15 Ways to Drum Up Year-Round Business for Your Summer Vacation Rental

If you own a beach house, lake house, or similar property that lends to a nice stream of guests during the summer, you may be privy to a lot of revenue from Memorial Day through Labor Day. But if you're looking to increase business at your summer vacation rental, you'll need to be strategic in how you present and market it. Here are some ways you can boost your bookings and enjoy revenue year-round.

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Some beach and lake houses aren't well-insulated and don't have strong heating systems in place. If you want to welcome guests outside of summer, you'll need to invest in the right setup. That could mean adding insulation, upgrading your heat, and stocking your home with quilts and other such supplies that make it easier for guests to sleep comfortably.

ALSO READ: 3 Home Upgrades That Can Increase Your Insurance Costs

Guests who rent a beach or lake house in the summer don't have to worry about figuring out what to do. After all, they can just head to the nearest body of water. But during the off-season, your guests may be at a loss for entertainment. So, be sure to mention things like fall festivals and winter wonderlands when advertising your space.

You don't want your guests to rent your summertime home only to end up bored during the off-season. So, it pays to offer add-on activities that can keep them busy. If you're able to, offer to lead a fall hike one day or shuttle your guests to local wineries for a fun afternoon of tastings.

Sometimes, people just plain like to get away. And the more enticing you make your summer rental, the more likely guests will want to visit in the off-season. That could mean stocking your bookshelves, buying more board games, or investing in extra streaming services.

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The mere act of adorning your home with holiday lights could be enough to attract guests who want to get away for Christmas. It pays to invest in seasonal decor, like pumpkins around Thanksgiving time and flowers to welcome spring. It's an easy way to market your rental as more of a destination.

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The nightly rate you charge for a beach or lake house during the summer shouldn't be the same rate you impose during the off-season. Take the time to price your rental appropriately outside of summer. Offering a reasonable rate could spell the difference in getting guests to sign up.

If guests enjoy their stay at your home over the summer, make it worth their while to come back at a different point during the year. Offer up a discount on your nightly rate or throw in a free fourth night for every three paid nights. You might even try waiving your cleaning fee if it gets repeat guests in the door.

Parents with children are often bound to their school schedules when it comes to travel. It pays to offer a promotional rate for your home during spring and winter breaks in your area to entice guests. At the same time, talk up that the area around your beach or lake house is less likely to be crowded when everyone's off.

ALSO READ: 5 Ways to Travel With Kids on the Cheap

Your summertime guests may not be able to come back during the fall, winter, or spring. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't entice them to recommend your home to other guests. And if you set up a referral program, you may be more likely to see off-season bookings pick up.

During the summer, it's reasonable to impose a seven-night minimum for a house that offers beach or lake access. But you'll need to be more flexible during the off-season if you want year-round bookings. You might consider lowering your minimum stay requirement to two nights in that case.

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These days, a lot of people are doing their jobs remotely. As such, you may find guests who want to hole up in your beach or lake house for weeks at a time to get a change of scenery. It pays to consider offering a discount for extended stays during periods when your rental wouldn't otherwise generate a lot of business.

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Speaking of remote work, if you want to advertise your summer vacation home as a place where guests can be productive, you'll need to live up to that promise. That could mean upgrading your internet service if it isn't stellar or investing in one or more desks so those working can do their jobs comfortably.

If you typically don't get much business for your rental outside of the summer, you may not be banking on off-season income. As such, you might as well be flexible with your property's cancellation policy. If you're willing to give your guests the option to cancel within 48 hours of a stay, similar to what some hotels do, you may find you can snag more business.

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Many people worry about staying at hotels due to cleanliness concerns. If you make a point to describe your cleaning methods in detail on your listing, it could be enough to attract germophobic guests to your home. To be clear, this is a practice worth employing during your busy period, too.

Family reunions don't have to take place when the weather is warm. Maybe there's a family whose schedules make it so that February or March are the best months for a large group to gather. Do your best to play up your home as a reunion spot, whether mentioning the excellent catering options in your area or teaming up with a home chef who can offer your guests a discounted rate for their services.

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It's common for beach or lake houses to sit unoccupied for months at a time. But it doesn't have to be that way. With a little effort and a few investments, you can position your home as a year-round destination -- and enjoy the uptick in revenue that ensues.

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