10 Proven Ways to Boost Occupancy in Your Short-Term Rental

🡐 Back to Resources | Last Updated: August, 2025 | Written by Kurt Russell

Competition in the short-term rental market has never been higher. With millions of active Airbnb listings worldwide, hosts must do more than simply open their doors. To secure consistent bookings and maximize revenue, you need strategies that improve visibility, increase guest satisfaction, and keep your property competitive year-round. Raising occupancy improves reviews, strengthens your listing’s ranking on Airbnb, and builds long-term stability for your rental business.

Here are 10 proven ways to increase Airbnb occupancy in 2025.

1) Use dynamic pricing tools

Pricing is one of the most powerful levers for occupancy. Manual pricing often leaves money on the table, while setting rates too high discourages bookings. Dynamic tools like PriceLabs or Beyond adjust your nightly rates based on seasonality, local events, and competitor trends. By staying competitive without undercutting yourself, you increase both occupancy and total revenue.
Want a deeper dive? Explore our Airbnb Smart Pricing guide.

2) Invest in professional photography

Guests decide in seconds whether to click, and photography is the number-one driver of that decision. Airbnb reports that professional photos can materially lift revenue. Bright, well-staged images with natural light showcase your best features and convert views into bookings.

3) Optimize your listing description

Your description should sell an experience, not just list amenities. Use guest-focused language and high-intent keywords like “family friendly,” “remote work ready,” or “luxury stay.” Break into scannable sections and highlight unique value such as private outdoor space, proximity to attractions, or a design theme that photographs beautifully.

4) Offer flexible booking options

Travelers value flexibility. Listings with relaxed cancellation policies and flexible check-in tend to outperform rigid alternatives. Even small gestures like self check-in or accommodating late arrivals can tip decisions in your favor when guests compare multiple options.

5) Elevate the guest experience

Happy guests become repeat customers and leave the five star reviews that fuel occupancy. Add thoughtful touches: a welcome basket, a curated neighborhood guide, and fast, friendly communication.
For more ideas, see our guide to crafting a stellar guest experience.

6) Showcase strong WiFi and workable spaces

Remote work and longer stays are now common. Call out your internet speed and provide a comfortable desk or dining table workspace with good lighting. Phrases like “digital nomad friendly” help capture longer bookings that stabilize your calendar.

7) Refresh design and decor

Design sells. Rentals that look cohesive, modern, and photo-ready attract more clicks and higher conversion rates. Update textiles, add an accent wall, swap dated lighting, and stage with character so the space feels curated rather than generic.
Need ideas? Explore our Airbnb interior design guide.

8) Use social media for promotion

Do not rely only on platform algorithms. Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest can showcase your rental’s personality. Short video tours, transformation reels, and reposted guest content build recognition and can drive direct inquiries.

9) Partner with local businesses

Travelers love authentic experiences. Collaborate with nearby restaurants, tour operators, spas, or studios to offer discounts and packages. Partnerships raise perceived value, encourage longer stays, and create memorable itineraries that guests mention in reviews.

10) Keep an updated calendar

It sounds basic, yet it matters. Active calendars signal reliability to guests and to Airbnb’s ranking systems. Refresh availability frequently and respond quickly to inquiries to maintain visibility and trust.

Final thoughts

Improving occupancy is a blend of technology, hospitality, and smart marketing. From dynamic pricing and professional photography to refreshed design and local partnerships, each detail builds momentum that leads to higher guest satisfaction and stronger booking performance.

At Clear Stay Properties, we help hosts implement these strategies effectively so you see more bookings, better reviews, and consistent revenue growth.

Let’s Unlock Your Property’s Potential

Our team offers a free, no-obligation consultation to show you how professional staging, management, and marketing can increase occupancy and maximize your revenue.