Last-minute bookings: How to secure more for your holiday rental business

Achieving last-minute bookings for your holiday rental involves implementing a mix of successful marketing tactics, providing exceptional customer service, and having a deep insight into traveller preferences. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of five specific strategies that can be utilised to increase last-minute bookings for your holiday rental property.

---

Optimise online presence

To attract last-minute bookings, your online presence needs to be top-notch. Travelers often rely on first impressions when making quick decisions. Ensure that your holiday rental listings on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO are fully optimized. This includes:

• High-Quality Photos: Invest in professional photography to showcase your property in the best light. Highlight key features such as a stunning view, cozy fireplace, or a luxurious pool.

• Detailed Descriptions: Provide clear and concise descriptions of your property, including amenities, nearby attractions, and any unique features.

• Up-to-Date Calendar: Regularly update your availability calendar to reflect accurate dates. This prevents double bookings and enhances trust with potential guests.

Competitive pricing

Competitive pricing is essential for attracting last-minute bookings, especially in a crowded market. Travellers booking at the last minute are often looking for the best deals available. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly review and adjust your pricing to remain competitive. Use pricing tools that analyse market trends, demand, and competitor rates to help you set the right price points. These tools can help you automatically adjust your rates based on factors such as seasonality, local events, and current occupancy levels, ensuring that your property remains attractive to potential guests. By offering competitive rates, you increase the likelihood of filling vacancies quickly and maximizing your rental income.

In addition to dynamic pricing, transparent pricing is also important; make sure all fees and charges are clearly outlined to avoid any surprises for guests, which can enhance their overall experience and encourage positive reviews. By staying on top of pricing trends and offering attractive deals, you can effectively attract last-minute travellers and maintain high occupancy rates.

Reducing minimum stays

Reducing the minimum stay requirement is an effective strategy for attracting last-minute bookings. Many travellers looking for a quick getaway are deterred by properties that require a minimum stay of several nights. By lowering this threshold, you open your rental to a larger audience who may only have a weekend or a few days available for travel. Implementing flexible stay options can be particularly appealing to city dwellers looking for a brief escape or business travellers extending their trips for a bit of leisure. Update your listing details on all booking platforms to reflect these changes, and make sure to highlight the new minimum stay policy in your property descriptions and headlines to catch the attention of potential guests quickly.

Flexibility in check-in and check-out times can also be a major draw for last-minute bookers. Allowing guests to check in late or check out early without extra charges can make your property more appealing. By making these adjustments, you not only increase your chances of filling up vacancies but also enhance your reputation as a flexible and guest-friendly host.

Re-target previous guests

Re-targeting previous guests is a highly effective way to boost last-minute bookings. These guests are already familiar with your property and, assuming they had a positive experience, are more likely to return. Start by maintaining a comprehensive database of past guests, including their contact information and booking preferences. Use this database to send personalised email campaigns that highlight last-minute deals and special offers. Personalisation is key; address guests by their names and reference their previous stays to make the communication more engaging. Offer exclusive discounts for repeat guests as a token of appreciation, which can significantly increase the likelihood of them choosing your property again.

Beyond email marketing, consider using social media and targeted online ads to reach previous guests. Platforms like Facebook and Google Ads offer re-targeting options that allow you to display your ads to people who have previously visited your website or engaged with your content. This keeps your property top of mind for past guests who might be considering a last-minute trip. Additionally, encourage previous guests to follow your social media accounts to stay updated on any new promotions or deals. This ongoing connection helps build a loyal customer base and makes it easier to fill vacancies on short notice. By focusing on re-targeting strategies, you can leverage the goodwill and familiarity of past guests to drive more last-minute bookings.

Last-minute booking promotions

Last-minute promotions are a powerful way to fill up vacancies quickly and appeal to spontaneous travellers. To effectively implement last-minute promotions, start by creating attractive deals and discounts specifically for those booking within a short time frame. For instance, offer a 20% discount for bookings made within the last week before the desired stay date. Highlight these promotions prominently on your website, booking platforms, and social media channels. Use eye-catching visuals and compelling language to convey a sense of urgency and exclusivity.

Promotions should also be communicated through multiple channels to reach a wider audience. Don't forget to engage with enquiries promptly, this level of interaction builds trust and encourages bookings. By leveraging multiple communication channels and offering appealing, time-sensitive deals, you can significantly boost your last-minute bookings.

Utilise social presence

Utilising your social media presence is a powerful way to attract last-minute bookings. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter provide an excellent opportunity to engage with potential guests in real-time and promote your property. Regularly post high-quality photos and videos of your rental, highlighting its unique features, amenities, and surrounding attractions. Use stories and live videos to give potential guests a real-time look at your property, which can be especially effective for those making quick booking decisions.

Paid social media advertising can further boost your visibility and reach. Use targeted ads to focus on users who are interested in travel and within a specific geographic area. Facebook and Instagram ads allow for precise targeting based on user behaviour and preferences, making it easier to reach potential guests who are likely to book last-minute. Additionally, leverage the power of hashtags to increase your content's discoverability. By maintaining an active and engaging social media presence, you can keep your property top of mind and attract more last-minute bookings.