5 Ways to increase your Airbnb occupancy rate
How to keep your Airbnb booked all year round – even during the off-season
While it’s easy to attract guests during peak travel periods, the real challenge is keeping your holiday rental occupied when demand slows down. How can you ensure your property remains booked no matter the time of year? Here are some key tips to help you maintain a high occupancy rate throughout the year.
Estimate your property’s potential
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1. Keep your Airbnb listing fresh and updated
One of the best ways to ensure a steady flow of bookings is to regularly update your Airbnb listing. Ensure your listing accurately reflects what your property offers and any recent changes.
- Does your description fully capture the features and charm of your home?
- Have you added new amenities that are not yet listed?
- Is your garden in bloom, or has your interior had a fresh update? Be sure to update your photos accordingly.
- Have there been any changes to transport links or road closures that might affect directions for your guests?
We recommend updating your listing at least once a month to keep it current and appealing to potential guests.
2. Adjust your rates according to demand
Having a stylish, well-located Airbnb is great, but if it’s not competitively priced, you may miss out on bookings. Your pricing should be flexible and responsive to various factors throughout the year.
Consider adjusting your rates based on local trends:
- Offer discounted midweek rates to attract guests during quieter periods.
- Reduce your rates in the low season to remain competitive with local hotels, which may also offer lower prices during this time.
Keep an eye on similar listings in your area and adjust your prices to stay competitive.
3. Tailor your listing to attract event-goers
A great way to draw in new guests is by aligning your listing with local events. Update your title and description to highlight your property’s proximity to popular activities and attractions.
For example, you might change your title to: “Just a five-minute walk from the Christmas market” or “Perfect spot to relax after the city marathon”. Grab guests’ attention by showing how convenient your property is for their plans.
4. Make the most of instant book
Enabling the “instant book” feature allows guests to book your property without waiting for approval. This can be particularly useful for last-minute bookings and improves your chances of earning Superhost status. It also boosts your listing in search results, making it easier for potential guests to find your home.
5. Encourage guest reviews
Although it’s not mandatory for guests to leave reviews, encouraging them to do so can significantly boost your future bookings. If a guest has had a positive experience, you might mention when they’re leaving that you’d appreciate a review.
Another way to gently prompt guests is by writing a glowing review for them. When guests see your positive feedback, they’re more likely to reciprocate with a good review for your property. A collection of excellent reviews will make your listing stand out and appeal to future guests.
6. Get help from the experts
If you’re new to renting or simply want to increase your occupancy rate, professional help can make a big difference. At GuestReady, we have years of experience assisting hosts in improving their bookings and boosting revenue.
