Are you still looking to fill some weeks during the summer season, or are you shifting your focus to off-season bookings? Either way, we’ve got actionable vacation rental tips to help you boost bookings and fill those empty slots. Let’s dive into strategies to maximize your property’s appeal and profitability year-round.
1. Optimize Your Listing for Maximum Appeal
Your listing is your most powerful tool for attracting bookings, whether it’s peak season or the quieter months. To optimize your listing, make it stand out with a compelling, polished presentation.
If your listing has a smiley face, congratulations—you’re on the right track! If not, review your Listing Quality Audit. This tool highlights areas needing improvement—all within your control. While vacationers don’t see the Listing Rating, it impacts your position in search result sort order, a key factor in visibility.
Review Your Title and Description
Your listing title should spotlight your home’s standout features to spark curiosity and drive clicks. A detailed, well-crafted description builds trust and sets a positive tone for potential guests.
Be sure to:
- Describe your home’s interior layout, room configurations, and special amenities.
- Highlight outdoor spaces like porches, decks, patios, and your yard.
- Mention the surrounding neighborhood and nearby attractions—think beaches, restaurants, shopping areas, golf courses, and bike trails.
- Provide context about your location, especially for vacationers unfamiliar with the area.
Evaluate Your Photos
Great photos are the single most effective way to market your property. Ensure your images are fresh, sharp, and bright—horizontal (landscape) shots work best.
Include:
- Clear shots of the home’s exterior, living spaces, and key features like a game room or coffee bar.
- Photos of all bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor features (deck, fire pit, outdoor shower, kayaks, beach gear, etc.).
- Images of nearby attractions, such as bike trails, ponds, or ocean and bay beaches, if applicable.
Stage Your Photos
Make your home look inviting in every shot. Move cars out of the frame, open doors, turn on lights, and add flowers or greenery for a welcoming vibe. If possible, use a professionally shot photo as your lead image—whether it’s the exterior, a stunning interior, or an outdoor living space.
Interested in professional photography? Learn about our
photography and videography services.
Make It Personal
The "About the Owner" section is your chance to build trust. Fill it out thoughtfully, sharing your story, values, and the personal touches that make your property unique. This helps guests feel connected and confident in booking with you.
Whenever possible, speak with potential guests directly before confirming bookings. Understanding their needs lets you tailor their experience, increasing satisfaction and repeat visits.
2. Assess Your Pricing Strategy
Pricing is critical to boost bookings. While the pandemic drove rental rates to record highs, travel patterns are stabilizing, and it’s time to adjust accordingly. In fact, 32% of homeowners are lowering rates for 2025 compared to 2024 to stay competitive.
Pricing Based on Demand, Not Costs
Resist raising rates to offset rising costs (energy, labor, etc.). Instead, let vacationer demand guide your pricing. Align your rates with market trends to remain attractive.
Be Transparent
Clearly outline what’s included—linens, cleaning fees, or additional costs. Hidden fees can deter guests, so transparency is key.
Conduct a Competitive Pricing Analysis
Compare your rates with similar listings in your area to gauge your property’s value. Start locally, then expand to surrounding regions for broader pricing trends. Variables like amenities, proximity to the beach, or home age make direct comparisons tricky, so focus on overall appeal. Does your listing stand out?
Tier Your Pricing
Adjust weekly rates to reflect demand. For example, on the Cape and Islands:
- The sweet spot is the first two weeks of August, followed by the weeks before and after.
- The season’s first and last weeks are tougher to fill—perfect for discounts or special offers.
Set Off-Season Rates
To boost off-season bookings, offer attractive rates. Lower weekly prices, shorten minimum stays, and adjust daily rates. This works especially well for larger homes, which see less demand for full-week stays in the shoulder season.
Flexibility with Minimum Stay Requirements
Shorter stays are trending. By loosening your minimum stay requirements, you can fill gaps. While this means more turnovers, it could yield higher rates for short stays—something many vacationers are willing to pay.
Act Quickly on Price Adjustments
If inquiries are slow, don’t delay—adjust your rates. This is crucial for larger homes that book early. Promote these changes to draw attention.
3. Offer Enticements and Last-Minute Deals
Special offers can create urgency and fill empty weeks.
Highlight Special Offers with the "Owner Special" Feature
Use our free “Owner Special” feature to showcase discounts, gifts, or unique perks—like a gift certificate to a local restaurant or market. This grabs attention and drives bookings.
Boost Last-Minute Availability
The “Last-Minute Availability Alert” feature (fee-based) highlights open weeks within the next 4 weeks, boosting visibility for last-minute bookings.
4. Response Time Is Key
Vacationers want quick answers to finalize plans. Responding promptly is essential. Enable Text Message Alerts to stay on top of inquiries. A personal phone call can seal the deal—building rapport and trust in ways email can’t.
5. Want More Exposure for Your Home?
Increase your property’s visibility with these options:
- Enhanced Exposure Packages: Boost your listing on our Facebook (22.7k+ followers) and Instagram (28.1k+ followers). Reserved for high-quality listings.
Learn More.
- Personalized Property ID Cards: Include your contact info and a photo of your home. Hand them out or leave them in your rental.
Learn More.
- Lawn Signs with QR Codes: Direct guests to your listing on WeNeedaVacation.com. Free delivery to Cape Cod homes in spring. Order via your
Homeowner Center.
Conclusion: Fill Your Calendar with Smart Strategies
By optimizing your listing, refining your pricing strategy, offering enticing deals, and responding quickly, you’ll fill those gaps—whether in the peak summer season or quieter off-season months. Start implementing these vacation rental tips today to maximize your bookings and revenue!