Sau khi thuê được mặt bằng homestay – khoảng thời gian tưởng như có thể thở phào – thực chất lại là lúc bạn đứng trước ngưỡng cửa của hàng loạt quyết định quan trọng. The better you prepare after renting the space, the higher your chances of success when operating the homestay. A strategic plan from the start will help you avoid wasting resources and optimize profits right in the first 6 months, the survival phase of any accommodation model.
According to DPS.MEDIA's internal survey of over 100 homestay projects in Da Lat, Hoi An and Phu Quoc, more than 68% investors face major difficulties because they don't have a clear checklist after renting the space, leading to delayed operations, cost overruns and low marketing effectiveness. Therefore, mastering 10 core categories cần triển khai ngay sau khi ký hợp đồng thuê mặt bằng là giải pháp thiết thực giúp bạn rút ngắn đường đi từ ’ý tưởng’ đến ‘đón khách’.
1. Reassess the current state of the space and create a detailed renovation plan – Đừng vội bắt tay vào trang trí, hãy kiểm tra kỹ hệ thống điện nước, kết cấu an toàn, khả năng cách âm, hướng ánh sáng và yếu tố phong thủy. Đây là khung nền quyết định trải nghiệm khách hàng,ảnh hưởng trực tiếp đến đánh giá và lượt quay lại.
2. Complete legal paperwork and business registration – Nếu bỏ qua,bạn có thể đối mặt với việc bị phạt hoặc đóng cửa bất kỳ lúc nào. Tip: Refer to local authorities or lawyers to do it correctly, sufficiently, and quickly.
3. Deeply research target customers and brand positioning – Dễ rơi vào “bẫy đẹp” khi trang trí theo cảm tính thay vì thị hiếu khách hàng. Are you serving young Instagram-loving tourists, or quiet vacationing couples? From there, position style, color tone, name and communication message.4. Design interior concept suitable for both experience and operation – Vật liệu dễ vệ sinh, bền; không gian đẹp để chụp ảnh nhưng vẫn thuận tiện cho việc dọn phòng.Đừng quên thiết kế góc check-in “ăn hình” – yếu tố viral tự nhiên trên mạng xã hội.
5. Build operating processes and train staff - From guest reception, complaint handling to cleaning checklists. Homestay cannot operate effectively without clear processes from day one.
6. Establish service price standards, cancellation - room change policies – Need to be flexible to compete, but clear to avoid losses. Price levels should accurately reflect value and brand positioning.
7. Register OTA channels (Online Travel Agencies) and booking platforms – Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb are abundant guest sources if you optimize correctly images, descriptions and pricing policies. Hãy sẵn sàng “buông tiền” quảng cáo giai đoạn đầu để leo ranking.
8. Build official social media channels and content plan for at least 3 months – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok – mỗi nền tảng cần chiến lược nội dung riêng. Image quality is a vital factor in the accommodation industry.
9. Optimize customer experience at touchpoints – Gọi điện xác nhận trước giờ check-in, chuẩn bị welcome note, mùi thơm đặc trưng, wifi mạnh,… Customers don't remember you because of the beautiful bed, but because they are cared for in every detail.
10. Prepare budget for initial marketing phase and track effectiveness – Chi phí thường bị xem nhẹ hoặc dồn vào thiết kế. But no one knows about your homestay if you don't proactively reach the right people at the right time.
From the perspective of DPS.MEDIA,we see that successful homestay models all stem from systematic preparation, professional mindset, and respect for local brand value. Đừng coi homestay là một cuộc chơi ngẫu hứng – hãy bắt đầu với kế hoạch bài bản để mỗi đồng vốn của bạn phát sinh lợi nhuận.
Identify the ideal customer segment and adjust the homestay style to fit.
Clearly understand the target customers to optimize the homestay experience.
Identifying ideal customer audience not only helps save marketing costs but also enhances homestay operational efficiency. According to Booking.com research (2023), over 60% of customers book homestays based on style alignment and amenities suitable for personal needs. Therefore, analyze data on age, preferences, stay purposes (relaxation, business, cultural experience) to design compatible spaces and services.
Một ví dụ điển hình từ homestay tại Hội An – chuyên phục vụ dân du lịch trẻ yêu thích phong cách vintage và trải nghiệm địa phương – đã tăng tỷ lệ khách quay lại lên đến 35% sau khi chỉnh sửa phong cách nội thất và phát triển các gói trải nghiệm phù hợp. Đây là minh chứng rõ ràng về sức mạnh của việc tùy chỉnh homestay theo đối tượng khách hàng cụ thể.
