Are you experiencing a dry spell in your Airbnb bookings? You’re not alone—every host faces slow months. But the good news is, there’s a simple yet powerful strategy to attract guests and turn things around: running a 20% promotion. In this post, we’ll explore how to set up an effective promotion, the benefits it brings, and why it could be your secret weapon to filling empty nights. Let’s dive in! 😊
Do you want to watch me walk through setting up a promotion? You can watch a step-by-step video below.
Why Promotions Work: A Personal Success Story
Promotions have saved many Airbnb hosts during tough times, including me! For instance, in a particularly slow February, I had just one weekend booking for the entire month. I decided to run a 20% promotion—and within 24 hours, I received an 11-night booking! These guests even extended their stay by five more nights. Suddenly, my bleak February turned into a highly successful month. This experience reinforced how a well-timed promotion can truly make a difference.
But why is this strategy so effective? Airbnb boosts your listing’s visibility in search results when you offer a 20% (or higher) discount. This means more eyes on your property, more interest, and, ultimately, more bookings.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Promotion on Airbnb
Ready to implement this strategy? Here’s a straightforward guide to setting up a custom promotion for your listing:
- Log in to your Airbnb account and navigate to the Calendar section.
- Click on Pricing and Availability on the right-hand side.
- Scroll down to find the Promotions section and select Custom Promotion.
- Choose the dates for your promotion (e.g., May 1–4).
- Adjust your discount percentage. For maximum benefits, set it to at least 20%.
- Click Apply Promotion, and you’re done! The promotion will automatically start and end based on the dates you selected.
It’s as simple as that! Once the promotion is live, Airbnb will handle the rest, including showcasing your discount to potential guests.
The 4 Major Benefits of a 20%+ Discount
When you offer a discount of 20% or higher, Airbnb provides several useful features to help your listing stand out:
- New Line Item in Price Breakdown: The discount appears clearly in the booking cost, making it irresistible to budget-conscious guests.
- Strikethrough Styling: Your original price is shown with a strikethrough, emphasizing the deal on both search pages and your listing.
- Special Callout: Your listing gets a standout label, increasing its appeal on Airbnb.
- Placement in Emails: Airbnb may include your listing in promotional emails sent to potential guests.
These features work together to boost your visibility and attract more guests. However, the magic number is 20%—anything less, and you may lose some of these benefits.
Important Considerations for Promotions
Before setting up a promotion, keep these key points in mind:
- Airbnb Uses Your Average Nightly Rate: Discounts are calculated based on your average nightly rate over the past 60 days. You can’t artificially inflate your rates to create a “fake” discount—Airbnb ensures guests receive genuine deals.
- Timing is Everything: Use promotions during slow months or gaps in your calendar to maximize effectiveness.
- Experiment with Discounts: While 20% is the minimum to unlock all benefits, you can adjust the percentage based on your goals and market conditions.
Why Honesty Matters
Attempting to “game” the system by artificially raising your rates before applying a discount won’t work. Airbnb’s algorithm is designed to ensure that promotions provide real value to guests. As a host, your focus should be on creating genuine deals that benefit both you and your potential guests. After all, an occupied property at a slightly reduced rate is far better than an empty one! 😊
Turn Slow Months Into Success Stories
Running a 20% promotion may seem like a small step, but it can have a big impact on your Airbnb business. From increased visibility to higher booking rates, this strategy can help you make the most of your listing—even during slower times. So why not give it a try?
Are you ready to put this strategy into action? Or do you have any lingering questions about Airbnb hosting? If you found this guide helpful, be sure to explore StaySuccess.org for more resources, tips, and strategies to grow your short-term rental business. Happy hosting!