Best ways to draw more interest in my STR

[Scott Stahr]

Hey BiggerPockets!

Hoping to get some advise on how to draw more interest into my STR near Deep Creek MD. The house is 5 minutes from the lake and last year we had around bookings for around 60% of the year. This year things have slowed down and we're looking for the best ways to capture more interest in the rental. We have already purchased a hot tub and are expecting delivery of it in August.

Since we're not on the lake we're already at a disadvantage so I was hoping the community could provide some of the biggest draws to help boost rentals.

[Scott E.]

1. Is the home nicely finished with decent finishes that appeals a large audience (light, bright, airy, pops of color)

2. Is the home nicely furnished with furniture that might not be the most comfortable, but that looks great on camera?

3. Do you have professional photos, taken by a real photographer?

4. Are you offering fun amenities that competing homes are not? A hot tub is a good start. How about things like:

 -Corn hole

 -Fire pit

 -Dart board

 -Board games

 -Fishing poles

 -Kayaks

 -Beach cruisers