Adjust the homestay style based on behavior and new trends.
Applying the 4P marketing model in the homestay industry, you need to focus on Product (product: style and amenities) to create differentiation and leave an impression in customers' minds. Trends like green homestays, integration of smart technology, or minimalist living spaces are increasingly favored, especially by young customers and international guests.
Here is a basic checklist to help you adjust the appropriate style:
- Style classification: Vintage, modern minimalist, rich in local character, eco-friendly.
- Meeting amenity needs: Strong Wi-Fi, workspace, shared living space.
- Integrating distinctive experiences: Local tours, cooking classes, and handicraft workshops.
In an increasingly fierce competitive environment,Updating styles to fit behavior and customer feedback is the key factor determining whether a homestay brand can develop sustainably..
| Guest type | Preferred style | Notable amenities | Example case study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young guests who enjoy exploring. | Modern, dynamic. | High-speed Wi-Fi, shared workspace. | Homestay “LandMark” tại Đà Nẵng |
| Family, vacation. | Cozy, close to nature. | Play area, spacious space. | Homestay ”Green Nest” tại Đà Lạt |
| International guests, cultural experiences. | Distinctly local identity | Cultural workshop, local tour | Homestay “old Town” tại Hội An |
Plan renovations and space improvements according to the brand positioning strategy.
Define the concept from the start to avoid redesigning it multiple times.
after renting the homestay space, the first thing you shouldn't do is paint the walls or buy furniture- but is to sit down and establish a brand positioning strategy. As in the Lippincott (2018) study, the physical space is the first brand value statement that customers see. Therefore, you need to clearly determine which style your homestay belongs to: boho youthful, rustic natural or minimalist Japanese?
- Target customers: Weekend resort for office workers, or Gen Z backpackers?
- Core values: Tận hưởng – Gắn kết – Tự do, hay gần gũi - Thư giãn – Sống chậm?
- Emotional experience: Muốn khách cảm thấy ”mình thuộc về nơi này” – hay đơn thuần là “đủ chill cho một kỳ nghỉ”?
The answers to the three questions above will dominate every subsequent decision: paint color, furniture layout, even the scent and music in the space.
Turn the concept into concrete tactile and visual experiences.
In the recent case study that DPS.MEDIA implemented for a homestay in Can Tho, the customer insight loving romantic retro style was transformed into an interior layout with a strong Indochine flavor: olive green walls, vintage tiled floors, velvet curtains and fairy light strings on bamboo that are extremely popular with young people for check-ins.
Dưới góc nhìn tư vấn digital branding, điều giúp homestay trở nên “có thương hiệu” không đơn thuần là biển bảng hay logo gắn trên tường. Đó chính là sự thống nhất trong mọi điểm chạm không gian – từ phòng tắm đến ban công. Một chiếc gương lượn sóng, bảng hiệu viết tay bằng phấn bảng, hay thậm chí là menu minibar cũng góp phần củng cố cá tính thương hiệu.
| Factors | Brand orientation | Realization in space |
|---|---|---|
| Main color | Fresh, relaxing | Mint green + ivory white |
| Material | Eco-friendly | Recycled wood, rattan |
| Visual highlight | Chill, art | Hand-painted painting, DIY design |
Synchronizing from strategy to space implementation not only helps the homestay accurately reflect the brand spirit, but also increases viral potential on digital platforms with eye-catching images - creating premises for natural communication later. That is the power of branding-oriented space design.
Establish a professional brand identity system from signage to online channels.
Build brand personality across both physical and digital environments.
The brand identity system is not just a logo, but the overall visual and emotional experience of customers when interacting with your homestay. Theo nghiên cứu từ tạp chí MarketingWeek (2023), sự nhất quán trong nhận diện thương hiệu có thể giúp tăng mức độ nhận diện đến 80% và cải thiện lòng tin của khách hàng gấp đôi. Vậy nên, ngay khi tìm được mặt bằng, đây là lúc để bắt tay tạo nên “gương mặt” cho homestay của bạn.
- Biển hiệu – Tấm danh thiếp ngoài phố: Choose signage material suitable for the homestay style (rustic wood, industrial metal, or modern acrylic), ensure it stands out day and night with LED lighting system. Don't let your homestay get lost in a street due to signage inconsistent with the brand spirit.
