If you’re looking to maximize your short-term rental occupancy, there are a few strategies you can implement to attract more bookings and improve your property’s overall performance. Here are five key tips, ranked in reverse order of importance:

5. Get good reviews

Positive reviews are one of the most important drivers of occupancy. Guests rely on reviews to gauge the quality of their potential stay, and good reviews improve your property’s ranking with OTAs (online travel agencies). To get great reviews

• Prioritize cleanliness. An impeccable establishment makes an excellent first impression.
• Communicate quickly and clearly with guests. Answer their questions before and during their stay.
• Add details such as a welcome note, free snacks or a guide to local attractions. These small gestures can leave a lasting impression and increase the likelihood of receiving a positive review. Remember that good reviews not only improve your reputation, but also make your listing more visible on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

4. Invest in professional photography

Your photos are the first impression potential guests will have of your property, and quality images can make or break a booking. Professional photography ensures that your listing looks its best:

• Use bright, natural lighting and shoot wide-angle to show the space.
• It highlights unique features, such as a cozy fireplace, panoramic views or luxury amenities.
• Include photos of all rooms and outdoor areas, focusing on comfort and functionality. High-quality images are proven to increase click-through rates and bookings. Think of photos as an investment that pays off in higher occupancy.

3. Optimize your ad description

An accurate and attractive description of the accommodation helps to set guests’ expectations and attracts the right audience. A well-crafted ad should

• Highlight your property’s unique features, such as proximity to attractions, fast Wi-Fi or pet-friendly amenities.
• Be clear and transparent to avoid misunderstandings that may lead to negative opinions.
• Use keywords that travelers can search for, such as “beachfront apartment” or “family villa”. Remember that a detailed and attractive ad attracts the right guests and helps reduce cancellations or dissatisfaction upon arrival.

2. Establishes flexible minimum stay standards

Flexibility is key to increasing occupancy. Adjust your minimum stay requirements to cater to different types of travelers:

• Offers shorter stays (1-2 nights) during off-peak periods to capture weekend travelers or last-minute bookings.
• Allows reservations on the same day of check-in. For two reasons: many hosts do not do it and it is the day when most reservations are made.
• Set longer minimum stays during peak seasons or periods of higher demand to maximize revenue while maintaining high occupancy. Being flexible allows you to adapt to market trends and attract a wider audience, ultimately filling your calendar more effectively.

1. Use dynamic pricing strategies

The most critical factor in maximizing occupancy is to have a dynamic pricing strategy. Smart pricing adjusts your rates in real time based on demand, seasonality and local events. Here’s how to put it into practice:

• Use a Revenue Management tool or service such as ListingOK, which analyzes market data and competitor rates to recommend optimal prices.
• Avoid static prices, as they cause you to miss opportunities during peak periods or overprice your property during low seasons.
• Review your prices regularly and make the necessary adjustments to remain competitive.

Smart pricing not only increases bookings, but also ensures that revenue per stay is maximized. It is a must-have strategy for the success of any short-term rental.

If you put these five tips into practice – get good reviews, showcase your property with stunning photographs, craft an accurate ad, be flexible with stays and use dynamic pricing – you’ll be well on your way to increase occupancy and optimize your short-term rental yield..