. ASK your guests for them. It would be a suprise if they did not oblige!

FREE Travel Planning Service

This is a golden nugget. How many other people offer this kind of service. Most people offer their property for rent, they take the money, they move on.

For continual business you have to IMPRESS your guests. They may never have been to your part of the world. Help them out, give them ideas of where to go and what to do. Tell them abou t the cruises they can take, get involved with local suppliers to organise a jeep safari for a special price, or a diving lesson or fishing or whatever. This family offer a half day excursion to a local sight. You could do the same. No one knows your area like YOU do.

Weekly Rates

I liked this page because it is clear and straightforward. No Supplements or silliness. They even include a trip to a mountain village and BATH ROBES....(I love that!!)

I think it means they are in the bathroom, not for you to take away. It saves clutter in your suitcase.

Special offers are clear and they also include a very sensible REFERRAL FEE.

This is just not used enough. If people are kind enough to refer business to you, be kind enough to reward them. No question. Incentivise people to give you business, it is much more cost effective than advertising by traditional means.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Some top tips here, very useful information about all sorts of things.

Their terms and conditions are very comprehensive but don't send you to sleep..!

THINGS TO DO

This is a very comprehensive are covering such themes as:

Historical sites and culture

Diving and Fishing

Health and Beauty

Restaurants

Reading this page I feel as thought I know more about where I would be going and what to expect when I get there. Personal experiences are a great way to get this sort of information across. Ask your guests if they have a particular favourite in any category and would they be prepared to write a few sentences. A bottle of wine for their trouble could be in order. After all no one expects you to have been to every single restaurant in the area, but a good cross section of opinions could be brought together by the end of the season.

Another incentive could be a free meal in exchange for a review or something like that.

You know what will work in your area.

DID YOU KNOW PAGE

I loved this because "no, I didn't know" about such and such. Enlightening reading...

Lastly but not least...

THE PHOTO COMPETION

What a smashing idea. It gets people involved, it shows off your area, if you ask nicely people may be prepared to allow you to use the photograph. People like a competition.

Maybe you could offer something to the children of the party, a treasure hunt, or the best sea shell or something. Anything to get people involved with your, your site and your property.

I hope you found some useful tips. A big well done to Villa Hannorah for a great site..!!

Good luck with your rentals.

http://villahanorah.co.uk/index.htm

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

How To Promote A Village Style House...

2005-08-14T21:24:00.000+01:00

A Village house advert/website should embody everything that is unique and special about the country where the property is to be found.

I want to show you what I mean. When you look at the pictures I want you to think about what you see, how it makes you feel and about what elements you could use to create your own village idyll within your own advert.

This is one website with 2 properties. Both have bucket loads of character and tons of original features, the crucial elements of a village house for rent.

The Website:

The whole feel of this website "smacks" of Greece. The colours, the flowing writing, the beautifully composed photographs of the two cottages. You see imaginative photography, slightly angular shots, the corner of room, a door slightly ajar, a hint of red geranium, sunlight filtering through the windows ....gorgeous!

The slide show depicting the locale has just enough interest to give you an idea of what you will find, when you get there, because this website makes you want to visit...and spend some time in a beautiful greek cottage, in a village far away where time has stood still.

Now the houses...

The Olive Pickers House:

You really get a taste of what is to come with this cottage. The traditional blue and white of Greece, the traditional courtyard...red geraniums, the terracotta pot and a table ready for your alfresco dining on a warm balmy evening..just pop the wine cork and you are there.

The kitchen is very simpley furnished but you know you have enough to make that all important coffee and toast. This little blue kitchen will be your home from home, but you won't mind the washing up, the view is better.

The living room has rustic pine furniture all in keeping with a cottage feel, an open fire even unlit gives you a sense of comfort and homliness and a glimpse of stone floor and walls reminds you of a life gone by that existed without the mod cons and wall to wall carpet that we so take for granted.

The bedrooms are simply furnished with more rustic pine, in keeping with a village home and simple flowers to decorate the room.

These are elements of a bigger picture but you have filled in the gaps already in your mind.

The Old Wine Press:

A slightly different property, adjacent to the olive pickers house. This is two storeys with wooden floors.

You get the same sense of what the property is about through the photography.

The point about it really is: Think about who will view your property, what will they be expecting and how can you show them what you have to best advantage.

Look at a lot of properties on the internet, get brochures from the travel agents and think of your advert in the same terms they think about when they publish a brochure.

You are selling a lifestyle and an image. Even more so than if you have a villa or apartment in a modern block. It is a completely difference type of guest. People who choose this kind of holiday want to experience what your location has to offer, the sites, the sounds and the smells.

They want tradition, "real life" and culture.

Give it to them.....

Good luck with your rentals...

This site will open in a new window..

http://www.villagecrete.com

Only allowed 5 Photos?, Here's How To Show 15...

2005-08-13T20:31:00.000+01:00

It is quite frustrating when you can only have enough space on a website to upload a few photographs and you know you have so many more to showcase, you have the inside, the outside, the pool, the local sites etc...

