VisitFortMyers.com reports that Lee County, Florida, welcomes nearly 4.5 million visitors annually. Together, these tourists spend a whopping $4 billion touring the area.
As a Fort Myers vacation rental property owner yourself, your goal should be to host as many of those visitors as possible, and not just during peak season. Instead, you should be attracting guests in the off-season, too.
If you're unsure where to start, don't worry; PMI Gulf Properties Solutions has your back. Read on for rental property promotion and guest engagement strategies to help you keep your rental occupied year-round.
Adopt Dynamic Pricing
Peak season in Fort Myers, FL, is around mid-January through April, as the city welcomes tourists from all over the U.S. and the world seeking to escape their cold, snowy origins. However, summer can also get crowded with vacationers wanting to hit the area's incredible beaches. In response to the increased demand for accommodations, you can raise your vacation rental pricing during these times.
During off-season periods, though, you should lower your rates since there's less demand for lodging. Known as the dynamic pricing strategy, which involves adjusting rates based on seasonal demand, this tactic allows you to balance your rental income throughout the year. It's an integral strategy for attracting guests during the low season, as the lower prices can encourage them to book your rental and enjoy Fort Myers attractions with thinner crowds.
Offer Discounts for Long Stays
Another pricing strategy to attract guests during the off-season is to offer your vacation rental property at a non-refundable but discounted rate for extended stays. For instance, you can give a 5% or 10% daily discount if your guests book your unit for at least seven days. You'll make a little less than usual, but it's still an effective strategy for generating profits since it guarantees income for at least a week.
Welcome Pets to Your Vacation Rental
According to Dogster.com, 78% of U.S. pet owners travel with their pets yearly. Over half of cat and dog owners also plan to travel with their furry family members. Moreover, 52% of vacationers base their travel plans on pet accommodations.
All those figures should already tell you how welcoming pets to your rental is an effective vacation rental marketing strategy. Allowing your guests to bring their furry family members to your property will make them more likely to choose your rental over your competitors with no-pet policies. Best of all, this strategy can effectively attract potential guests during both off-peak and peak seasons.
Follow These Tactics for Attracting Guests in the Off-Season
Attracting guests in the off-season involves dynamic pricing, offering discounts for extended stays, and allowing pets on your property. Implement these tactics, and you're more likely to get those booking requests all year round.
If you're too busy to effectively manage your Fort Myers vacation rental and keep track of pricing fluctuations, PMI Gulf Property Solutions is here to save the day. We're a full-service short-term rental management firm run by expert property managers with decades of combined expertise. With our team's knowledge, expertise, and state-of-the-art technology, you can count on us to help your rental business thrive.
Connect with us today for a free property consultation and learn what we can bring to your table!
