If you’re a short-term rental (STR) host looking to increase your bookings, there’s no time like the present to start improving your strategies. The hospitality market is competitive, but with a few targeted changes and the right approach, you can fill up your calendar faster and for higher rates. Here are some actionable steps you can take right now to upgrade your marketing game and grow your STR business.
1. Use Airbnb Insights to Optimize Your Listing
Airbnb provides valuable insights to hosts directly through their app. Make sure you’re regularly checking:
- Search Visibility: See how often your property appears in searches and learn what keywords or updates could boost your visibility.
- Listing Views and Conversion Rates: Analyze how many people are viewing your property and, more importantly, how many are booking it.
From here, experiment with listing updates and track your performance over time. This data-driven approach allows you to make incremental changes and see what works without guessing.
2. Join Hosting Social Groups for Advice
Connections are invaluable in the STR world. Joining social groups such as local Facebook groups for hosts, BiggerPockets forums, and LinkedIn hosting communities can give you access to insights and advice only experienced hosts can provide.
For example:
- Want help choosing the most attention-grabbing title for your listing? Try generating options using AI and then polling the group for their thoughts.
- Need advice on improving your interior design? Share some photos and receive recommendations.
Tap into these communities for feedback, support, and inspiration!
3. Prioritize Your Best Photos
When it comes to STR listings, visuals are everything. The first photo—your cover photo—is what gets prospective guests to click on your property. Use top-quality images that show off your property’s best features. Among the following suggestions, ask for feedback to guide your decisions:
- Bright and spacious living areas.
- Inviting bedrooms with clean linens.
- Unique amenities like pools, patios, or stunning views.
Prioritize the six strongest photos at the top of the listing to capture attention immediately.
4. Make Listing Updates Regularly
Give your listing some love every week—or better yet, twice a week. Frequent small updates signal to Airbnb’s algorithm that your listing is active and up-to-date, which in return boosts your listing’s visibility.
This could mean adjusting your pricing, tweaking your title, or refreshing your description. Keep things fresh to stay ahead of your competition.
5. Build Local Partnerships
Collaborating with local businesses and tour operators can be a game-changer for hosts. Consider connecting with:
- Fishing charters or hiking guides
- Yoga instructors or fitness clubs
- Horseback riding tours or city scavenger hunts
Offer their clients discounts for booking with you, or include their merchandise in your welcome baskets. This not only drives traffic to your STR but also provides guests with a personalized, memorable experience.
6. Start a Social Media Presence
Social media can be a powerful supplement to your STR marketing. Create an Instagram or Facebook page dedicated to your property, and post vacation ideas, local hotspots, and guest testimonials. Social media isn’t just a tool for getting bookings—it’s a way to stay top-of-mind for potential guests.
Pro tip:
- Use platforms like StayFi to collect guest email data, so you can promote directly to past guests and encourage repeat bookings.
- Try running small, relevant social media ads to increase your followers and website traffic.
7. Brand Your Property
A unique, branded property stays with guests long after their vacation ends. Whether it’s through a custom “Welcome to [Property Name]” sign, branded mugs, or a unique theme, adding personality to your property helps create a lasting impression. Plus, it encourages guest loyalty and repeat stays.
8. Expand Beyond Airbnb
Airbnb is a strong platform, but it might not be the best fit for every type of STR. Explore other OTA (Online Travel Agency) platforms that align with your property’s style and audience, such as Vrbo, Booking.com, or niche platforms specializing in luxury or boutique stays. A calendar manager can help you avoid double bookings across platforms.
9. Adjust Your Pricing
If you’re not showing up in searches or notice a low conversion rate, it might be time to reevaluate your pricing. Competitive, dynamic pricing ensures your listing stays appealing and appropriately positioned within your market.
How Lumos Host Can Help
Does this all feel like a lot? You don’t have to tackle it on your own! At Lumos Host, we specialize in co-hosting and marketing management for short-term rentals. From optimizing your social media and pricing strategy to managing your listings and guest communications, we handle the hard work so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your property shine!
Get Started with Lumos Host.