This owner of an apartment in Portugal decided to add more pictures.

It gives you idea of what is possible. If you don't feel up to it, any competent webmaster worth their salt can do this kind of thing for you.

So you see, you can squeeze a quart into a pint pot sometimes.

Good luck with your rentals.

http://www.myalgarveapartment.com/

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Be Honest About Building Work...

2005-08-09T15:08:00.000+01:00

Life sadly is not perfect and it is feasible that your lovely new property is actually still stuck on a building site. Well, it needn't be the end of the world. Be honest, people appreciate you for it all the more. In fact why not go they extra mile and offer a little something to sweeten the pill a bit.

You potential guests will probably balance up the pro's and cons and still want to rent your property. That extra day of car hire, or the free meal might be all that is required. Don't forget though you must still present your property in the best light.

The photographs have still got to be excellent and the write up must be truthful.

Here is a great example of a property owner being upfront about what is happening on their development:

Angel's Rest modern 2-bed apartment,Kapparis near Protaras & Ayia Napa Cyprus
A spacious, contemporary two bedroomed apartment with easy access to communal pool, restaurants and bars. Ideal for families and couples alike.
self-catering	Sleeps:4	Total_beds:2
Click for details		Book Online

They have also included a super little website containing local information about the area:
http://kapparis.info/index.html

©2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com -All Rights Reserved

How To Make People Click On YOUR Villa...

2005-08-08T21:17:00.000+01:00

Internet has become the fastest growing way to advertise a rental property on the net. There are no geographical boundaries and the world has access 24/7 to your property.

This also means now that competition is fierce as people try to promote their rentals in the same places that you are looking to advertise.

How can you stand out from the crowd. Well actually it is not as difficult as you might think.

The first place you have start is by actually looking at the photographs you are trying to promote your property with. No doubt they will be digital but even if you use a standard camera and the same rules apply.

We all know in the property world that location is everything. Well in the rental marketing world PRESENTATION is everything.

How are you presenting your property...?

I am going to show you some examples of rentals, which, in my opinion stand out from the crowd.

*************************************************************************************

This property is 1 bedroom apartment attached to another house.
Please click on the blue link for more details to see the property advert. It will open in a new window.

The Summer House,Peyia Cyprus
Superb self-contained apartment, part of a village house with wonderful features and character
self-catering	Sleeps:2	Total_beds:1
Click for details		Book Online

What I like about this property is immediately I can see it is cottagey and cosy for 2, with the tables and chairs. The open doorway suggests there is more to see.

Further photographs suggest what the atmosphere is like, the colour of the local flowers add to the pictures, the pool looks inviting, the furniture is rustic.

It presents a cosy intimate holiday with a rustic feel and this is what you will experience. The owners have got it just right.

*************************************************************************************
The next property is a 2 bedroom apartment in a complex with shared pool. Click on the blue click for details button. The link will open up in a new window.

Paradise Gardens III,Kato Paphos Cyprus
Affordable luxury in 2 bedroom apartment. Ideally located minutes from Paphos town, beaches,shops, nightlife and harbour.Special offers!
self-catering	Sleeps:6	Total_beds:2
Click for details		Book Online

I am only interested in the first couple of pictures of this property. What catches your eye is the colour of the furniture. You dont see the outside of the complex, and the layout of the property is like thousands of others. What stops you in your tracks is the definate red.

Secondly the kitchen is a bog standard white but it looks "dressed". Remember you don't have to necessarily have everything in the property after you take the photograph, but a stark white kitchen is most unattractive.

This one isn't. Stage your rooms. Beg, steal or borrow bits and pieces. However, I am not advocating to you have a full flat when you take pictures and then empty it for the rental. You have to make your guests feel comfortable. Use common sense and judgement.

It is their holiday, not a "boot camp".

(I hope the other pictures improve, it will make a nice slideshow.)
*************************************************************************************
The next property is a 2 bedroom villa with a sea view. The link will open up in a new window.

Villa Thisbe,Coral Bay Cyprus
Spacious 2 bed villa. Ideal location - 2 mins walk from beach, 5 from bars & shops of Coral Bay village. Brand new (2004) - private pool.
self-catering	Sleeps:4	Total_beds:2
Click for details		Book Online

What I love about this advert is that the first picture of the villa is actually from the back. BUT, you get to see immediately what a fanastic view of the area you get and you can see how close to the see you are. Visual is often better than words.

You can "say" you are 5 minutes from the see but here you can "see" it. No doubt about it. Picture No 4 also emphasises the fact again, it shows the sea nicely through a bedroom window and through the verandah. I also like the last picture of the front of the house.

You only see 1 house not the whole estate. The pool and kitchen pictures could be better, but overall you get an immediate sense of what and where you are renting.

A modern villa very close to the sea.
*************************************************************************************

The next property is a large villa with 4 bedrooms. An executive type property with sea views and a private pool. The link will open up in a new window.

