Smart Airbnb Marketing Strategies for Low Season & Travel Slowdowns

Keep Revenue Flowing During Off-Peak Periods

The short-term rental market thrives during peak seasons—but what happens when demand slows down? Whether it's due to seasonal lulls, economic shifts, or global travel slowdowns, property owners and Airbnb hosts need solid marketing strategies to keep bookings consistent.

The good news? With the right adjustments, even slow seasons can bring in steady income and positive guest experiences.

 In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to market your Airbnb during low-demand periods, with actionable tips to keep your calendar full and your revenue flowing.

1. Reposition Your Property to Fit the Moment

During slower travel periods, your typical target guest may change. Instead of vacationers, you may attract: 

• Remote workers looking for a temporary change of scenery

• Locals needing a weekend escape

• Families visiting relatives

• Medical staff or traveling professionals

What to do:

Update your listing title, description, and photo captions to speak directly to these new audiences.

Include features like:

• Fast Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces

• Long-stay discounts

• Proximity to hospitals, downtowns, or local attractions

2. Add an Attention-Grabbing Listing Title

Your listing title is the first impression. Make it count by tailoring it to the season or your current promotion.

Examples:

• “Cozy Winter Retreat w/ Fireplace & Netflix – Long Stay Discount!”

• “Work-From-Home Ready | High-Speed Wi-Fi + Peaceful Views”

• “Extended Stay Deal – Sanitized, Stocked, & Quiet Location”

Avoid generic titles. Instead, highlight something unique or timely.

3. Use Professional Photos to Reinforce Your Value

Guests scrolling through dozens of listings will stop on high-quality, inviting photos. Even in a saturated market, images still do the heavy lifting.

What to do:

• Re-shoot rooms with seasonal touches (warm blankets, hot cocoa setups in winter, outdoor lounge areas in spring)

• Add lifestyle photos—someone working at a desk, relaxing with coffee, or enjoying the view

• Showcase amenities like streaming services, local guides, or upgraded toiletries

4. Offer Smart Discounts (But Don’t Undercut Yourself)

Rather than slashing nightly prices, offer tailored incentives that appeal to slow-season travelers:

• Weekly or monthly discounts: Use Airbnb's "Length of Stay" settings to auto-apply discounts for longer bookings.

• Last-minute deals: Fill unexpected vacancies by offering short-term flash deals.

• Early-bird incentives: Offer a 10% discount for bookings made more than 30 days in advance.

• Bonus tip: Bundle your discounts with value—like including breakfast items, premium coffee, or a late check-out.

5. Highlight Your Safety & Cleanliness Standards

Travelers are still sensitive about health and cleanliness, especially when choosing short-term rentals.

Make your guests feel safe by mentioning:

• Your cleaning protocol (e.g., “Follows Airbnb’s enhanced 5-step cleaning process”)

• Supplies provided (hand sanitizer, masks, disinfectant wipes)

• Gaps between bookings

Pro tip: Add a labeled photo of your cleaning supplies or checklist to your image gallery.

6. Promote on Facebook Marketplace & Local Groups

Don’t limit yourself to Airbnb's platform alone.

 Try these low-cost, high-impact channels:

• Facebook Marketplace → List your rental under “Property Rentals” with seasonal pricing and clear photos.

• Local Facebook groups → Share your listing in local expat, travel, or relocation groups.

• Remote work communities → Promote long-stay discounts in digital nomad or work-from-anywhere groups.

 Make sure your messaging matches your listing title for consistency.

7. Use Airbnb’s Special Offer Feature

If a guest sends an inquiry but doesn’t book, use Airbnb’s “Send Special Offer” tool.

You can:

• Adjust pricing

• Offer early check-in or late check-out

• Waive fees for extended stays

This shows flexibility and can help convert interested browsers into booked guests.

8. Create a Seasonal Welcome Package

Thoughtful gestures go a long way toward earning 5-star reviews—especially when competition is fierce.

Ideas for your seasonal package:

• Winter: Hot chocolate, candles, extra blankets

• Spring: Local snacks, fresh flowers, outdoor activity guide

• Year-round: A handwritten welcome note and a curated local map

Mention this offering in your listing description to stand out from similar properties.

9. Optimize Your Airbnb Listing Description

A well-written, clear, and keyword-rich listing not only improves guest conversion—it boosts your visibility on Airbnb and even in Google search results.

Checklist:

• Add keywords like “remote work,” “extended stays,” “family-friendly,” or “Netflix included”

• Break up text with bullet points for easy scanning

• Be specific about amenities: “55-inch smart TV with Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix” is more compelling than “TV available”

10. Use Direct Booking Channels and Niche Sites

Don't rely solely on Airbnb. Leverage platforms like:

• VRBO or Booking.com

• Niche sites like Furnished Finder (for travel nurses) or RemoteYear (for digital nomads)

• Your own direct booking site (with help from HostPro experts!)

Diversifying your presence protects you from platform slowdowns and lets you offer lower rates with fewer fees.

Bonus: Improve Guest Communication with Automation

During slow seasons, every lead counts. Use tools like Hospitable, Hostaway, or Smartbnb to:

• Respond instantly to inquiries

• Automate check-in instructions and FAQs

• Send scheduled messages with local tips or check-out reminders

This builds trust and helps secure bookings faster.

Final Thoughts: Low Season Is a Marketing Opportunity

Instead of viewing low-season dips as a problem, approach them as a chance to rethink your marketing and build deeper connections with guests.
By shifting your positioning, using smart incentives, and diversifying your promotional channels, you can keep your calendar booked year-round.
Whether you're managing your Airbnb locally or through a virtual cohost, platforms like CoHostMarket connect you with expert professionals ready to help you scale and optimize.

Want to boost your Airbnb bookings?
Post a job or hire a vetted Airbnb expert at CoHostMarket.com.