12 стратегий по улучшению аренды жилья на время отпуска в несезон для хозяев Airbnb

No matter where your property is located, facing the off-season is inevitable. This period can present challenges, but effectively managing off season vacation rentals can be rewarding. By applying the right strategies, you can fill those vacant dates on your calendar and maximize your rental potential.

In this article, we will share 12 expert tips to help you successfully navigate the off-season and maintain a consistent stream of guests.

• Identify Your Off-Season
• Adjust Off-Season Pricing
• Lower Minimum Stay Requirements
• Target the Right Guests
• Offer Promotions
• Activate Instant Booking
• Update Your Property
• Establish Flexible Policies
• Organize Engaging Activities
• Highlight Seasonal Amenities
• Сотрудничайте с местными предприятиями
• Start Planning for the Next Season

1. Identify Your Off-Season

Every vacation rental faces its unique off-season, influenced by geography and tourism resources.

As a professional short-term rental host, it’s crucial to understand and clearly define your property’s off-season and shoulder season. Only then can you implement effective strategies for those months.

i. Analyze Historical Data

Start by reviewing booking records from the past few years to identify trends in guest flow. Utilize data analysis tools to examine monthly occupancy rates, customer feedback, and market demand.

For instance, if occupancy rates from January to March are significantly lower than in other months, this period is likely your off-season.

ii. Research Market Trends

In addition to historical data, keep an eye on current market trends.

Understanding how your competitors perform during the off-season and their pricing strategies can provide valuable insights.

You can gather information through OTA platforms or attend industry workshops to gain expert perspectives.

iii. Consider Geographic Location

Different geographic locations will affect the timing of your off-season.

For example, a beachfront Airbnb may experience an off-season in winter, while a mountain ski lodge might see a slow period in summer.

Understanding the seasonal demand in your area will help you better position your property.

2. Adjust Off-Season Pricing

During the off-season, airfare, and hotel rates typically decrease. Therefore, adjusting the pricing for your vacation rental is crucial.

A well-thought-out ценовая стратегия can not only attract more guests but also ensure maximum revenue.

i. Review Historical Booking Data

Analyze your booking data from previous years during the same period. Look at the relationship between booking prices and the number of reservations during the off-season to determine a reasonable pricing range.

For example, if you find that last year’s average occupancy rate was 40% with a nightly price of $150, you might need to lower your price to $120 this year to enhance competitiveness and attract more guests.

ii. Research Competitor Pricing

It’s essential to understand competitor pricing at all times.

Before the off-season begins, check the pricing of nearby similar rentals and hotels to ensure your rates are competitive. You can easily gather this information from online travel platforms (OTAs) like Airbnb and Booking.com.

For instance, if you discover that competitors are generally pricing their rentals between $100 and $130 per night during the off-season, you might consider setting your rate at $110 to appeal to price-sensitive customers.

iii. Используйте инструменты динамического ценообразования

Modern technology offers hosts more flexible pricing options. You can use инструменты динамического ценообразования that monitor market demand, competitor pricing, and other relevant factors in real-time. These tools leverage big data analysis to help you create optimal pricing strategies.

For example, tools like Pricelabs can automatically adjust your prices daily based on real-time search data and booking trends, ensuring your rates remain competitive while maximizing revenue over the next two years.

3. Lower Your Minimum Stay Requirements

If you want to secure more bookings during the off-season, consider lowering or even temporarily eliminating your minimum stay requirements.

This flexible policy can better accommodate a wider range of travelers and improve your occupancy rates.

i. Attract Short-Term Travelers

Many travelers seek short or last-minute stays during the off-season. If your rental has a high minimum stay requirement, it might deter these guests.

By reducing the minimum stay to just one night, you can attract those looking for a quick weekend getaway.

For example, if you have availability on a Friday night, allowing guests to book for just one night opens the door for new arrivals on Saturday, rather than leaving the property vacant.

ii. Increase Visibility

On many online travel platforms (OTAs), listings that meet specific criteria are prioritized in search results.

Lowering your minimum stay requirement can make your property more appealing, increasing its visibility. When potential guests search for short-term accommodations, your listing may stand out due to its flexible booking policy.

4. Target the Right Guests

It’s essential to analyze past guest profiles to determine which types of travelers your property will attract during the off-season. Are they couples seeking a peaceful and romantic weekend getaway, excited skiers ready for winter sports, or busy professionals looking to avoid crowds during peak times?

Once you identify your target market, consider how to make your property appealing to these specific groups.

For instance, if you have a multi-bedroom vacation home, you might find that young couples looking for a weekend escape may not be interested, as they might worry about paying for unused rooms.

In this case, you could consider closing off some bedrooms and rebranding your rental as a one- or two-bedroom unit. This strategy allows you to offer a more competitive price, attracting couples seeking a romantic retreat or small families looking for a short getaway.

5. Offer Promotions

During the off-season, in addition to directly adjusting your rates, providing promotional offers is an effective strategy to attract price-sensitive guests.

By diversifying your promotional activities, you can appeal to various types of travelers.

Here are some ideas:

• Discount Packages: Offer discounts for longer stays, such as “Stay 3 nights, get 4 nights at half price.” This encourages guests to choose extended stays, boosting your occupancy.

• Holiday Specials: Launch special packages during specific holidays like Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. These can attract visitors looking to celebrate the season in a unique setting.