Villa Zephyrus,Paphos Cyprus
All-season villa - Paphos Cyprus. Spacious, luxurious, private, exclusive. Heated pool, gardens, vineyard, sea and mountain views, at edge of village.
self-catering	Sleeps:8	Total_beds:4
Click for details		Book Online

The main photograph is appealing, through the pergola, over the swimming pool to the sea beyond. Who wouldn't be interested in that?

With this property you get a sense of space, quality of furnishings and fittings and that lovely glimpse of the gorgeous italian kitchen through the arched doorway.

This adverts talks quality holiday to me. What does it say to you?

************************************************************************************* This property is a 2 bed terraced villa with shared pool on a complex.

My final choice is actually my favorite for a number of reasons...

Aurora Villa,Paphos Cyprus
A well equipped, stylishly furnished terraced villa, on a quiet, small development. Large pool. Beach, shops and restaurants in walking distance
self-catering	Sleeps:4	Total_beds:2
Click for details		Book Online

Although this property is not detached, or on its own, the pictures of the property really make you want to look further into it.

The night picture actually catches your eye in a sea of daylight pictures. The pool looks lovely, the surrounding areas are lit nicely. You could imagine spending a balmy evening in this lovely development.

The other pictures potray an elegant, well set up villa, beautifully staged. It is well decorated, looks very comfortable, a queen size bed is wonderful, and the balcony overlooking the pool looks fabulous.

It is a very well presented property and will no doubt do well for bookings.

*************************************************************************************

So what have we learned from this?:

You have to show off your best feature first

You have to buy decent furniture and decorate well

You have got to take decent pictures they speak louder than words

Don't forget pictures at night as they can look fabulous

You need to stage your property for photographs

You are in competition with your neighbour so make yours look better

PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING

Good luck with your rentals.

©2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Don't Buy Property Abroad...!

2005-05-17T20:33:00.000+01:00

Well at least until you read this...101 tips, tricks and checks to ensure your dream home won’t turn out to be a nightmare

Buying Property Abroad

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

How To Use A Website To Let Your Property For Maximum Profit...

2005-05-17T20:18:00.000+01:00

Did you know that by using the Internet, Property owners have doubled their occupancy rates, doubled their incomes and achieved yields in excess of 15% - and that doesn't even include the capital growth on their property!

Quite simply, a website is by far and away the most effective route to unlocking the cash that is bound up with your rental property.

Click the blue link below and find out how...

Holiday Property Secrets

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Cyprus Property Market & Forecast Report...

2005-05-17T19:58:00.000+01:00

Here is some interesting information you might find useful if you are reading this blog and in the throes of thinking about purchasing a villa. Very well researched and absolutely spot on with their observations.

Read why they think Cyprus is the "best sun destination" in Europe.

Click on the link below the picture...

Cyprus Market and Forecast Report

Then click on the cyprus button on the left hand side of the page....you will will find the information you are looking for.

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

How Do I Create Terms & Conditions...?

2005-05-09T13:47:00.000+01:00

Terms and Conditions for Villa Rentals in Cyprus are not something you have to do but rather something you should do.

The reason for this is simple, it helps both you and your guest understand who has responsibility for the what, when and how during a contractual booking of a property.

Terms and conditions are usually a part of any written contract between parties. Think about opening a bank account, or taking out a loan, or in fact booking a holiday through a tour operator.

If a dispute arises between the parties, you can refer to your terms and conditions of the booking, rather than relying on a verbal discussion, or perhaps something written casually in an email.

If you "have it in writing" life can be a lot easier all round.

Terms and conditions can be as long or short as you like, but here are a few suggestions about what you might include in your contract:

Payment Terms
Liability
Cancellation by villa owner
Cancellation by guest
Air Conditioning
Villa Check In and Check Out
Complaints Procedure
Extra Beds/Cots for children
Breakages deposit procedure
Cleanliness standards expected
Building Works Liability
What is included in the price (if necessary)
What is not included in the price (if necessary)
Smoking Policy
Transfers from Airport (if necessary)

There is no hard and fast rule about the contents. I have just had a trawl around the internet to see if there was suitable template to use, however, the easiest option might be take a look at other sites to see what points they encompass and take out the bits you need.

It is always wise to maybe run your document past your legal representation to make sure you are covered for all eventualities. The fee charged will be more than outweighed by your peace of mind. This is not an area to skimp on cost!

Good luck with your rentals.

Don't buy cheap...!!!

2005-04-18T21:19:00.000+01:00

As an owner of a single cyprus apartment or villa, or if you manage several, one of the areas that needs a good quality products that will last falls under Linen.

You need the best quality sheets and bedding that will wash and wash and still look good after a whole season or two, plus you will also want to buy some great towels for the bathroom and some robust ones for the beach and poolside.

If you have a golf property, excellent towels are useful and if you have sunloungers you want a towel that covers the whole thing and doesn't fall off, particularly if it is a bit windy! How many towels end up in the pool?

Children like to have their own fun towels on holiday, the latest cartoon character towel in the cupboard will make any child smile and their parents will be grateful that they don't have to buy an extra suitcase just to carry them.

