What are Some Ways to Keep a Property Booked During Off-season

While your vacation rental may stay full during the high-season, you may find that you have trouble attracting guests during the off-season. If this is the case, then you may need to take some steps to create more interest in your property during the off-season. While it takes some extra work, you may find that it puts your occupancy rates far ahead of your competition.

Identify Your Off-season Target Audience

If this is not the first year that you have owned your property, then look at your records to see who stays with you during the off-season. You may discover that you have a very different audience staying with you at different times of the year. For example, if you have a four-bedroom property near Coney Island, you may discover that it attracts lots of families during the summer, but once the kids head back to school, your property attracts older couples who are looking for a weekend getaway.

Upgrade Your Unit

While you will want to keep the return-on-investment in mind, think about upgrading your property. Think about ways that you can attract people to stay at your property. Adding unexpected amenities allows you to up your wow factor enticing more guests to your property during the off-season. Many owners find that adding a jacuzzi allows them to attract more guests. Make sure that your beds are ultra-comfortable and that you offer high-end bedding. Luxurious bathrobes and natural bath products may be an expected surprise for guests staying at your property.

Keep Your Listing Current

The way that Airbnb lists there units means that those that have been updated recently appear near the top of the list. Therefore, think about updating your photos on your listing. Additionally, get an events calendar for the area so that you can talk about large conventions, trade shows and festivals in your write-up. Talking about these events is a great way to show attendees that you are interested in why they are coming to your property. Above all else, make sure to keep your calendar current. This is especially important if your unit is located in an area where some close down during the off-season.

Create Packages

One of the best ways to attract guests during the off-season is to create packages. If you know that the majority of the guests are foodies, then consider including two complimentary dinners at a nearby restaurant. Alternatively, if you are attracting athletes, then think about including a limited-time offer to a local fitness facility. For this to be successful, it needs to be something that your guests are likely to enjoy. One popular Airbnb property management company gets great results by offering multi-night discounts during the off-season.

Contact Past Guests

Contact guests that have stayed with you in the past. Offer them a discount if they will stay with you during the off-season. Additionally, offer them a gift if they refer a friend who stays at your property. For example, you may want to give them a break on their next booking or send them a small item that is famous in your area.

Lower Your Rates

You should know what amount of revenue you need each month to break even. There is no point in discounting your rates below this point because you will be losing money. Many properties offer a discounted rate for last-minute bookings during the off-season. Others find that creating a weekend price point and a weekday price point helps them to garner the most business. If you choose this option, make sure that you know why your customers are staying with you. For example, if business people are staying with you, then you may want to charge more during the week. Alternatively, if your property attracts leisure travelers, then charge more on the weekend. If you have a minimum night stay policy, then you may need to adjust it during the off-season.

To attract more guests to your Airbnb during the off-season, you need to use a two-prong approach. Making your property the best it can be while increasing your marketing efforts will help you succeed.