Maximizing your property's potential: a guide for the off-season

Hey there, innkeepers! We are already halfway through Q1 2025, but there is still time to roll up our sleeves and get your business ready for amazing spring, summer and fall seasons. Sure, the off-season might tempt you to kick back and relax, but savvy owners like you know it's the perfect time to fine-tune your strategy and set yourself up for success.

Let's dive into some key tasks that'll help you hit the ground running when peak season rolls around:

1. Get your calendar in order

Grab that 2025 calendar and start marking it up:

• Jot down local events, holidays, and any planned renovations
• For ThinkReservations users: Add those important dates as Calendar Notes and set up blackouts for any closures

2. Supercharge your direct booking game

Take a hard look at your goals. Aiming to boost occupancy or RevPAR? Now's the time to tweak those rates:

• Pay extra attention to high-demand periods
• If you haven't tried yield management rules yet, give them a shot
• ThinkReservations users: Dive into that Booking Pace report and see how last year's strategies panned out

3. Fine-tune your OTA strategy

With your direct booking plan set, think about how OTAs can complement your goals:

• Evaluate which platforms are really working for you
• ThinkReservations users: Check out those OTA connection guides in Support Central and update your rates

4. Spice up your offerings

Time to get creative with your packages and specials:

• Ditch the ones that aren't pulling their weight
• Cook up some exciting new options to wow your guests
• ThinkReservations users: Update those prices and images, and don't forget to test your booking process

5. Give your online presence a makeover

Your website is your digital storefront, so make it shine:

• Use modern tools to check for any issues
• Consider freshening up your photos, including some social media-worthy shots
• ThinkReservations users: Take a close look at your Booking Engine search page and room descriptions
• If you have not looked at it, ThinkWeb is our great new product offering high-converting websites tailored for hospitality. Check the launch webinar: Grow your business with ThinkWeb and ThinkMarketing

6. Polish those policies

Life changes, and so should your policies:

• Review and update to reflect any operational shifts
• Make sure these changes are clear across all your platforms
• ThinkReservations users: Update those Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy fields

7. Streamline your guest communications

First impressions matter, so make them count:

• Review all your guest touchpoints, from emails to voicemails
• Ensure they reflect your brand voice and provide accurate info
• ThinkReservations users: Give those email templates and automation rules a once-over

By tackling these tasks now, you'll set your business to have a smoother, more profitable year. Remember, ThinkWeb and ThinkMarketing are here to back you up with extra resources to help your property thrive.

Now go make 2025 your best year yet!