If you have an up-market property, bathrobes will be a lovely touch for your guests. How about getting the villa name embroidered on the back. It will make a lovely souvenir, as your guests could purchase them, rather like in the best hotels.

We like this UK site, it has everything you could possibly want for your rental and the prices are brilliant. You could get together with a few other people in your block or street and bulk purchase to save money....!

Click on the logo:

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Cheapflights To Cyprus...

2005-04-12T22:13:00.000+01:00

The biggest expense of any holiday is of course the flight costs.

Your guest will love you for recommending any cheapflights to cyprus. If you can help people save more of their money to spend on their holiday, they will come back to you. As they say at Tesco "every little helps".

My favourite of all of the internet sites is charterflights.co.uk and for 3 very simple reasons:

They offer charter flights and scheduled flights to Paphos and Larnaca on their site....

and

The site is very easy to use to actually book a flight...

and

They have often brought up the cheapest flights

Click on the logo and see if you can save some money for your guests.

Who Can We Recommend For Car Hire...?

2005-04-12T21:57:00.000+01:00

Cyprus is awash with car hire companies. Many locals have been providing a service for over 30 years and you can also use the more well know international brands such as Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and so on.

A better option for your guests might be to tell them about a BROKER service.

They trawl the local market for prices daily and will usually provide the best price available compared with other operators on the equivalent make and model of a car.

And lets face it, everyone wants to hire a car as cheaply as possible.

If cost effective for you, why not make this part of your package?

Click here for more information...

A Couple of Incentives...

2005-04-12T21:40:00.000+01:00

If you feel you can build the cost into your pricing strategy, how about offering your guests the following:

UK Airport Parking - Offer to pay for some or all of it.

UK Airport Hotel - Offer a night before or after their holiday. Guests would appreciate this if they have to travel to Cyprus at some ungodly hour, or arrive back during very unsociable hours.

Often the two can be combined for a very reasonable price. Particularly in the winter months.

Taxi Fare - To/From the airport in UK or Cyprus.

Click here for Airport Parking

Click here for Airport Hotels

Cyprus Rental Agents Advertise For Free...!

2005-04-12T21:27:00.000+01:00

Want to know where to advertise ALL of your villas and apartments for free on the internet and get brilliant exposure?

Get your own website and a complete booking system included.

It is now owned by the Daily Mail so you are in good hands...what more could you ask for for free..?

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Private Villa Owners Advertise For Free...!

2005-04-12T21:20:00.000+01:00

Want to know where to advertise your villa or apartment in Cyprus for free on the internet and get your own website and a complete booking system included.

This is now owned by the Daily Mail..now that is a brand name to link with isnt it?

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

FREE Course For Service Sellers...

2005-04-10T23:01:00.000+01:00

Click here and send a blank e-mail to receive The Service Sellers Masters Course... Perfect for owners of holiday property in Cyprus. It's an intensive 5-DAY e-mail course that shows you how to attract targeted visitors from around the world or from around the block, and convert them into new clients for your service if you offer a villa for rent or an apartment for rent in Cyprus.

How To Get Your Guests To Sell Your Villa Weeks For You...

2005-04-03T16:51:00.000+01:00

Owning a villa and marketing it can be quite time consuming, cost quite bit of money and not always work for you. It depends on how much time you have got, what your budget is and really you have to have some knowledge of the workings of marketing to really get value for money and not be taken for a ride.

This is covered in other posts in the blog but you can also offer incentives to current guests and potential guests of the future, and you could really harness the value of your repeat guests.

Your guests are vital to your business, you want to book up as many weeks of the year as possible. People who are repeat guests are obviously converts to Cyprus and your property.

They are pleased with what you offer and how much they pay for the weeks they visit. They are the best testimonials you could have for your cyprus villa for rent.

Obviously Cyprus is a year round destination which means you get a lot more opportunity to rent your property in cyprus than say a villa owner in Greece.

You may not rent your property during the winter months, this may be your time for rest and relaxation and holidays.

Even so, every little helps.

People like to receive things for free. We have already discussed in previous posts, incentives are a useful way to make your Cyprus villa look a more attractive package than your neighbours.

Why not offer the same idea to your guests who bring you bookings for other weeks of the year.

You could offer:

1 week booking from a friend = 1 free days holiday for them.

2 week booking from a friend = 2 free days holiday for them.

And so on, if they filled your villa for 7 weeks, they would get a week's free accommodation.

You would obviously have to do your homework, but the point is, you don't have to pay for advertising to get those guests, they also could get involved in your "free holidays" scheme and the whole thing could snowball, until you have more than enough guests booking weeks in the property.

Of course, the incentive could be anything, it could be free car hire, free water park passes, free meals at local restaurants.

Another idea might be to get together with a local holiday rep and offer to buy tickets to main events in good hotels. A cyprus night, or a special entertainer that has a good reputation.

The rep will be pleased as they earn commission on the deal (they might split it with you), you are happy because you have bookings in your property and your guests are happy because they have something for helping you out.

The possibilities are there, you just have to be creative about them.

