Becoming an Airbnb host: How to make your short let stand out from the crowd
You’ve created a beautiful space for travellers to stay, you’ve listed it on Airbnb and now you’re waiting to be inundated with bookings. What can you do to ensure that your short let shines brighter than all the others in your neighbourhood?
To become a Superhost, you not only have to turn your home into an awesome Airbnb, but also provide services that are above and beyond your competition. Here are some tips on making your short let stand out from the crowd…
Wow them with your listing
What’s the first thing people notice when they are scrolling through Airbnb? Photos. We can’t stress enough the importance of professional photography when it comes to your listing on Airbnb. Having a few blurry happy snaps of your bathroom and kitchen is not going to impress those looking for a place to stay. Hire a professional who can help you with lighting and angles. If you are set on taking pics yourself, check out our photo tips.
Always try to create an alluring title that will make someone want to click on your listing. If you’re a stone’s throw away from the beach, weave that into the title. If you’re close to one of London’s central tube stations, mention it! Make sure your Airbnb description answers any questions guests might have including the comfort of the beds, closeness to shops, distance from the airport, as well as amenities found at the property.
Surprise them with thoughtful touches
Apart from making your place look spectacular and providing all the amenities that your guests require, one way to make your short let stand out from the rest is by including a few thoughtful touches. They may seem like little things but they are bound to get mentioned in your Airbnb reviews.
For example, a personalised message on a chalkboard to welcome guests, or a batch of freshly baked cookies waiting for them when they arrive. Many Airbnb hosts will also put together a welcome package. Other ideas that guests will appreciate include: bathrobes; a soft throw rug for the couch in winter; a bottle of local wine; and board games if you are trying to attract families.
Promote your neighbourhood
Remember that you are not only selling your place to potential guests but also your neighbourhood. By helping guest make the most of their surrounds, you’ll increase your chances of them raving about the location in their reviews. Airbnb guests want to feel like a local so the more information you can give them about the best places to eat in the area, your favourite place to grab a beer, and nearby parks for the kids – the better chance you have of becoming a Superhost.
Be responsive
To become a Superhost you need to maintain a 90% response rate or higher. If potential guests send you an enquiry, try to answer it within a few hours. Superhosts make themselves available 24/7 for guests, which means responding to text messages in the middle of the night when there’s an issue that needs attending to. Make sure that you honour all your bookings as this will also improve your rankings on the platform.
Use social media to promote your listing
Airbnb hosts who enjoy high occupancy rates often use other platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to promote their properties. By creating an Instagram account for your Airbnb and using relevant hashtags to attract an audience, you can increase traffic to your listing and potentially boost your bookings.
Unique amenities
If you’re wondering how to set up an Airbnb that will impress guests enough for them to tell their friends about it and share photos on social media, you might want to consider adding some unique amenities. Here are a few ideas:
Outdoor living spaces – Whether you have a little balcony or a big garden, there are plenty of things you can do to make an outdoor area inviting. Try adding a few comfy outdoor chairs or, if you have the space and budget, a pizza oven or barbeque.
Hot tubs – Jacuzzis are becoming quite cliched on Airbnb but there are few guests who wouldn’t enjoy sitting down in a hot tub after a day of adventure while they’re on vacation.
Sporting and leisure equipment – If you’re near the water, why not surprise guests by offering them free access to a canoe, paddleboard or fishing rods? Some Airbnb hosts will include free yoga classes or passes to the local gym.
Unique amenities can also be simple and practical things – such as providing umbrellas by the door during wet weather, earplugs if you’re located in a noisy part of the city, or sunscreen in the summer.
The benefits of using a short let management agency
Research shows that Airbnb hosts who use the services of a short let management agency like GuestReady are more likely to become Superhosts and increase their rental income. GuestReady can develop a pricing strategy, create a great listing for your property on Airbnb, raise your occupancy rates, and help you stand out from the crowd.
Get in touch to find out more.
