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Boost Your Airbnb Bookings: Top 10 Hosting Tips & Strategies
Table of Contents:

How can I stand out on Airbnb and get more bookings?

Knowing how to use quick and simple actions to improve your Airbnb listing can dramatically boost your rankings. This blog aims to show you how to use the platform’s wide variety of options to your advantage, how to create a positive guest experience, and how to successfully beat Airbnb’s algorithms.  

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Top 10 Airbnb hosting tips

Airbnb has become an increasingly popular platform with landlords looking to rent out their property in recent years - it allows them to earn extra money without spending a lot of time or resources to do so. However, it can come with its ups and downs, and if you’re serious about making money with Airbnb, you’ll be required to dedicate at least a few hours a week to it. 

Firstly, in order to rent out a property on Airbnb hosting, you’ll need to create an account. This is easy to do and won’t cost a thing (for both landlords and tourists). All you’ll need is an email address, a Facebook account or Google+ account. 

On signing up, you’ll be required to accept Airbnb’s property management service rules and ensure that you respect guests’ privacy at all times. If there are any security devices in your home, such as security cameras, you will need to make your guests aware of them. If not, you could receive a penalty within the Airbnb system, and also be required to provide a refund to your guest should they wish to terminate their stay with you. 

Tips for higher ratings

By following the tips below you can be rest assured that you’ll never see a shortage of renters for your property.

Tip 1 - keep your listing active

Your account needs to be active in the system in order for your listing to generate views. If you're new to Airbnb and not sure what to do yet, simply change your listing description slightly each day and the site will count that as activity.

Tip 2 - change the price regularly

Changing the price on a regular basis will help you to react to varying demand, across different seasons. Generally speaking, the further away the booking date, the higher the price should be as there is more availability to choose from. The closer the booking date, the cheaper the price should be in order to help fill any non-occupancies. 


Tip 3 - add photos of your property  

Adding up-to-date photos of your home can help to make your listing stand out from others and help potential guests to find you faster.


Tip 4 - use social media 

Sharing your listing across various social media platforms can have a significant impact in helping to create awareness of your property, and directing more traffic to your Airbnb listing.


Tip 5 - keep informed of new trends and updates

It's always good to keep up-to-date with any site updates and fill in missing gaps should you notice any innovations. For example, new options have recently been introduced for people with disabilities and there is now a block on the site for children wishing to create an account. Even if you state that you don’t have something, it will still be logged as activity and will help to keep your listing active. 


Tip 6 - respond quickly 

If a potential tenant sends you a message, try to respond as quickly as possible. Airbnb advises that you reply within 24 hours, however, the site takes into account the speed of your response, so ideally you should be able to respond within one hour.


Tip 7 - open more available dates for check in and check out

The more available dates on your calendar, the more flexible you can be for your guests’ required travel dates. Instead of blocking out your calendar with your visits or family and friends’ visits, add availability so you're more likely to show up in user search results.


Tip 8 - encourage 5 star reviews 

Consistently offering a great place to rent, along with impeccable hospitality, can help to generate a multitude of 5-star reviews over a sustained period of time. The better the review, the higher the occupancy rate.


Tip 9 - offer sought-after amenities

Most Airbnb users filter their search by ‘amenities’ in order to narrow down their search results. This gives you a great opportunity to offer the amenities your customers are looking for. For example, you could offer extra fast Wi-Fi, air conditioning or even allow pets in your home. Make sure you include these amenities in your listing description so that your property shows up in relevant search engines.


Tip 10 - make improvements to your listing

Airbnb counts how many times guests view your listing and contact you. The higher the count the more appealing your property therefore, it makes sense to make your listing as attractive and interesting as possible.

A final bit of advice 

In order to ensure your home is ‘marketable’ and prepared for guests, it’s important to consider the following: 

  • cleanliness
  • a simple and tasteful interior
  • appliances (eg. hair dryer, iron, kettle, microwave, dishes, etc.)
  • fast internet connection
  • clean towels and toiletries (eg. shampoo, shower gel, handwash)
  • tea and coffee 
  • cooking essentials (eg. salt, pepper, cooking oil, etc.)

FAQs

  1. What do I need to do in order to find renters on Airbnb?
    Firstly, you need to set up an account with Airbnb. Take attractive photos of your home and couple it with a stand-out description. Make sure the information is accurate and provide as much information as possible.
  2. What time of day should I expect clients to contact me from Airbnb?
    Potential guests may contact you at any time of the day therefore, you will need to be prepared to reply to them promptly, on a 24/7 basis. If you plan to make any changes to your listing, it might be worth doing it at a time when you are available to respond quickly, should it provoke a spike in interest. 
  3. How do I know when someone has booked my property?
    Airbnb allows guests to automatically book your property for their required dates. You will be notified by the site every time a booking is made. 
    To find out more about how it works, speak to a member of Smarthost’s in-house team by calling on 020 3989 3442 or email london@smarthost.co.uk
  4. What are the most viewed listings?
    Each and every traveller is looking for a place unique to them and their requirements. A wide range of accommodation options are searched for daily - from a spare room to an entire property. Some are interested in immersing themselves with their chosen city as much as possible, where others may just be looking for a relaxing retreat. Either way, everyone can find their travel partners on the platform. Be patient, proactive and attentive to everyone who writes to you - you never know what it might lead to.

**Please note that this blog should not be taken as formal advice. If you are unclear on any of the information mentioned above, you should always seek professional advice.**

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