Advertise your incentives to guests when they arrive in your property, probably in the guest manual, at the back and of course on your website.

Good luck with your rentals.

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Promotional Marketing...

2005-03-28T22:50:00.000+01:00

Promotional marketing for your villa can be so easy. When you create your guest/welcome manual, you might want to provide a small souvenir for your guests to take away with them when they leave, to remind them what a lovely holiday they just had. At the same time you will be sending out your marketing message.

You can do this for each of your guests throughout the season, you just provide the items and you or your property management team can incorporate them into the changeover schedule.

Very simple and inexpensive and very easy to initiate.

Postcards are easy to get printed. Make sure you get a really professional photograph printed. In fact if you have a special property in a spectacular area, get several photographs taken and either create a number of different postcards, each with a view, or create one card with a collage of pictures. Make sure on the back you have your name and contact details, and email address. Make sure people also know that your property is in Cyprus.

It might be nice to have..."Greetings from Cyprus".. or "Look where we are"... or something similar. Bear in mind people will send their postcards to the office (how many people might see it...!) or to their family and friends at home. In fact people send postcards to any number of places.

Think how many people will see that postcard, between leaving Cyprus and getting to it's destination. It is free marketing...!!

People also collect postcards as a hobby. Make yours one to collect.

Fridge Magnets are collected by people the world over. Why not make your holiday home into one and give it away with your contact details on.

They are created in much the same way as your postcard. An image is created and placed onto a magnet. Simple yet brilliant, and your details are consistently in front of people on their fridge!

Letterheads and envelopes. Why not send back your electricity bill or your phone bill with your marketing message on the envelope. Makes your council tax return a lot more useful to you...! Leave them for your guests and they can write home, or make a gift of the stationery set and let your guests take it home.

Mugs. You can get mugs printed with your villa on and your details. Give them away, use them in the house. Everyone drinks tea or coffee out of mugs, give them one of yours at the office.

Pens. Very cheap and easy to get printed with your details. Give them away, and have them all over the villa. People always need a pen.

Keyrings. Put your message on the key ring and use for the villa house key and give one away as a souvenir. Make sure you have all contact details on it.

T-Shirts. Everyone will love to take home a souvenir T shirt. Why not have one with your villa on it.

Baseball or Sun Hats. Very useful in the hot weather in Cyprus.

These are just a few ideas. You will no doubt be very creative with your own thoughts.

Here is our favourite online store for Postcards etc...Click Marketing & Promotion

Comprehensive promotional marketing ideas can be found here...

http://www.amtmarketing.com

If you are thinking this sounds all too expensive, then don't forget you will be including it as part of your costs and including it as a part of the rental charge. The benefits though will outweigh the cost.

Random Marketing Articles...

2005-03-28T19:34:00.000+01:00

Each time you log on you will find a different marketing article when you click the link below, written by the brilliant UK marketer Steve Hackney. When you read the article make sure you visit his amazing website..he KNOWS about marketing.

You can apply his techniques to YOUR villa rental business easily. Sometimes the answer is right under your nose and sometimes you have to think "outside the box".

Click on the link to find out more, it opens in a new window...

FREE Marketing Article - Click Here

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Your Cyprus Garden...

2005-03-28T18:23:00.000+01:00

For the most widely read texts on the subject of modern mediterranean gardening, you can find them here at amazon. The link will open in a new page, please click your browser back button to come back to the blog.

The Mediterranean Gardener

Mediterranean Gardening: A Waterwise Approach...

If you are serious about the subject and want to join a group of like-minded individuals try here, we now have a branch in Cyprus:

http://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/

More and more people enjoy gardening and find it a relaxing and enjoyable pastime. Gardening here in Cyprus is quite different from anywhere else in the Mediterranean area as we are high on summer temperatures and low on rainfall, which makes it difficult sometimes to know just what to grow where.

Well, let Patricia Jordan help you:

http://www.gardenclubofcyprus.com

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Swimming Pool Maintenance

2005-03-28T18:14:00.000+01:00

This is without doubt the best manual on the market.

The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual

For a super website that has been around for a very long time, and is completely useful for anyone who owns a swimming pool.

http://www.caromal.co.uk

The other option if you are not on hand is to employ someone who has skills in pool cleaning. This could be from the company who installed your pool or it could be a local contractor who advertises. Either way, be aware pool cleaning and maintenance does not come cheap. Chemicals can be expensive, and do not underestimate the time it takes for someone to maintain a pool correctly.

The larger your pool, the more time and money will be involved. Contractors will generally work on an hourly rate plus chemicals, or charge you per visit.

The important thing is the job is done properly, the last thing you want is a paying guest complaining about your green pool, or their children going home with an ear infection.

When you ask for feedback about your guests holiday, ask them questions about the pool, the cleanliness, did they see the "pool guy" etc, they will soon let you know if things are not ok......

10 Common Questions Your Guests Will Ask...

2005-03-28T17:25:00.000+01:00

Are linen and towels provided?

Guests like to know if they have to bring their own beach towels. If possible try and provide these items, they take up a lot of room in the suitcase.

