Maybe you’re new to hosting on Airbnb, or maybe you’re an old Airbnb’er who wants to learn new tricks – but however well-versed you are in the language of Airbnb hosting, there’s always room to improve.
Here are some helpful tips to get you on to the Airbnb track and become the best host you can be.
Host Profile
First you need to set up your host profile. The profile is where you will be, in a sense, shaking your visitors hand for the first time. You want to get it right. First impressions matter a lot to travelers and potential guests. Your profile is like your ‘Host C.V’. Make sure your personality shines through and that you come across as a safe investment to your target guests. Even without reviews, a promising profile may gain you the trust of your potential guests.
Photos
You need to make sure you have a great photo for your profile. People want to see who their host will be! While it’s the first, your photo isn’t your only outlet for communicating who you are. Luckily, Airbnb is all about creativity within the community. You are given the opportunity to upload a 30-second video or even a personalised Airbnb symbol to express yourself and the experiences you can share as a host.
Content
Make sure your content about your accommodation is clear and accurate. Don’t just paint a pretty picture because that is what you think the guests want to hear. Tell them about your property as well as any potential perks you have available if they stay. Talk about the area you live in and attractions close by.
Attractive Listing
If you’re looking to really make money through Airbnb hosting, consider what you can offer to make your listing even more attractive. Maybe it’s providing breakfast and coffee, a free guided walk through your neighbourhood or a discount for longer bookings. Within your hosting profile, you’ll be able to turn on the Smart Pricing feature, which lets you set your prices to automatically go up or down based on changes in demand for listings like yours, controlled by settings you can adjust at any time.
House Rules
Sounds silly, but it is your property/home – so set some ground rules for everyone to follow during their stay. Don’t go overboard and make rules so obnoxious that no guests would want to book with you but do be clear about what are off limits (e.g no smoking). Get the right balance when setting house rules so everyone is happy.
Do your homework, do your research, and decide if hosting on Airbnb is right for you. With a bit of work and patience, you can turn your home into the most coveted “hotel” in town!
For more great tips, check out our blog on the best ways to get booked on Airbnb.