Airbnb is one of the easiest ways to travel on a budget. It also provides an awesome source of income if you’re an Airbnb host. Whether you have a spare room or an entire property, you can list your space on Airbnb.
You’ll want to pay attention to certain details to be the most attractive option for travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned Airbnb host or listing your space for the first time, our Airbnb host checklist has some great tips that will help you maximize your bookings in 2024 and beyond.
Airbnb Host Tip #1: A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
Having high-quality photos on your Airbnb listing is the best way to ensure you attract travelers. If you only do one thing on this checklist, this is the one that will give you the most bang for your buck!
The same space can look much more attractive if you take the time to capture it the right way. The good news is that you can take awesome photos with just a smartphone and a little patience. Here are our top tips for improving your Airbnb listing photos:
- Take pictures during the daytime hours. Natural light will make any space look bigger and more inviting.
- Get rid of unnecessary visual clutter. This means paying attention to details like closing closets or other things that might be distracting. It goes without saying that you should have already tidied up the space to eliminate any actual clutter from the shot.
- Style your space. Going the extra mile for a picture shows guests that you’ll go the extra mile for them! Fluff up throw pillows, show off colorful accessories, and consider adding fresh flowers or plants into your shot to make the space visually welcoming.
Airbnb Host Tip #2: Check Out Your Competition
It sounds easy, but researching your competition is a step that even experienced Airbnb hosts overlook. Look at other listings nearby to ensure your pricing is on point. Be cautious not to overprice your space because doing so will mean fewer chances of maximizing your bookings. Staying within a competitive range of other listings means you’ll have a good chance of enticing travelers without undervaluing yourself. Here are a few pricing tips:
- Is there an off-season for your location? Consider lowering your listing price during those off-season dates. Remember, you make more money on a low-priced booking than no booking at all!
- Utilize the feature that allows you to adjust the pricing by the number of travelers. This keeps your listing competitive for single travelers and fair for the extra work it takes to host extra people.
- Consider offering a discount for long-term stays. Even a simple 10% discount for a weekly stay will make you look like a better host than someone who doesn’t offer anything.
Airbnb Host Tip #3: Eliminate Any Minimum Night Stay
There’s no denying that it’s more work to turn around a space after a single night, but there are certain times when eliminating a minimum will help you maximize your profits. Eliminating a minimum night stay will allow more travelers to book your space, especially if you are just starting out. This directly translates to more reviews, which you’ll need to gain credibility as an Airbnb host.
Also Read: Travel Hacks: 10 Ways to Save With Airbnb
For experienced hosts, offering a no-minimum stay is one of the best ways to attract travelers during the off-season and ensure that their space doesn’t remain empty for days on end.
Pro-tip: Always make sure your listings’ calendar is updated! Allowing bookings far into the future will unlock the potential of getting bookings from guests planning in advance for special events.
Airbnb Host Tip #4: Allow Instant-Book
There is nothing worse when you’re planning a trip than to have to wait around to see whether you can book the awesome place you just found. So save your potential customers the hassle and allow Instant-Book.
This will dramatically increase the number of bookings on your listing as the booking experience becomes hassle-free for your customers. Additionally, listings that allow instant booking are typically shown higher in Airbnb search results.
Airbnb Host Tip #5: Don’t Forget Your Profile
Your Airbnb host profile is one of the most important factors in gaining the trust of potential customers. Yet most people make the mistake of focusing all their energy on their listing and not enough on their profile.
Here are the best ways to make your Airbnb host profile more attractive to travelers to increase your bookings:
- Make sure your profile picture clearly shows your face. Hiding your face or using a low-quality photo will make you appear less trustworthy.
- Include some information about yourself. Your Airbnb profile isn’t a resume, so use friendly language, and don’t be afraid to tell people about your hobbies and some of your favorite things to do or places to go in your neighborhood.
- Connect your Facebook account to your Airbnb profile. This will make you look more legit, plus you’ll be able to see if you have any friendship connections with those interested in your listings.
- No reviews? Try a referral! Asking a family member or friend to write a referral will give your profile some credibility while you get those early bookings.
- Get verified. Taking the time to submit documentation to Airbnb proves you’re legit. This can go a long way in gaining the trust of potential travelers.
Airbnb Host Tip #6: Maximize the Reviews
One of the most important aspects of increasing your bookings is to get positive reviews from your guests. The best way to get great reviews is to go above and beyond with your customer service. Here are the best strategies for increasing the likelihood of a good review:
- Fast responses. Even if you can’t answer their question right away, responding within the hour of a guest’s message tells them you’re responsive and trustworthy.
- Take note of any issues your guests mention in their reviews and fix them if possible. Never post a negative response to a negative guest review. Guests want to see hosts who are professional and calm, so use responses as an opportunity to thank your guests again for their stay and show your commitment to resolving the issue.
- Always thank your guests! Responding to positive reviews shows travelers your human side. Even something short and sweet will do, like “Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Joe! Hope we’ll see you back in Denver soon!”
Airbnb Host Tip #7: Add Quality
If you’re ready to increase your Airbnb host bookings in 2024 and you’ve already put the above tips into play, you won’t want to overlook this last creative tip. Increase the quality of your space! Take a look at more expensive listings to get inspired.
For example, if you have the room, consider adding a futon or pull-out couch, which can increase the price of your listing by adding two more sleeping spaces. If you’re hosting guests for a longer period of time, consider throwing in extras, like a welcome basket with small goodies and toiletries. Even small details like upgrading the sheets can make guests feel more comfortable. This all results in better reviews and, in turn, more bookings.
Remember, above everything else, Airbnb rewards great customer service. So, as long as you focus on giving your guests an awesome experience, you’ll be moving in the right direction!