• Early Bird and Last-Minute Deals: Provide discounts for guests who book in advance, or set special rates for last-minute bookings to entice those who haven’t made travel plans yet.

These strategies not only improve your occupancy rates but also enhance customer loyalty, increasing the chances of repeat visitors.

By leveraging promotions, you can effectively engage previous guests and follow up with inquiries that didn’t convert, encouraging them to return.

6. Activate Instant Booking

During the off-season, short-term rental hosts must be prepared to accept last-minute bookings. Enabling “Мгновенное бронирование” is undoubtedly one of the most convenient options.

Many travelers book affordable flights during the off-season and immediately start looking for accommodations. If they have to wait for your approval to stay at your property, they’re likely to turn to other options.

By activating Instant Booking, guests can complete their reservations without waiting for your confirmation, effectively reducing the chances of losing potential bookings.

7. Update Your Property

Take advantage of the off-season to refresh your vacation rental. Whether it’s renovating, purchasing new furniture, or simply adding some new decor, these updates can enhance your property’s appeal and increase future booking opportunities.

Our previous article discussed some practical ways to remodel Airbnb properties.

And, consider updating your photos on OTA platforms to accurately reflect the current season’s characteristics. This helps guests visualize their stay more concretely, which is a great way to attract bookings.

Например:

• Outdoor photos could showcase falling leaves or a light dusting of snow.

• Indoor photos could highlight a cozy fireplace, candles, board games, and books.

These visual elements can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to book your property.

8. Establish Flexible Policies

In addition to seeking greater value, off-season travelers often prefer accommodations that offer flexibility. Implementing a lenient booking policy is a straightforward way to attract these guests.

• Multiple Cancellation Policies: You can set different cancellation policies for the same property or create distinct policies for various platforms, each with varying price points. This allows guests to choose based on their needs, paying more for flexibility or less for stricter terms.

• Adjust Additional Policies: Consider modifying policies regarding extra guests, pets, and other factors that could widen your appeal. This flexibility can attract a broader range of guests looking for specific accommodations.

When changing booking policies, be mindful of your bottom line and potential risks. Ensure you can maintain a minimum occupancy rate and revenue level to avoid financial strain resulting from overly lenient policies.

9. Organize Engaging Activities

Planning interesting activities is a great way to enhance the guest experience. Here are some simple suggestions for organizing activities:

• Cooking Classes: Invite a professional chef or a local resident to teach guests how to prepare regional delicacies. This allows guests to immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying an interactive and fun experience.

• Themed Hiking Tours: Design seasonal or locally themed hiking activities that guide guests through nearby attractions and wildlife. This can help guests appreciate the natural beauty and unique features of the area.

• Craft Workshops: Host craft workshops led by local artisans, such as pottery, weaving, or painting. This hands-on experience lets guests engage with local culture and create something memorable to take home.

• Special Performances: Organize performances by local musicians or dance groups to enrich the cultural experience for guests and create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

• Game Nights: Regularly host board game or card game nights to encourage guest participation and foster friendships. This casual setting can lead to lasting connections among guests.

By offering these activities, you can create memorable experiences that encourage guests to return and recommend your property to others.

10. Highlight Seasonal Amenities

To increase bookings during the off-season, consider adding amenities that enhance the guest experience based on seasonal characteristics.

Here are some suggestions:

• Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis: These are particularly appealing in colder months, providing a relaxing and luxurious experience for guests.
• Fireplaces: A cozy fireplace can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially in winter, making your property a perfect retreat.
• Indoor Recreation Areas: Set up spaces for relaxation and indoor activities, such as game rooms or reading nooks, to keep guests entertained during inclement weather.

Ensure that these seasonal amenities are prominently featured in your marketing materials. High-quality photos and detailed descriptions can significantly impact how potential guests perceive your property.

By showcasing what makes your property special, you’ll enhance guest satisfaction and encourage positive reviews, further boosting your rental appeal.

11. Collaborate with Local Businesses

Partnering with local businesses is an effective strategy to enhance the visibility of your vacation rental and provide guests with a more comprehensive experience.

Here are some specific collaboration ideas:

• Joint Promotions: Work with nearby restaurants or tour companies to offer your guests exclusive discounts or packages. This not only enriches their experience but also attracts a broader audience to your property.

• Mutual Promotion: Collaborate with local theaters, ski resorts, or music festivals to promote each other. By recommending each other to potential guests, you can expand your customer base in a mutually beneficial way.

• Business Event Promotion: If local businesses host conferences, seminars, or other events, offer your property as an accommodation option. Promote your rental at their events to ensure a steady stream of guests.

• Host Community Events: Regularly collaborate with local merchants to organize community events, such as craft fairs or food festivals. This not only attracts more guests but also enhances your brand image within the community.

12. Start Planning for the Next Season

The off-season is not as busy, which means you have more time to reflect on your business and analyze your performance. While this may not directly increase your off-season revenue, it will certainly lay the foundation for your success in the peak season.

Additionally, the off-season is an ideal time to prepare for the upcoming peak season. Any tasks completed in advance will help minimize the inevitable workload when the busy season arrives.

One of the best ways to reduce this workload is to automate as many repetitive tasks as possible, such as syncing your calendar, pricing, bookings, messages, reviews, and cleaning tasks on multiple platforms.

Хостекс is a professional vacation rental management software that allows you to handle all of these operations, and even more, in one place. This way, you can enjoy more free time to focus on more valuable activities or even enjoy your life.