As the busy season winds down, many Airbnb hosts find themselves facing a quieter calendar and wondering how to keep bookings up. But at GoodNight Stay, we know that just because the rush is over doesn’t mean your bookings have to stop. With some creative strategies, we work to keep your property booked and buzzing even during the off-season. Here are a few of our key approaches.
1. Optimize Your Listing for Off-Peak Appeal
During the high season, your photos might showcase sunlit patios or bustling nearby attractions. But in the off-season, potential guests are looking for something different. Refresh your photos to highlight features that are cozy and inviting, like a crackling fireplace, plush bedding, or a reading nook by a window. Update your listing description to focus on what makes your property special during quieter times—perhaps it’s the perfect retreat from the holiday hustle, or maybe it’s located near a popular fall festival. By tailoring your listing to the season, you can attract guests who are looking for exactly what you’re offering.
2. Offer Flexible Pricing and Discounts
Price is one of the biggest factors that influence booking decisions, especially when travelers are trying to save money during the slower months. Implement dynamic pricing to automatically adjust your rates based on demand—this way, you’re not leaving money on the table when bookings are hot, and you’re not scaring away budget-conscious guests when things slow down. Additionally, offering special discounts, like a free night with a week-long booking or reduced rates for longer stays, can make your property stand out. Even a small discount can make a big difference in convincing someone to book your place over a competitor’s.
3. Give Your Home a Refresh
Guests are drawn to spaces that feel fresh and inviting. The off-season is a great time to give your home a refresh. Whether it’s updating decor, adding new amenities, or simply enhancing the comfort level with fresh linens and pillows. Small upgrades can go a long way in making your property more appealing. At GoodNight Stay, our in-house design team specializes in short-term rental design, ensuring that your home not only looks stunning but is optimized for guest comfort. We observed that homes that undergo a design refresh see an average of a 25% increase in revenue—a clear indication that thoughtful, expert updates can make a significant impact on both guest experience and your bottom line. A well-kept space signals to potential guests that you care about their experience.
4. Expand Your Target Market
As travel patterns shift, so should your target market. Remote work has become the norm for many, making extended stays more appealing than ever. Highlight the features that make your space ideal for remote workers, like high-speed internet, a comfortable workspace, and a quiet environment. Offer discounts for longer stays to attract digital nomads looking for a home base. Another easy fix is sprucing up your listing description to appeal to travelers looking for a destination dupe—another growing trend, as many seek similar experiences to popular spots without the high cost or crowds. Positioning your property as a perfect alternative can help attract these savvy travelers.
5. Enhance Guest Experience with Added Value
One way to stand out in a competitive market is to offer something extra that makes the guest experience memorable. Think about what would make someone’s stay at your property even better. Could you partner with a local tour guide to offer a discount on a unique experience? Or perhaps you could provide complimentary breakfast items, or a basket of local treats. Even small touches, like offering board games or a curated list of your favorite local spots, can enhance the guest experience and lead to glowing reviews and repeat business. At GoodNight Stay, we also partner with amazing local vendors to offer celebrations, activities, and services that can elevate any stay. Whether it’s organizing a private picnic, arranging a spa day, or booking a party bus, these partnerships give guests access to unique experiences, ensuring their stay is both seamless and unforgettable.
6. Boost Your Online Presence
If you’re not active on social media, now is the time to start. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your property, share guest reviews, and highlight local attractions. Consistently engaging with your audience keeps your property top of mind when they’re planning their next getaway. Additionally, make sure you’re responding to every review, both positive and negative. A thoughtful response to a review shows potential guests that you’re attentive and committed to providing a great experience, which can set you apart from other hosts.
7. Target Off-Peak Travelers
Just because it’s not peak season doesn’t mean there aren’t people traveling. Some people prefer the quieter times, when they can explore without the crowds. Identify events or festivals happening in your area during the off-season and update your listing to appeal to attendees. Or, if your area is known for its peace and quiet during the slow season, market your property as the perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. By catering to these specific groups, you can attract guests who are actively looking for what you’re offering.
8. Stay Ahead of Competitors
Airbnb’s algorithm favors active listings, so make sure you’re regularly updating your photos, description, and availability calendar to keep your property visible. Even small tweaks can make a difference. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your competition—what are other hosts in your area doing to attract guests during the slow season? Are there any ideas you can borrow or improve upon? Consider reviewing your length of stay requirements to ensure they align with the market. If competitors in your area are offering shorter minimum stays, adjusting your policy could make your property more attractive. Staying one step ahead of your competitors can help ensure that your listing is the one that gets noticed.
9. Monitor Data to Maximize Availability
Your property management dashboard offers valuable insights into your listing’s performance, including booking patterns and guest demographics. Regularly reviewing this data allows you to understand what’s working and what might need adjustment. For example, if you see a drop in bookings during certain months, you can tweak your pricing or promotions to boost interest. Similarly, if a particular type of guest, like families or solo travelers, tends to book more often, you can adjust your listing to appeal to them even more.
It’s also important to make sure your property is available when guests are looking to book. If you’ve been using the property frequently yourself, consider opening up more availability during slower periods to maximize your opportunities. By monitoring data and ensuring your calendar is open, you can capitalize on the off-season and keep your bookings consistent year-round.
10. Leverage Multiple Platforms
Diversify your presence by listing on a variety of platforms to reach a broader audience, including niche sites tailored to specific types of travelers, such as pet-friendly stays or eco-conscious travelers. Each platform has its own strengths, and by listing on multiple sites, you can increase your chances of securing bookings, even during the slow season.
Working with property management companies like GoodNight Stay can further enhance your strategy. These professionals have the capacity and experience to advertise your property on numerous platforms, ensuring maximum visibility and attracting a wider audience. With their expertise in managing listings across various sites, you can benefit from their comprehensive approach to marketing and booking, helping to maintain steady occupancy throughout the year.
If you’re looking to take your property to the next level, GoodNight Stay can give you access to dedicated teams for marketing, pricing and revenue management, guest services, and reservation management. With exposure on 300+ platforms, your property will reach a wider audience, helping you maintain steady bookings, even when the season slows down. By taking these steps, you can keep your vacation rental buzzing with activity, even when the high season comes to an end. It’s all about being proactive, staying flexible, and continuously finding new ways to appeal to guests. With a bit of effort and creativity, you can turn the slow season into an opportunity to stand out and thrive. Want to learn more? Contact our team at ListWithGNS@GoodNightStay.com, call 480-757-6399, or simply fill out a form here today for a free evaluation of your property!
