How do I get more booking for my STR

How do I get more booking for my STR

Member since 2023 · 46 posts · 17 votes

I have a STR next to Cranmore Ski mountain in Conway , NH. We are booked in July, August and in Jan and February. I am struggling to get anyone in Sept-December which is good fall leaf peeping season and ski season. I have adjusted prices which worked for March and April but still not in fall/winter. What are some good marketing idea to get more eyes on property?

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Alecia LovelessPro Member
Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3mo

I live in the Whites. If you can tap into the market there's definitely a 3 week period leading up to Columbus Day that you should be able to charge a premium for leaf peepers. We learned many years ago to set a minimum night stay during this time. Even mid-week. Most peepers like to drive around so 2-3 days is usually tops they like to stay in one area. 

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  • Andrew BoscoBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor · NH · Member since 2023 · 439 posts · 416 votes
    3mo
    Quote from @Kyle Jacques:

    I have a STR next to Cranmore Ski mountain in Conway , NH. We are booked in July, August and in Jan and February. I am struggling to get anyone in Sept-December which is good fall leaf peeping season and ski season. I have adjusted prices which worked for March and April but still not in fall/winter. What are some good marketing idea to get more eyes on property?


     Post the link here. let us review for ya! I am a local superhost - so let me of service!

    Andrew Bosco - Candor Investment Group529 Reviews
  • Member since 2023 · 46 posts · 17 votes
    3mo

    https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1065899136462663343?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=71c2ed61-b530-4feb-a76d-7bb53e0c0996

    We originally bought as a vacation home, but with kids sports, we have zero time for the next 5 years probably so we wanted to rent it.  We kind of stumbled our way through it but  have been slowly figuring out some what. 

    • Andrew BoscoBusiness Member
      Rental Property Investor · NH · Member since 2023 · 439 posts · 416 votes
      3mo
      Quote from @Kyle Jacques:

      https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1065899136462663343?guests=1&am... originally bought as a vacation home, but with kids sports, we have zero time for the next 5 years probably so we wanted to rent it.  We kind of stumbled our way through it but  have been slowly figuring out some what. 

       A LOT To unpack here. 

      1. Evolve is an ok company. I recommend a local co-host. They will give it an authentic feel. Additionally, companies like Evolve can't put a candle to local operators that co-host with you. 

      2. Number of photos/angles are lacking. 

      3. Number of amenities is lacking. Why should someone rent your place? Right now, HIGH end AirBNBS are crushing it. Everyone that is "average" is ok. Hot tubs/Saunas are HUGE right now. Movie theaters work well. 

      4. Your title says 90% about your listing - pool table - is that a desired amenity? Did you run comps on price labs? 

      5. You have 11 5 star reviews which is awesome! Everything looks like it's in order, but you're not "attracting" yes due to possibly number 3 and 4. 

      6. You may see people trickle in closer to the time of booking. 

      7. Marketing wise - run a social media page on instagram/tiktok to get the word out of your place. Post on forums (FB tourism ones) it's available. 

      8. Do you have a guestbook setup? Might help with personal connection. 

      9. The home is clean/white. I don't get a sense of character. It's beautiful - but maybe that lack of character is impacting people wanting to be there. 

      10. Airbnbs are hospitality business. You're selling the emotion/feeling of being in a place. Try to market to that vibe/idea.

      11. Do you have dynamic pricing / dynamic stay days set up (Evolve may)? Do you have a comparative ADR vs. at least 8-10 comps locally to see if you're priced right?

      Let me know if you want to chat. I am local (I see you're in NH/MA) as well. I know local co-hosts that could assist as well. 

      Andrew Bosco - Candor Investment Group529 Reviews
    • Member since 2023 · 46 posts · 17 votes
      3mo
      Quote from @Andrew Bosco:
      Quote from @Kyle Jacques:

      https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1065899136462663343?guests=1&am... originally bought as a vacation home, but with kids sports, we have zero time for the next 5 years probably so we wanted to rent it.  We kind of stumbled our way through it but  have been slowly figuring out some what. 

       A LOT To unpack here. 

      1. Evolve is an ok company. I recommend a local co-host. They will give it an authentic feel. Additionally, companies like Evolve can't put a candle to local operators that co-host with you. 

      2. Number of photos/angles are lacking. 

      3. Number of amenities is lacking. Why should someone rent your place? Right now, HIGH end AirBNBS are crushing it. Everyone that is "average" is ok. Hot tubs/Saunas are HUGE right now. Movie theaters work well. 

