Seven tips for a great gallery
A great photo gallery makes such a massive difference to guest interest and bookings that it’s worthwhile investing in professional photos. Owners who have updated their photos have seen their page views increase by 74% on average. Here are some tips to help you create the strongest possible gallery to attract guests.
1. Professional photography is a worthwhile investment
It’s hard to underestimate the importance of great photography and we would advise investing in a professional photographer. Find someone who specialises in place photography, as they will have the experience and knowledge to show your place to stay off at its best, and always check their website before you book them to see if their style will work for your place. If you would like a recommendation, please email your Account Manager.
2. Open with your best shot
Guests browsing places to stay will only see the first image in the gallery before deciding to click on your place to stay, so make sure that first image is a real “wow” photo to grab their attention.
3. Tell a story with your pictures
Show the guest what it will be like to arrive and stay at your place. Make the place look welcoming with fresh flowers, a bottle of wine, lit fires, well-made beds, an open book on the bed or table, anything that gives a suggestion to the guest of how it would feel to stay at your place. Open doors and windows to make your place feel inviting and open curtains to maximise natural light during the day and make it look nice and cosy at night.
If you have a pub or hotel you’ll need to show the bar and restaurant area, as well as the outside and views. If you have a B&B it’s important you show where people will be having breakfast.
4. Pay attention to the little details
Keep the photos simple and uncluttered, make sure beds are perfectly made and linen is crisp, and cushions and rugs are straight. All of these little touches will make your photo look great aesthetically and more welcoming for potential guests browsing your listing.
5. Celebrate the bigger picture
Pictures of the exterior, interior and surroundings are hugely important and allow guests to get a good feel for a place. Include a few pictures of the immediate area to give guests an idea of exactly where you are (the street, if you’re a terraced house, or the nearby beach, if you’re on the coast).
6. Big is beautiful
Horizontal not vertical: remember that photos should always be landscape oriented (wider than they are tall). Pictures should be between 1 and 5MB; our site will handle the rest.
7. Seasonal shots keep your page fresh
Schedule in a few photography sessions throughout the year, capturing your space at its best across the seasons. We can rearrange your photography gallery to reflect the time of year and help you get seasonal PR coverage.
