Marketing your short-term rental to snowbirds or monthly guests can be a unique challenge. Unlike standard short-term guests, these travelers have different needs and priorities. In this guide, I’ll share key steps to help you attract snowbird guests and make the most of the offseason.
Understand Your Audience
Snowbird and monthly guests generally fall into three categories:
- Retirees from the Northeast or Canada: These guests seek refuge from harsh winters and often stay for an extended period.
- Traveling Professionals: This group includes travel nurses, contractors, and other individuals working temporarily in the area.
- Local Residents: Sometimes, locals need short-term housing while their homes are under construction or during a transition period.
Each type of guest searches for rentals differently, so tailoring your marketing efforts is essential.
Step 1: Identify Your Monthly Rates
Your offseason rates will differ significantly from peak-season pricing. Typically, offseason occupancy in Myrtle Beach ranges between 20% and 30%, which translates to lower demand and lower rates. Offering competitive pricing can help secure monthly reservations.
- 1-bedroom or studio: $1,000/month
- 2-bedroom: $1,200-$1,500/month
- 3-bedroom: $1,800-$2,100/month
Larger properties, like 4+ bedrooms, may require deeper discounts to attract monthly renters. While these rates might seem low compared to summer pricing, monthly bookings often yield more income than sporadic short-term stays during the offseason.
Step 2: Adjust Pricing on Booking Platforms
Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com allow hosts to set length-of-stay discounts and customize pricing for specific months. For example, during Myrtle Beach’s slow season (November through February), consider applying a 50% discount on your daily rate for stays longer than 30 days. This strategy not only attracts snowbird guests but also keeps your property occupied.
Step 3: List on Alternative Platforms
Expand your reach by listing on websites designed for long-term and mid-term rentals:
- Zillow Rentals
- Trulia Homes
- Apartments.com
- Furnished Finder
These platforms often attract individuals seeking month-to-month or seasonal housing. While setting up profiles and listings on multiple sites can be time-consuming, the effort pays off as these listings can be reused in future offseasons.
Step 4: Leverage Referrals from Locals
Networking with local real estate professionals can be a valuable source of referrals:
- Realtor Partnerships: Many realtors have clients who need temporary housing while building a home, waiting to close on a property, or transitioning between moves. Inform your realtor contacts that your vacation rentals are available for monthly stays.
- MLS Listings: Featuring your property on the MLS gives it additional visibility among realtors you may not have direct relationships with. Around 20% of monthly guests often come through realtor referrals.
Step 5: Use Facebook Groups
Myrtle Beach has numerous local Facebook groups where you can advertise your rental. Posting a monthly rental offer in these groups during the fall and winter months can generate leads. However, be prepared for inquiries from bargain hunters. Consistent posting over several weeks can help you find the right tenant at a fair price.
Final Thoughts
Marketing to snowbird and monthly guests requires a different approach than attracting standard short-term renters. By understanding your audience, setting competitive rates, leveraging multiple platforms, and utilizing local networks, you can keep your property occupied and generate consistent income during the offseason. With these strategies, you’ll be well-positioned to make the most of Myrtle Beach’s slower months.
