Low Season, High Impact: 7 Ways to Get Your STR Ready for Peak Season
If your booking calendar looks a little too open this September, don’t panic—you’re not alone. The post-summer lull hits a lot of markets. Instead of stressing, use this time to roll up your sleeves and get your short-term rental (STR) in tip-top shape for the next busy season. Better yet, this is your chance to elevate your STR game: boost revenue, trim costs, and—most importantly—cut down on host stress.
Here are 7 smart ways to use the slow season to your advantage:
1. Show Your Property Some TLC
Now’s the time for all those “I’ll do it later” tasks: septic inspection, chimney sweep, power washing, touch-up painting, deck repairs. (Because nothing ruins a guest’s cozy getaway like discovering the fireplace is purely decorative.)
2. Turn Up the Volume on Social Media
Your Instagram feed shouldn’t take a break just because your guests did. Post seasonal content — like a reel of leaves changing, a “before and after” cleaning transformation, or even a behind-the-scenes video of you trying (and failing) to assemble new patio furniture. It builds connection and keeps your rental top-of-mind for future travelers.
3. Give Your Listing a Glow-Up
Refresh your descriptions and stage your property for new photos. Swap in seasonal touches (pumpkins on the porch in fall, twinkle lights for winter). And if you haven’t yet done a twilight photoshoot, do it. Listings bathed in golden-hour light look about 37% more magical. (Totally made-up stat, but you get the idea.)
4. Tap Into Your Guest Rolodex
Email marketing isn’t just for big brands. Send a friendly note to past guests, with a “friends and family” discount code for direct bookings. Remind them of the good times they had (“Remember that epic sunset from the back deck? It’s waiting for you…”) and invite them back. Give them the inside scoop on the hottest new restaurant in town or that must-see attraction they probably missed last time.
5. Upgrade Your Guest Experience
Slow season = reflection season. Ask yourself: where can I cut operating costs without impacting guest experience? What small touches could I add, for less than $20 each on Amazon, to earn more 5-star reviews? Sometimes it’s as simple as stocking better coffee, leaving a few phone chargers, or labeling light switches so guests don’t play “Guess That Bulb” every night.
6. Build Your SOP Like a Boss
Thinking about automating tasks or bringing on a VA (virtual assistant)? You’ll need rock-solid SOPs (standard operating procedures). That means writing down everything—from how you like the bed pillows fluffed to the exact filter size for the HVAC. It may feel extra now, but trust me: your future self (and any poor soul you hire) will thank you big time.
7. Expand Beyond Airbnb, Seriously
Don’t put all your eggs in one OTA (online travel agency) basket. If you’re already on Vrbo, great—optimize your listing there. If not, it may be worth branching out. You could also brave Booking.com (if you dare), explore Furnished Finder if mid-term rentals make sense, or check out niche platforms in your market, too—some local ones can be surprisingly effective.
And if you don’t already have a direct booking site, now’s the perfect time to build one and map out your direct booking strategy. Future repeat guests will love skipping platform fees… and so will you.
Final Thought
A slow September isn’t a setback — it’s your STR’s off-season training camp. Do the unglamorous work now, and when the holidays roll around, you’ll be booking at full steam while your competitors scramble.
So grab that power washer, update that listing, and maybe… finally replace that wobbly dining chair. Your future calendar (and wallet) will thank you.
Thinking about starting your STR journey or leveling up your current rental? Let’s connect—I can help you save time and avoid costly mistakes.