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Airbnb properties are swiftly becoming as popular as or more popular than hotels. Travelers can book an Airbnb location for many reasons, such as proximity to events, quality amenities, listing size, etc. But, to even receive a booking, as an Airbnb host, you need to make your listing stand out from the rest.
10 Ways to Make Your Airbnb Listing Stand Out
You may be asking, how do I make my Airbnb listing stand out? Don’t worry; we’ve compiled a list of ten ways to make your Airbnb listing stand out.
1. Invest in High-Quality Photos
When creating your Airbnb listing, only use photos that are high quality. Take the time to hire a professional photographer that knows how to photograph a listing. Create a list of photos you would like your photographer to take to avoid missing a room or key feature. Also, have your photographer take photos from multiple angles to best showcase your location.
Take the photos in the daylight. Good lighting helps your listing look inviting. Do not overstuff your space with furniture, art, or other items. A cluttered space does not translate well in photos and will look like a listing that is not ready for guests. Store the extra items, such as blankets, pillows, towels, etc., in the appropriate places. You may even want to photograph your well-stocked linen closet as an incentive to guests.
Photos do not need to be close up or detailed, but they should best show your listing’s layout and key features. Additional amenities such as a posh backyard, parking, etc., should also be included in your essential photos to include in your Airbnb listing.
2. Be Accurate in Your Listing Description
When writing your listing description, be accurate and informative. Do not make your listing sound more luxurious than it is. You do not want to build up your guests’ expectations with bad advertising that could lead to false promises and eventual refunds when your Airbnb location does not deliver. Be honest with your potential guests, but feel free to spruce up your listing to boost your chances of booking their stay.
Don’t forget to describe features like the nearest grocery store, dining, recreation, parking, etc., as all could be important to your potential guest and their quality of stay.
3. Frequently Update Your Listing
It goes without saying that you should complete every section of your listing. But, we’ll say it anyway. Completeeverysection of your Airbnb listing. The more complete your listing, the more likely you are to receive bookings. Potential guests do not want to hunt for information about your property and policies.
If your property or policies have changed, make sure to update your listing ASAP! Guests do not like surprises. They can even ruin vacations. To avoid this, update your Airbnb listing frequently. This includes new photos as needed.
4. Create a Superior Airbnb Host Profile
Your Airbnb host profile is an excellent way to connect with your guests and help them get to know you. If you create a quality Airbnb host profile, you can help guests know you are reliable, transparent, honest, and eager to host their stay.
Attach a professional photo to your host profile along with a small description of yourself. Guests want to connect to their hosts and Airbnb listing, and your host profile is the first impression you are making. So make a good one!
5. Respond Promptly
Respond promptly to all communications from guests or potential guests. Even if managing your Airbnb is not a full-time job, you should treat it as such when it comes to the urgency of responding to various communications.The quicker you respond, the more positive guests will feel about your listing and their visit. It will also encourage them to leave a positive review at the end of their stay.
6. Family-Friendly Additions
When creating your Airbnb listing, make sure to offer family-friendly options. For starters, create a stockpile of basic items a family may need like a high chair, air mattresses, pack n’ play, baby gate, etc. These items will improve your chances of families visiting your Airbnb listing. Also, you should have an updated handy list of parks and family-friendly events near your listing.
7. Provide a Welcome Gift
Creating personal touches will help you stand out from all other Airbnb listings. One personal touch you could offer is to provide a welcome gift with each stay. Your gift could include a delicacy of the area, drinks, or other free items that say “welcome home.”
Let your guests know in the Airbnb listing, as well as in an enclosed note or when checking in, that this welcome gift is free, and they will not be charged for it.
8. Local Guide
With your Airbnb listing, guests may find it welcoming for you to offer a local guide to the area. This guide could be an official published volume or an unofficial guide to the local area. Regardless, offering a guide will encourage your guests to get out and explore the area surrounding your listing.
9. Get Personal
To boost your Airbnb listing, you could cater to special events or occasions. Offer a couples weekend complete with wine and strawberries for an added price. Or boast of a friend weekend with plenty of beds for the whole crew.
Showcase photos of past events such as a wedding or family reunion to better sell your Airbnb location too.
10. Know Your Ideal Guest
With all of the above suggestions in mind, the most important thing you can do to make your Airbnb listing stand out is to know your ideal guest and show them they are welcome and appreciated. Know your local area and the types of events or locations that will pull in guests, then understand and anticipate their needs. When you can best provide for your guest, your Airbnb listing will improve.
Final Thoughts
With thousands of Airbnb listings, you want to do all you can to stand out. With some minor additions, you can make your Airbnb listing stand out as a top competitor in your region.