- Logo and color palette - Create visual impression: Use a high-recognition identity set that conveys suitable emotions (emoji palette if targeting gen Z or earth tone if following retreat style, etc.). DPS.MEDIA recommends investing in a professional logo from the start, avoiding changes later that easily disconnect from old customers.
- Website & Profile mạng xã hội - Kênh kết nối liền mạch: Apply consistent color system, font, and brand storytelling from offline to online. Website should be optimized according to the latest UI/UX standards (Webflow service, headless CMS), while optimizing Keyword SEO như ”homestay quận 1 vintage”, “phòng đôi view đẹp Đà Lạt.
Unify the brand identity across multiple touchpoints on the customer journey.
| Touchpoint | Identity elements needed | Real application example |
|---|---|---|
| Booking platform (Airbnb, Booking.com) | Cover photo, style description, avatar | Happy Cabin Homestay only uses warm tone photos + captions telling slow life stories |
| Inside the room | Welcome card, slipper, towel with logo | Sapa Retro homestay has handwritten welcome note every morning for guests |
| Social network. | Dedicated hashtag + content revolving around the concept | #LovelyByLan uses the unique hashtag for every post |
Think of brand design as a living ecosystem.
DPS.MEDIA tin rằng một hệ thống nhận diện “sống” chính là nơi thương hiệu không dừng lại ở bề mặt, mà tạo lực hút cộng hưởng. Thay vì nghĩ logo là “một hình ảnh”, hãy nghĩ nó như một nhân vật có đời sống. Hãy đặt câu hỏi: “Nếu thương hiệu là một người, họ sẽ nói chuyện thế nào trên Facebook? Mặc gì khi đón khách? Tạo vibe gì khi khách bước vào phòng?” Với mindset hệ sinh thái, bạn sẽ sở hữu một homestay không chỉ đẹp, mà còn có câu chuyện đáng nhớ.
Register a business license and comply with local legal regulations.
The importance of registering a business license.
Owning a business license is a crucial first step for any business activity, especially in the homestay sector. Registration not only helps you operate legally but also builds trust with customers. A study from the Vietnam Homestay Association has shown that facilities with licenses tend to attract more customers thanks to trust and professionalism.
Steps to take.
To implement this process effectively, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
- Research local regulations: Each locality has different regulations regarding business licenses. Make sure to understand them thoroughly to avoid violations.
- Prepare documents: You need to provide complete information about the facilities, owner, and the reason for registering the business.
- Submit the application and wait for approval: After completing, submit the application to the managing authority and monitor the result. The review time is usually from 7-15 days.
Illustration from a successful case study.
Một ví dụ điển hình là homestay “Biển Xanh”, khi bắt đầu hoạt động, chủ cơ sở đã đầu tư thời gian tìm hiểu kỹ lưỡng các quy định pháp lý địa phương. Họ đã hoàn tất thủ tục đăng ký giấy phép kinh doanh và nhận được sự ủng hộ mạnh mẽ từ cộng đồng và khách hàng, góp phần nâng cao hình ảnh thương hiệu ngay từ những ngày đầu hoạt động.
Registration cost summary.
| Types of costs | Costs (VND) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Business registration fee | 1.000.000 | Fixed costs |
| License issuance fee | 500.000 | Depends on each locality |
| Legal advisory fees | 2.000.000 | If necessary |
Ensure that you have fully completed the steps above to avoid troubles during the business process. Legal compliance not only protects you but also enhances the value of your homestay's brand in the eyes of customers. 🌿
Optimize the customer experience right from the booking process.
Professionalize the booking process.
To create a great customer experience, the homestay needs to focus on room booking process. Optimizing this process not only makes customers feel easy, but also demonstrates the professionalism of the accommodation. Start by:
- Provide full information: Describe in detail the facilities, services and prices so that customers can make decisions quickly.
- Integrate online booking system: Use technology so customers can book rooms quickly on the website or via app.
- Quick response: Ensure instant responses to all questions or requests from customers.
Design a user-friendly and intuitive interface.
The booking interface design must be user-friendly. A clear interface will help customers easily navigate and search for information. According to a study from Nielsen Norman Group, users only take about 10 seconds to decide whether they want to continue on a website or not. To improve interaction:
- Arrange information logically: Essential items should be in visible positions.
- Use high-quality images: Beautiful and professional images can increase positive feelings of customers.
- Create an optimal mobile experience: Ensure that the website can operate smoothly on both mobile devices.
Illustrate success through a case study.
