Maximizing your Airbnb occupancy rate requires a proactive strategy and constant attention to your guests and listings throughout the all seasonal period. Here are pro tips to help you get the most from your Airbnb business during peak season.
Your Airbnb occupancy rate is one of the most important factors to determine whether or not your Airbnb business is successful. Essentially, increasing the number of bookings you receive, and filling in the calendar's gaps, virtually guarantees you more money.
However, maximizing your Airbnb occupancy rate during peak season needs proactive planning and 2-4 months of forethought. Often, there’s only a Season, in which the demand for your short-term rentals are higher. Here are some quick tips to help you get the most from your Airbnb business during peak season.
Weed Out Outdated Information
How do your photos look compared to the competition? Have you made changes to your house rules? If you haven’t updated these items on your listings, do it now.
To increase your Airbnb occupancy rate, it starts with creating 5-STAR listings. Errors such as missing information, typos, and outdated photos will only drive potential guests away. While you should never mislead guests about the accommodations, optimize your listings with keywords or emotional words to help to create interest and boost the number of bookings you receive.
You should also be aware of the fact you might receive more guests who are looking for accommodations for a group or want to book at the last minute. Cater to these guests by updating your listings to emphasize how easy it is to book at the last minute or the fact that you offer ample sleeping arrangements for groups.
Keep Your Listing+Calendar Updated
Updating your listings frequently is the best way to maximize your Airbnb occupancy rate during peak season. Frequent pricing updates ensure that your listing prices are priced competitively at all times. .
Finally, to maintain your listings and ensure that guests always have access to accurate information about their availability, update your calendar at least 1 to 2 times per day. By following these tips, your listings will stay on top of Airbnb’s rankings, helping you to stay ahead of the competition.
Instant Book = Higher SEO
If you haven’t already, enable Instant Book because it increases your listings SEO. The easier you make it for guests to book your property, the easier it will be for you to achieve maximum occupancy rates.
If you’re wondering why Instant Book is so effective, consider things from the guest’s perspective for a moment. As a guest, you want the booking process to be simple and fast. Any additional steps that make it harder to book a listing simply make you more likely to consider listings from other hosts.
Even if a property has gorgeous Lake views, it isn't worth it if working with the host is difficult. Turning on Instant Book means it's simple and easy for guests to book with you.
5-STAR REVIEWS + Audit Your Review Count
As a host, quality customer service matters all year round, but it’s especially important during peak season. The more positive reviews you receive on your listings, the more bookings you can expect. In turn, the easier it is to maximize your Airbnb occupancy rate.
Make sure that you always deliver consistent, friendly service. Provide fast and complete answers to any questions that your guests have before booking and during their stays. By ensuring that every guest enjoys a safe and comfortable stay, you increase the chances to receive 5-star reviews.
Finally, ask every guest to leave you a review at the conclusion of their stay. Don’t expect guests to do this on their own, especially when you’re racing against the clock to achieve as many reviews and new bookings as possible before peak season ends.
SPRING Cleaning + Update
While guests should be impressed with property's cleanliness, it doesn’t hurt to give it a makeover. This shows guests that you are dedicated to maintaining your property in the best condition possible.
You don’t even have to spend a fortune to change your property come Spring time. A few updates of the décor, such as fresh Spring flowers, Spring dinnerware for the dinner table, and lighter bed linens can attract more attention.
You should also update your photos so that they focus on amenities that people tend to use more during peak seasons, such as the swimming pool or patio. By using peak season as an opportunity to make your listings shine, you can dramatically increase your Airbnb occupancy rate.
Longer-term Rentals (1-3 months) During Off-Season
If maximizing your Airbnb occupancy rate is your primary concern during off-season, consider long-term rentals to help you fill in the gaps.
Make sure that you adjust your listing to appeal to guests who might be looking for this sort of arrangement. Some types of guests you could target include those who are looking for study abroad accommodations or long-term business travel.
Plan Ahead to Maximize Your Airbnb Occupancy Rate
It’s not hard to keep up with your bookings when they’re fewer of them. However, managing your Airbnb or HomeAway listings can quickly become chaotic during peak season if you don’t plan ahead. In addition, peak season may vary from year-to-year, often due to circumstances that are outside of your control. You want to be prepared for these variations.
If you consider how demand for your listings changes in advance, you can ensure that you can have the resources you need ready.