Short Term Rental Orphan Day Strategy
What are Orphan Days?
An orphaned day is a single day that remains unbookable due to the host's minimum stay policy. This happens when two longer bookings are separated by just one day, making it impossible for someone to book that individual day alone.
Think of it like this: Imagine you have a minimum stay of 3 nights. You get a booking for Monday - Wednesday and another for Friday - Sunday. This leaves Thursday as an "orphan day," stuck between the two longer bookings and unavailable for anyone to reserve.
Orphan days represent potentially lost revenue for hosts as those single days could be filled with short-term stays. By implementing strategies like offering discounts or allowing exceptions for orphan days, hosts can capitalize on these opportunities and maximize their income.
These seemingly lost days hold a hidden treasure trove of opportunity. With a few smart tweaks and automation tricks, you can transform them into additional income, potentially adding 3-5 extra days of bookings per month!
Unlocking the Potential:
1. Embrace Flexibility: While minimum stays are essential, consider offering exceptions for orphan days. Use Airbnb's listing management platform to allow one-night bookings specifically for these days. This opens your doors to new guests and fills those gaps!
2. Automate for Efficiency:
Pre-written Messages: Craft welcoming templates offering discounts for orphan days. Set them to automatically trigger when inquiries arrive for these specific dates.
Dynamic Discounts: Utilize tools that automatically adjust pricing based on demand. Lower your rate for orphan days to entice budget-conscious travelers.
Instant Booking: Enable instant booking for these days to streamline the process and avoid lengthy back-and-forth communication.
3. Target the Right Audience:
Highlight Unique Features: Showcase what makes your space perfect for short stays – proximity to attractions, convenient amenities, etc.
Social Media Magic: Advertise orphan days on platforms like Instagram Stories or Facebook Marketplace, targeting last-minute travelers.
Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses offering day trips or experiences, creating attractive packages for short stays.
Remember: Orphan days are opportunities, not obstacles. By incorporating automation, tailoring your offerings, and reaching the right audience, you can unlock hidden streams of income and maximize your hosting potential.
