January 6, 2025 | 3 Minute Read
After three years of running our short-term rentals, I dread our slow season – from December through February. And when I say slow, I mean dead. Last year, our average occupancy during these months is 16% below our normal average.
For example, from December 1 to December 31, 2023, our 13 active properties had a total of 172 nights not booked, translating to just 44% occupancy, significantly below our annual average of 60%.
Fast forward to this year, with 12 active properties (we sold one), the difference is huge. In the same period, only 75 nights were not booked. That’s an 80% occupancy rate!
So, what changed?
We adopted a new strategy combining reduced rates for work-related travelers, such as construction crews and traveling nurses, along with bookings from insurance companies hosting displaced homeowners with temporary housing focusing on mid-term guests (stays of 28+ days).
Related Article: “Increase Profits with these Short Term Rental Strategies”
Our Secret Weapon: A Direct Booking Website
Partnering with Booklee allowed us to launch a direct booking website, enabling credit card payments and seamless calendar synchronization with Airbnb and VRBO. The result? Most of our direct bookings now come from returning guests seeking mid-term stays originally sourced through Airbnb or VRBO.
How we convert Airbnb/VRBO Guests to direct bookings
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On-Site Advertising: Inside each property, we place flyers with QR codes directing guests to book directly through our site.
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Follow-Up Communication: We collect phone numbers during active bookings and send follow-up texts after check-out, sharing details on how to book directly for their next stay.
Since launching our direct booking website September 20, we’ve grossed a total of $49,195.70 from mid-term and repeat guests. After deducting 10% for transaction and cleaning fees, we netted $44,276.13 from six properties currently occupied by mid-term guests.
Fewer bookings also means less management, fewer turnovers, reducing cleaning and resupply costs thereby increasing our net profit. Two current mid-term guests have committed to extending their stays through the new year, and a seventh property has just been booked for January, adding $9,800 in projected income. We expect many of these mid-term bookings to extend into March, which is perfect timing for us to get ready for the busy season starting in April.
Having a direct booking site has been a game changer for us. If you’re looking to increase occupancy and revenue during slow months, consider setting up a Booklee website. Your properties can go live in minutes!
If you decide to give Booklee a try, use our link to receive three months free with a subscription.