From Empty Calendars to Fully Booked: 9 Airbnb Marketing Tips for the Slow Season

How to Keep Your Airbnb Booked During the Slow Season: 9 Marketing Tactics That Work

Every Airbnb host knows the feeling bookings slow down, calendars start looking empty, and you begin wondering if travelers disappeared off the map.

The truth? The Airbnb slow season isn’t a setback, it’s an opportunity. With the right marketing strategies, you can keep your occupancy rates high and even strengthen your brand for the busy months ahead.

Here’s how to turn those quiet months into profitable ones.

1. Offer Strategic Discounts (Without Devaluing Your Brand)

Guests love a good deal, but you don’t need to slash your prices in half.

Instead, use smart Airbnb pricing strategies:

• Offer weekly or monthly stay discounts to attract long-term guests.

• Add perks like free parking, an early check-in, or waived cleaning fees.

• Update your title with attention-grabbing words like “🔥 Winter Discount” or “Off-Season Special.”

  
  

2. Target New Guest Segments

Shift your focus beyond vacationers. The slow season is a great time to attract:

• Remote workers seeking quiet workspaces.

• Traveling nurses or digital nomads booking longer stays.

• Local staycationers who want a weekend escape without flights.

Adjust your listing copy to reflect that — think: “Perfect for Remote Work Retreats” or “Local Getaway Near [Your City].”

3. Make Your Listing Pet-Friendly

Allowing pets during slower months can skyrocket your visibility.Many travelers filter for pet-friendly Airbnbs, and this small change can bump your listing higher in search results.

Pro tip: Add pet amenities like a water bowl, small bed, or fenced yard access for bonus points.

4. Reconnect with Past Guests

Your past guests are your best future bookings.If you have a direct booking site or email list, send out a friendly message with a discount or seasonal update.

Something simple like:

“We’d love to host you again this winter — enjoy 10% off your next stay when you book directly!”

That one email could fill your calendar.

5. Market Locally — Promote “Staycations”

Locals are your secret weapon during slow months.Advertise your Airbnb as a staycation destination through community Facebook groups, local publications, or short Instagram ads targeting people within driving distance.Highlight relaxation, convenience, and local charm.

6. Reduce Minimum Night Requirements

Shorter stays = more bookings.Lower your minimum night requirement to attract spontaneous travelers and weekend guests. You can always raise it again when the busy season returns.

7. Add a Free Experience or Upsell

Differentiate your listing with a bonus experience — maybe a welcome bottle of wine, local coffee sampler, or discount code for nearby attractions.These little touches help your property stand out, build loyalty, and encourage repeat stays.

8. Turn On Instant Book

Make it easy for travelers to say yes.Instant Book boosts your visibility in Airbnb search results and attracts last-minute guests who don’t have time to wait for approval.

Pair it with automated check-ins for a smooth, guest-friendly experience.

9. Partner with Influencers or Content Creators

Collaborate with a local influencer or travel blogger who aligns with your brand.Offer them a complimentary stay in exchange for photos, Reels, or posts showcasing your property.

One viral TikTok or carousel post can generate weeks of new inquiries.

Final Thoughts

Slow season doesn’t mean slow growth, it means strategic growth.

By staying proactive with these Airbnb marketing strategies, you’ll maintain momentum, attract new guest types, and build a stronger foundation for the months ahead.

At BNB Guardians, we teach hosts how to create scalable systems, improve profitability, and stay booked, no matter the season.

👉 Join our Skool Community or book a call with us at BNB Guardians today to master high-performance hosting strategies that keep your calendar full and your business thriving all year long.