Airbnb Custom Promotion: A Smart Way to Increase Bookings Fast

If bookings are slowing down or you’re preparing for a seasonal lull, running an Airbnb custom promotion can be one of the most effective ways to boost visibility and secure reservations. Airbnb gives hosts the option to create targeted discounts for specific date ranges, guest types, or trip lengths — all customizable to fit your strategy. Here’s how to make the most of this underrated tool.

What Is an Airbnb Custom Promotion?

An Airbnb custom promotion is a host-controlled discount that appears as a deal to guests browsing listings. Unlike Airbnb’s Smart Pricing or automatic markdowns, these promotions are fully customizable. You choose the percentage discount, the eligible dates, minimum nights, and even guest eligibility (e.g. new users, returning guests, etc.).

These deals show up with a green price tag icon and a “Deal” label in search results — giving your listing extra visual attention and urgency. According to Airbnb, listings with time-limited offers are more likely to convert due to their “limited-time value” perception.

How to Create a Custom Promotion on Airbnb

1. Go to your calendar in Airbnb’s hosting dashboard.
2. Select the dates where you want to offer the promotion.
3. Click “Add Promotion” and select “Custom Promotion.”
4. Choose the discount percentage (usually 10–20% is effective).
5. Set eligibility rules like minimum stay, trip start window, or guest types.
6. Save and publish — your promotion will be visible to eligible guests instantly.

💡 Need help setting this up? Airbnb’s official help guide offers step-by-step visuals.

When Should Hosts Use Custom Promotions?

Strategic timing is key. Here are a few ideal moments to run Airbnb custom promotions:

• Slow seasons (post-holiday dips or mid-week lulls)
• Last-minute availability (e.g. next 7 days unbooked)
• New listing boost (to drive early reviews)
• Major local events where you want to stand out in search
• Calendar gaps between existing bookings

Use custom promotions as a lever to drive urgency while maintaining profitability.

Tips to Maximize Promotion Success

• Stack with Smart Pricing: If enabled, Smart Pricing will adjust the base rate, and your promotion applies on top. Great for staying competitive.
• Mention it in your title: e.g., “🔥 20% Off This Week Only – Cozy Studio Downtown!”
• Update your description: Let guests know it’s a limited offer and what value they’re getting.
• Combine with Weekly/Monthly Discounts: Custom promotions can work with length-of-stay discounts if structured right.
• Use Airbnb Insights: Check your listing’s conversion rate before/after to evaluate effectiveness.

Don’t Undervalue Your Listing

While promotions can increase occupancy, avoid dropping prices too low. Always balance perceived value with profitability. A well-timed promotion is a strategic move — not a desperate one. Monitor your revenue metrics in Airbnb’s Performance tab to assess the impact.

Conclusion: Airbnb Custom Promotions = Smart, Flexible, Effective

The Airbnb custom promotion tool is more than a discount — it’s a way to adapt to changing travel trends, fill gaps, and stay competitive. Whether you’re managing one apartment or multiple listings, smart use of promotions can directly increase visibility and revenue.

Need more advanced tracking? Consider using a custom Airbnb tracker spreadsheet to monitor your calendar gaps, rate adjustments, and promotions all in one dashboard.