Homestay “An Nhiên” has successfully optimized the booking process by applying an online booking system with a simple, easy-to-use interface. The result is an increase in guest bookings 20% only after 3 months. In addition, they also focus on training staff to respond promptly to all questions from customers, contributing to improving satisfaction and return rate of customers.
| Feature | Before optimization | After optimization |
|---|---|---|
| Response time | 24 hours | Under 1 hour |
| Success booking rate | 50% | 70% |
| Customer reviews | 4/10 | 8/10 |
Build a content and imagery strategy to attract customers on digital platforms.
Define style and target audience
Before starting to build content and images for the homestay, it is important to determine style that you want to convey. Your homestay can be modern, classic or local, but the important thing is that it must be suitable with target customers that you aim for. For example, a homestay for families will have a warm, friendly style, while a homestay for young people can have a youthful, dynamic style.
Plan content for images
Once the style has been determined, you need to plan the image content. The images need to accurately reflect space and experience that guests will have. Consider using short videos To introduce the space or answer customers' frequently asked questions. One typical example is the homestay The Box House, which has succeeded in creating engaging video tours that attract a large number of guests to book rooms.
Build content on digital platforms
Nội dung không chỉ nằm trên website mà cần phải được lan tỏa trên các nền tảng như Facebook,Instagram or Blog.You should create engaging posts related to destination, entertainment activities nearby, or personal stories to connect with customers. For example, a post about local cuisine can not only provide valuable information but also create a compelling experience for customers.
| Activities | Description |
|---|---|
| Professional photography | High-quality photos to attract customers. |
| Create introductory videos | Short videos for a more authentic experience. |
| Create blog/vlog | Share experiences and interesting destinations. |
Connect with OTA platforms and set up an efficient room booking management system
Integrate OTA to optimize revenue and display on the market
After renting a space for the homestay, the first thing DPS.MEDIA recommends is to connect right away with OTA platforms (Online Travel Agencies). as Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb or Traveloka. According to the report of Statista 2023, hơn 72% lượt đặt phòng trong khu vực Đông Nam Á đến từ các nền tảng OTA – điều này cho thấy tầm quan trọng của việc xuất hiện đúng nơi, đúng thời điểm. Tuy nhiên, đừng chỉ dừng lại ở việc tạo tài khoản!
We recommend you build a profile consistent và nổi bật với hình ảnh chuyên nghiệp, mô tả hấp dẫn, chính sách minh bạch. Nắm bắt tâm lý khách du lịch trẻ – yêu thích trải nghiệm & cá tính - là chủ đề chúng tôi từng triển khai thành công với Dương’s Garden Homestay - Hội An. After optimizing the title and description on Airbnb, traffic increased 3 times in 2 weeks.
Thiết lập PMS thông minh tiết kiệm thời gian & ngăn lỗi trùng phòng
Using hệ thống quản lý đặt phòng – PMS (Property Management System) là bước kế tiếp để quản lý đồng bộ thay vì “chạy Excel mỗi ngày”. Những nền tảng như Cloudbeds, Smoobu or Lodgify help:
- Sync booking calendars across multiple OTAs – giảm rủi ro overbooking
- Tự động hóa email xác nhận và chăm sóc khách trước – sau khi ở
- Seasonal pricing management with Yield Management function
An example of the importance of PMS is the case of Casa luna homestay – Đà Lạt, the client DPS.MEDIA. After applying Lodgify in combination with the remarketing campaign suite, average monthly bookings increased 160% and returning guests reach the level near 30% in the first quarter.
Compare features of popular OTA platforms
| Platform | Commission costs | Suitable for | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | 3-15% | Homestay style, personalization | Hồ sơ chủ nhà, đánh giá & trải nghiệm độc đáo |
| Booking.com | 15-20% | Homestay wants to grow quickly. | strong visibility, good dynamic pricing integration |
| Agoda | 10-17% | Asian travelers, flexible pricing | Chương trình ưu đãi & Flash Deals |
My takeaways
After completing the 10-item checklist of tasks to do after renting a homestay space, you are well on your way to laying a solid foundation for sustainable business growth. Thoroughly executing each stage not only helps optimize costs but also enhances the customer experience, building a unique mark for your homestay.
At DPS.MEDIA, we always partner with SMEs to build effective digital marketing strategies, from preparing the premises to promoting the brand on digital platforms. Consider adding topics such as optimizing online channel techniques or how to approach target customers to be ready to welcome the new wave of travelers.
We look forward to receiving your shares, experiences, and questions in the comments below. Let’s discuss together, you will not only enrich your knowledge but also contribute to building a professional homestay community and further development in Vietnam.