Is there a maid service?

Your guests don't really want to have to wash their sheets or do the laundry, after all it is their holiday...!

Can arrive at the villa before 3 pm?

Or whatever time you have deemed as the check in time. This is an important issue because between check in and check out your property will need to be cleaned so you need to give your cleaner enough time, so be fair to them before you answer the question to your guest, or you may have to find a new cleaner.

On the other hand, your guests need to book flights and will not want to hang around Larnaca or Paphos killing time.

Be clear about your check in times, and if you allow your guests to arrive earlier, make sure you write it down, tell your cleaner, and be aware of the people leaving your property on that day.

Can we stay longer than the confirmed vacation time of 10 am?

Again you will need to liaise with your cleaner and be aware of incoming guests.

If no-one is arriving that day, you probably won't have an issue.

Where do we pick up our keys?

Good question. You could post a set to your guests, you could leave a set under the mat, or you could give them to your property management team who may meet them on arrival at the airport, or at the property. Whatever your arrangments, you must never ever leave your guests standing around waiting for keys to enter the property. They will not be happy and may then have cause to nit-pick throughout the holiday.

Is their a welcome pack provided?

You might well provide one and charge for it accordingly as a seperate item. However, it might be prudent to provide one as a standard and include it in the price of the rental. Your guests will appreciate it. There is a specific post about welcome packs in this blog for you to read.

Is there an iron and ironing board available?

Travel irons are useful but it will be once less thing for your guests to pack if you can provide and iron and ironing board for them to use. Accept that it may get broken, and ask your property management company to check it periodically if you are not on hand yourself, to make sure it works and is safe to use, ie no bare flex etc.

Does the property have a safe?

It will be an added bonus for your guests if you can provide a safe. Valuables such as cash, jewelry and passports will be secure and that will provide peace of mind. A safe can be purchased fairly cheaply these days. Don't forget what the combination is in case your guest does. You will need to advise the people who look after your property, in case they get a phone call for help.

Do you have a cot?

Often essential for guests with small children. They don't want to have to bring one themselves on an aircraft. Make sure it is on the cleaning rota, before your guests arrive. It should be thoroughly cleaned each time it is used, and you should have as much bedding for it as you have for the adult beds, if not more.

Have you got satellite TV?

You may baulk at the idea of having TV in your property, you may think people should not come on holiday to watch the soaps, but, not everyone does, and people still like to keep up with the news in their home country. It might actually be a benefit to your bookings. Make sure you have all of the most popular news channels, films and very importantly if you have families..the childrens channels and cartoon networks. Mum and dad will appreciate it...!

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

The Guest Manual...

2005-03-20T05:48:00.000Z

This is a suggested list of what you should include in your “Guide For Guests”. Print it out and put it in a book of plastic envelopes what can be found at most good newsagents and stationers. It is a nice idea to add a picture of you and your family in your property, to emphasise that it is your home.

Front Page

Address of Property, Telephone Number and date the list was updated. A contact number for you Property Management Team in case of any problems.

Contents

Welcome

About the town and local area.

Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Museums, Galleries that are local to your rental. You know where the best restaurants are, share with your guests the places you like to go. Maybe you can offer your guests a free meal on their first night to welcome them. They will love that thoughtful gesture even though it is included in the price.

Leisure Activities in the area

Golf, Sailing, Horse-Riding, Tennis, Beaches, Walks and so on. Go to the local tourist board and collect lots of brochures about what is happening locally, or at least provide the directions to the local tourist office near you. Remember your guests may never have been to your part of the world before.

How Things Work And Other Housekeeping

Heating, Hot Water, Kitchen Appliances, Bathrooms, Washing Machine/Dryer, TV/Video/DVD, Telephone, Gas Bottles etc. Essential if you don't want things broken.

The Swimming Pool

If you have a swimming pool at your property you may well have your own “poolman”.
Make sure you leave a phone number for him for your guests. Nothing panics guests more than a swimming pool with a “problem”. Take away the worry. Include mobile number and email address, fax and home numbers.

House Rules

Rubbish disposal, noise etc
Emergency and Other Assistance
Hospital, Doctor, Police, Plumbing, Electricity, Gas , other problems, etc. Directions to the nearest clinic are always helpful. People do become ill on holiday and worry. Take away that worry

From a marketing perspective...

This is a great opportunity to include:

* A business card with your address, website details etc for your guests to take away with them for future use, or pass on to their friends and family.

* Some postcards with your property details on. A professional photograph, website details, phone numbers etc. People can pass on to their friends, family or colleagues. They can post one too from your location to back home and the office.

* Fridge magnets, with details of your property on. A great souvenir and a great marketing tool.

* Pens with your details on. People always walk off with the pen, at least have a marketing message on it.

* A souvenir key ring. Guests can take it when they leave, and it has your marketing message on it.

You can make sure you have a stash of items for the season, and ask your property management people to resupply between changeovers, that way all guests have something to remind them of their visit and gives you the opportunity to spread the word.

