Low season can be challenging for short-term rental hosts, but with the right strategies, you can maintain occupancy levels and keep your revenue steady. Here are 10 actionable tips to help you attract guests and maximise revenue during slower months.
1. Offer discounts and special deals
Competitive pricing is key during the low season. Lowering your nightly rate slightly or offering discounts for longer stays can help to attract more bookings.
Strategies:
Weekly and monthly discounts to encourage extended stays.
Early bird and last-minute deals.
Exclusive discounts for repeat guests.
Tips:
Try a dynamic pricing tool like Beyond to help you set the right rates according to demand in your local area.
Connect with past guests via email, WhatsApp, or even OTA platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to inform them of any special offers.
2. Target remote workers and digital nomads
With more people working remotely, your property can attract digital nomads if it meets their needs.
How to optimise for remote workers:
High-speed Wi-Fi.
A dedicated workspace with a desk and chair.
Discounts for long-term stays.
Tips:
If you have great Wi-Fi, mention the download speed in your listing description.
Update your content with keywords such as 'perfect for digital nomads', 'comfortable workspace', and 'super-fast Wi-Fi', to ensure you appear in front of guests who are searching for those amenities.
Include photos of the comfortable chair and workspace if you have them and are targeting digital nomads.
3. Update your listing title and description for the season
Make sure your listing highlights seasonal attractions and amenities that are relevant during the low season.
Example: “Cozy Mountain Cabin with Fireplace – Perfect for a Winter Retreat”
Tips:
Are there seasonal markets or events going on in your local area? If so, mention them in your listing to attract guests who are keen to attend them.
If marketing content is not your speciality, use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to help generate ideas and copy.
4. Optimise your photos for low season appeal
Refresh your listing’s images to match the season. If you’re marketing for winter stays, include cozy interiors, a fireplace, or festive decor. For spring/summer, focus on outdoor spaces and nature experiences.
Tip:
Getting your first photo right is vital. It needs to be bright, impactful, and capable of selling your listing. Remember, OTA algorithms are judging every photo you upload and will generally consider the first one when making a decision about where to place your property in search results.
5. List on multiple booking platforms
Don’t rely solely on Airbnb! Increase your exposure by listing your property on Booking.com, Vrbo, and Google Vacation Rentals, plus your own direct booking website.
6. Market to locals and people taking staycations
Many people look for weekend getaways close to home. Target local travellers through social media ads and local tourism boards.
Ideas for attracting staycation guests:
Offer romantic getaway packages.
Partner with local restaurants for discounts.
Highlight nearby seasonal events and attractions.
Tip:
Many people in the local community might be unaware your rental exists. Try promoting the property in local Facebook groups or even run a series of adverts in free publications – like parish magazines and community newsletters – which are delivered to every door.
7. Allow flexible cancellation and instant booking
Guests are more likely to book when they have flexibility. Consider relaxing your cancellation policy – even if only for a few months. And, of course, make sure instant book is utilised as this will undoubtedly increase conversions.
8. Leverage email marketing
Are you one of those hosts with hundreds of email addresses but no plans to send any email campaigns? Well, now is the time to start! Sending a simple monthly email to past guests is one of the most effective ways of driving repeat/direct bookings.
Consider sharing the following in your email campaigns:
Special deals and promotions.
Guest testimonials and reviews.
Seasonal experiences near your rental.
9. Partner with local businesses
Collaborate with local attractions, cafes, and activity providers to create exclusive discounted experiences for your guests.
Example partnerships:
Spa discounts for wellness travellers.
Ski or surf rental deals.
Food and wine tasting tours.
10. Offer unique perks and upgrades
Give guests a reason to choose your property over others by adding value-added perks during the low season.
Examples:
Free breakfast or welcome gift.
Early check-in and late check-out.
Complimentary bikes or transport passes.
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