5 Strategies for Bringing in More Bookings During Low Season
Published Feb 6, 2023
As a vacation rental owner, it’s important to make sure that your property is bringing in bookings all year long. However, if you’re like many rental owners, you may be struggling with low season bookings. Low season bookings can be difficult to secure, but there are a few strategies you can use to boost your occupancy and bring in more income during low season. Here are the top five tips for boosting low season booking in your vacation rental.
1. Offer Special Discounts or Promotions
One of the best ways to increase interest from travelers during low season is by offering special discounts or promotions on your vacation rental. For example, you could offer a discount for weekly rentals or create a promotion where guests receive a free amenity with their stay (e.g., free breakfast basket on arrival). It’s also a good idea to consider offering discounts for last-minute bookings as well as longer stays to encourage travelers to book despite potentially bad weather conditions.
2. Get Creative With Your Listing Description
The listing description of your vacation rental is one of the most important factors when it comes to securing more bookings during low season. Make sure that your description includes plenty of details about why travelers should come and stay at your property during this time period, such as unique features of your home or area attractions that will still be open despite the time of year. Additionally, make sure that you include plenty of high-quality photos so potential guests can get an accurate representation of what their experience will be like before they commit to booking with you.
3. Invest In Local Advertising
Another great way to increase visibility for your vacation rental during low season is by investing in local advertising campaigns, such as newspaper ads and radio spots. This type of advertising can help bring attention to the unique features of your home and draw attention from locals who may not have been aware that they could rent out a space like yours for a weekend getaway or extended holiday staycation.
4. Focus On Customer Service
Quality customer service can go a long way when it comes to increasing occupancy rates during low season booking periods. Make sure that you respond promptly and courteously to any inquiries regarding reservations at your property so potential guests don’t feel like they’re being ignored or taken advantage of just because it’s the off-season for travel. Additionally, consider offering special perks throughout the booking process such as complimentary gifts upon arrival or discounted rates on extended stays so guests feel valued and appreciated at all times while staying at your property!
5. Utilize Social Media Marketing
Finally, don’t forget about social media marketing when it comes to promoting your vacation rental during low seasons! Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook allow you to share posts about current promotions, new amenities added since last year's visit, helpful tips for getting around town during off-peak hours, etc., which can help raise awareness about what makes staying at your property worthwhile no matter when visitors come!
Low season bookings can be difficult but not impossible! By implementing these five strategies into your business model—offering special discounts and promotions; creating an inviting listing description; investing in local advertising; focusing on customer service; and utilizing social media marketing—you’ll be able provide potential guests with all the information they need while giving them reasons why they should choose YOUR property over others available in the area! So don't get discouraged—start boosting those low season bookings right away! If you have any questions, reach out to our Owner Success Team at 865-365-0240.