Don't forget to include a guest book at your property, and use the positive comments in your marketing literature, be it brochure or website or both.

Good luck with your rentals.

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Welcome Packs...

2005-03-19T23:48:00.000Z

Welcome packs are such an easy thing to organise and such a godsend to your guests. No-one wants to be trailing around at 4 am looking for the makings of a cup of tea or a bit of toast, or searching for much needed loo roll!

Think about it from your perspective. How would you like to be searching without the knowledge of the nearest supermarket or possibly without transport because the rental office doesn't open till 10 am. Think what you would like and you won't go far wrong...

Here is a basic list to get you going...

Milk - 1 ltr at least in the fridge will be a very welcome site.

Juice - 1 lt of orange - a refreshing greeting to your guest arrivals.

Mineral water - 1 ltr at least - Cyprus water is very safe, but some people prefer the bottled variety.

Beer - a 4 pack of Keo would be a nice introduction to the national brand.

Wine - A least 1 bottle of red but a bottle of red and a chilled bottle of white would be very nice particularly if you live in a wine growing area. Your guests will love the thought.

Tea - Bags and preferably not the hideous Liptons variety in the yellow box. Awful!

Coffee - Sachets are a brilliant idea - stay fresh and used as and when required.

Filter coffee - if you have a machine, it would be nice if you provided the coffee for it.

Salt and Pepper - sachet idea is a great way of not having empty boxes lying in the cupboard, or a pepper mill gunged up.

Loo roll - essential.

Washing up liquid or dishwasher tablets if you have a dishwasher. Don't expect your guests to have to buy them.

Bin Bags - keep them under the sink.

Some nice extras...

Olive oil - particularly if from local olive trees.

Vinegar - to go with the oil for salads.

Cleaning materials - some basic stuff might be nice like loo cleaner, Jif etc

Cloths would come in handy as would a mop and bucket probably and maybe some rubber gloves.

Clothes pegs and somewhere to hang wet smalls is always useful.

Just think of the things you would like to make your holiday a home from home, and what you would need in that first 24 hours after arrival and you won't go wrong.

Happy renting...

© 2004-2005 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

Photographing Your Property For Rental Online...

2005-03-13T08:29:00.000Z

Please please never advertise your property on the Internet without a photograph!

The old saying about a picture being worth a thousand words, is never more important than when advertising online. How many internet sites have you looked at only to be confronted with either no photographs or appalling ones?

You can write as much as you like about your property but people will without exception ask you for pictures. There is no getting round the fact.

So, what is the best way to produce a fabulous photograph of your property?

Ideally have it taken digitally and professionally. It might sound expensive but the photographer will know how to take a good photograph. You can write off the cost in the rental fees. Consider it as part of the marketing budget!

Take the photograph on a sunny day. Rain will not make for an attractive shot and snow only looks great on houses in snowy regions. If you can't take the photograph, ask a neighbour or friend or better still, the professional photographer.

Early morning or evening produces some really nice light for the outside shots.

Having people in the picture is down to you. If it was my greek neighbour dressed in her widows weeds, it might look charming and local. Her smiling face and twinkling blue eyes add to the feel and reinforce the fact I live in a village. Think about who it is and would it add any value!

Absolutely, do not have cars in the photograph if you can avoid it. Enough said..!

What are the best parts of your home?. Have you got a fireplace? Do you have a lovely pool area? Emphasise the best parts as the focal point. No one wants to see pictures of a corner of the bed and a floor, or the fridge.

If the location of your property is lovely, emphasise that in your ad and have at least one photograph showing the view. It gives people a broader idea. Dont just show the interior, people
may assume the area is awful.

By the same token, how many sites have photographs of the outside and nothing of inside. It is maddening from a viewers point of view. Find a happy medium.

If you have just bought a property from a developer, they may be kind enough to allow you to use their photographs. You might have to beg, but it saves you time and effort. Bear in mind, they pay a lot for marketing photographs and they are effective. You thought so...! You bought from them.

If you have small rooms, the photographers trick of standing on a chair may help. You look down at the room and you can get more in the photograph.

Show off your best features, people will focus on them and not be concerned if they like what they see. They will mentally compensate for what may not be there.

Some More Marketing Ideas...

2005-03-08T05:26:00.000Z

You have to be creative when marketing your property. Don't just think about the traditional routes that can often be very expensive. And unless you just want to rent out your villa to a few friends for a bit of pin money, you should remember you are actually running a small business. Albeit 1 small apartment or villa or many. If you need to generate income on a regular basis, you have to get your business head on.

Generating income requires planning, thought, creativity and action.

Here are some ideas to be getting on with..You are bound to find at least one idea you hadn't thought of...

http://www.marketing-your-small-business.com/

Do Your Own PR...

2005-03-07T21:14:00.000Z

Advertising, marketing and PR can be notoriously expensive.

Why not learn to do your own PR and save yourself a whole lot of money into the bargain. You know what they say...

"there is no such thing as bad publicity"

Useful Service For Your UK Visitors...