      4. Your title says 90% about your listing - pool table - is that a desired amenity? Did you run comps on price labs? 

      5. You have 11 5 star reviews which is awesome! Everything looks like it's in order, but you're not "attracting" yes due to possibly number 3 and 4. 

      6. You may see people trickle in closer to the time of booking. 

      7. Marketing wise - run a social media page on instagram/tiktok to get the word out of your place. Post on forums (FB tourism ones) it's available. 

      8. Do you have a guestbook setup? Might help with personal connection. 

      9. The home is clean/white. I don't get a sense of character. It's beautiful - but maybe that lack of character is impacting people wanting to be there. 

      10. Airbnbs are hospitality business. You're selling the emotion/feeling of being in a place. Try to market to that vibe/idea.

      11. Do you have dynamic pricing / dynamic stay days set up (Evolve may)? Do you have a comparative ADR vs. at least 8-10 comps locally to see if you're priced right?

      Let me know if you want to chat. I am local (I see you're in NH/MA) as well. I know local co-hosts that could assist as well. 


       I would love to talk, What does your schedule look like next week? 

  • MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3mo

    Your property is absolutely beautiful and exactly the kind of place I would rent if you allowed dogs. My STRs are about 70% pet owners with a fee of $150-$185 per stay but you may be able to charge more. The only other thing I can think of is to add some photos of fireplace/pit, area activities and attractions. 

  • Member since 2023 · 46 posts · 17 votes
    3mo

    We went back and forth on the pet idea, but we are not there yet. We have dogs too! 

  • Alecia LovelessPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3mo

    I live in the Whites. If you can tap into the market there's definitely a 3 week period leading up to Columbus Day that you should be able to charge a premium for leaf peepers. We learned many years ago to set a minimum night stay during this time. Even mid-week. Most peepers like to drive around so 2-3 days is usually tops they like to stay in one area. 

  • Bianca BarcelosBusiness Member
    NH · Member since 2026 · 77 posts · 41 votes
    2mo

    Hey there! As a local agent here in the area, I have to say you’ve got an absolute gem of a location. I'm jealous as an investor, agent, and just a guests of that area.  Love that you’re already crushing the peak summer and deep winter seasonal markets.

    The shoulder months can be tricky, but you shouldn't be struggling with September and October. North Conway is legendary(!!!) for fall foliage. :)

    Since price adjustments already worked, the issue for fall/early winter probably isn't your rate but maybe your visibility...?  A couple of thoughts for you...

    Are you adjusting your photos? Fall is beautiful up there and people fly into MHT just for the drive up to and around where you're located... show people what you have to offer in peak foliage.

    How/are you marketing?  Maybe an itinerary for folks traveling in that area; day trips, weekend trips, mid-week (for remote workers looking to change up the scenery at the "home" office).  Do you have relationships with local businesses; coffee shops, restaurants, wedding/event venues (overflow guests could be a great place to get involved), activity companies, favorite hikes to recommend, etc.?

    Let me know what you think! Good luck with it - I wish you excellent success, the guests are out there and you have a phenomenal spot for them to visit! 

    Bianca Barcelos, Real Estate54 Reviews
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  • Investor · North Bend, WA · Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 2 votes
    2mo

    Crazy idea, but it's free. Make a Facebook/Instagram page for the STR. Post pictures from all different time periods and get guests to follow it. Then post pictures and updates form the area with local events. And post in the local travel/photography groups from your STR's FB page.

  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2mo
    Quote from @Kyle Jacques:

    I have a STR next to Cranmore Ski mountain in Conway , NH. We are booked in July, August and in Jan and February. I am struggling to get anyone in Sept-December which is good fall leaf peeping season and ski season. I have adjusted prices which worked for March and April but still not in fall/winter. What are some good marketing idea to get more eyes on property?

    Welcome to BP! If you're already getting strong bookings during peak summer and ski months, that usually tells me the property itself isn't the problem. I'd take a close look at your listing presentation first. Fresh professional photos, an updated cover photo, a compelling title, and highlighting nearby attractions for fall foliage, hiking, holiday events, and early ski season can make a big difference. I'd also check what competing listings are offering during those shoulder-season months and see if there are amenities you can emphasize such as a hot tub, fire pit, game room, workspace, or pet-friendly setup. Another thing that's worked well for many operators is targeting weekend getaways and remote workers with shorter stay discounts, midweek specials, and longer-stay pricing. Sometimes adding a few local guides, restaurant recommendations, or seasonal itineraries in the listing helps guests visualize the trip and increases conversion rates. I'd also pay attention to your click-through rate versus booking rate if your platform provides that data. If people are viewing the listing but not booking, the issue is often the photos, pricing strategy, reviews, or listing description rather than visibility itself. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!
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