2005-03-06T19:28:00.000Z

Having just returned from Cyprus yesterday, we used a really useful service at Manchester Airport. If you need to stay over before your flight from most UK airports, and leave your car in the long term car park, you will find the APH company really excellent value for money and their service was impeccable.

In fact we thought they were so good we have put them on the site.

Here is the link for car parking: http://www.online-secure-reservations.net/profpark/profpark.asp?agent=cvfr&tmp=cvfr

Here is the link for overnight hotel bookings: http://www.online-secure-reservations.net/hotprof/hotprof.asp?agent=cvfr&tmp=cvfr

Give them a try....

© 2004-2006 cyprus-villas-for-rent.com All Rights Reserved

How To Make Your Rentals Fly...

2005-02-21T06:40:00.000Z

There is no doubt that owning a second property is very much in vogue at the moment, but for most people the key to keeping this asset a viable option is to put it into the holiday rental market.

Competition is fierce, there are so many properties competing for attention, how DO you make yours stand out in a crowd?

The key to your marketing is to grab peoples' attention, stimulate their interest, create a desire in them and give them a reason to do something about it, ie book your property.

4 Ways To Make Your Property Stand Out...

Grab attention with the Headline

Who is it you are trying to attract? You can't attract everyone, so who is your target market?

Families
Couples
Honeymooners
Golfers
Windsurfers
Older Generation
Clubbers
Single Parents

The possibilites are endless but you get the picture...You don't want to waste peoples time if you are not offering what they are looking for. For example if you live in a golfing community but don't tell people, how will they know, and if they don't know they will move on to somewhere else, because you appear not to offer what they are looking for.

Assume people know nothing about where you live and advise them accordingly. If you have the perfect place for a single parent and their children, let them know. If your property is ideal for a honeymoon, make sure you advertise the fact.

Stimulate their interest with The Write Up

The fact you have 2 beds and 2 baths and a pool are obviously features of your property and of course people need to know if the accommodation is big enough before they book.

However, this is not the information that should be at the top of your write up.

Be emotional and descriptive about your home, where it is, maybe the reason you bought in the area, what is special about the place. Give your text some depth of feeling and inspire your potential reader to sense the taste and smells of your chosen destination and transport them to your part of the world.

Which sounds better?

2 bed villa in Paphos. 5 minutes from the sea. Swimming Pool, BBQ, close to shops.

or: *********************************************************

Only minutes from the med, our super child friendly villa awaits you and your family for an unforgettable holiday in Paphos.

Days of endless swimming in your own private pool, balmy nights on the terrace with a view to die for and the perfect place for alfresco dining.

At the end of the day you can watch the Paphos sun go down, smell the jasmine and relax and kick off your shoes.

You're on holiday in your own private paradise, miles from a crowded world.

If you need to rejoin the human race, the shops are only 5 minutes walk away.

***********************************************************

It just makes it sound a bit more interesting don't you think?

Now you want to stimulate Desire with your Photographs.

The photographs are absolutely essential... You can always live without text, but photographs will do more to interest someone ultimately than the words.

At the same time if pictures don't match the words you may be in trouble.

People have different thoughts about what shots to take, but ultimately, remember you are selling your property to the viewer. As they scroll through the pictures you need to give them something to stop in their tracks for. Give them a "wow" factor.

Try this exercise, go through some of the villa pages on the web site (http://www.cyprus-villas-for-rent.com), scroll down.

What makes YOU stop and look at a property? Now look through the rest of the pictures for that accommodation, and read the text. Do they go together? What makes the pictures interesting, and conversely look at what makes you disappointed.

Do you see the connection. Now apply the same principles to your photographs. Bear in mind people like to have some idea of the inside and outside and the views. People like to know what the standard of accomodation is and does it match up to their expectation of the price being asked.

You can combine an indoor shot, to include a view through say a window out towards the sea. It covers, inside, the quality of furniture, and a view all at the same time.

The pool is important to feature, this is central to many a persons' holiday. If you have one, take a photograph of it, but dress it a bit. Deck chairs and a lilo nearby, give the picture some interest. Put up your sun brolly, dress the table etc

Take a leaf out of the glossy holiday brochures, they pay a fortune for photographs, follow their ideas. They know how to sell a holiday.

It is true "a picture paints a thousands words"

Now you have stimulated their interest you want Action

You want people to book your accommodation for their holiday and you have made a grand job of the write up and the photographs. What else can you do?

Freebies are always an incentive. Such as including car hire, maybe for a few days at your expense. What about offering a couple of nights out at a local restaurant or a 5 star hotel dinner for honeymooners, that sort of thing.

The list is endless, and mostly inexpensive. In the grand scheme of things the benefits to your customer can often outweigh the cost to you. If it means the difference between you having the rental or your neighbour, go for it. You will become very creative in your marketing.

Good luck with your rentals.

Welcome To Cyprus Villa Owner...

2005-02-20T19:48:00.000Z

Welcome to our Cyprus Villa Owner Blog.

We want to help and encourage you with your rentals

Drop in every now and then to see what's new.

Our very best wishes to you all.

Good luck with your rentals