15 tips to make the most out of your Airbnb
If you've never used a service like Airbnb, you may be wondering if it's worth it. Will you end up with a dingy room that smells like old towels? Will the neighborhood be sketchy and unsafe? Airbnb is a people-to-people platform that is quickly becoming the most loved travel company globally. The platform helps people find unique and magical places to stay everywhere they travel!
How do you get the most out of your Airbnb?
1. Become an Airbnb superhost
Super hosts are experienced, highly rated hosts committed to providing great stays for guests. These hosts prioritize bookings, which is not surprising but is a significant advantage for those who want to make the most out of renting their homes on Airbnb. Superhosts generally have great reviews which helps increase their number of bookings.
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2. Avoid photographs with outlets and cords
Airbnb has some strict rules about what your photos can include, and you're not allowed to include electrical cords or outlets in your photos. People associate outlets with work and not with pleasure, so it's best to avoid them altogether.
3. Lighting, lighting, lighting
Lighting is one of the essential factors in how people perceive space, but it's often overlooked when shooting a property. The best photos have good lighting. Period. So, if you're planning to do some DIY photography, set aside a couple of hours in the afternoon when daylight is brightest and invest in some suitable lamps or lights for nighttime shots.
4. Make space
If you have too much stuff, try storing some things away in cupboards or in another room. If you have too much furniture, it’s best to remove some so that your flat appears more spacious. It can be hard to let go of things, but it will make all the difference (if it's not practical, then let it go!).
5. Make sure your space is well decorated
Make your home beautiful with the money you're willing to spend. Money spent on a new bed, couch, fresh sheets, towels, or rugs is never wasted. If you don't have the money, get creative. Airbnb listings that feel like galleries and lounges are top-rated and the design of your space might land you a "Superhost" title.
6. Make your space a neutral place
Put away all those family photos and knick-knacks that make your space feel like yours. Instead, pack them into a box until the guests leave. People who choose to travel with Airbnb like to feel like the flats and houses they choose to stay in are their home away from home.
7. Don't overwhelm guests with rules
Airbnb has a review system, so it's unnecessary to leave notes everywhere about what you expect from guests. It's okay to ask guests not to smoke or bring pets into your home, but don't tell them to do their dishes before leaving — most of the guests clean up before leaving!
8. Be social
Airbnb is a social platform, so if you're going to promote your listing on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, think about how you can add value for your readers. People tend to respond well when you share travel tips, ask questions and follow up with great responses!
9. Highlight the strengths of your listing
It's a good idea to start your description with the essential information about your space, like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms but don't stop there! You're not making an ad for a used car, you want people to feel at home, which can be as simple as describing the view from your window or highlighting the perks of staying in your space (pool, terrace, great sound system, etc.).
10. Hire a photographer
The photos are the first thing guests look at when deciding whether or not to stay in your space. To make sure you're putting your best foot forward, hire a professional photographer. Photographers know how to make your location look great and they will provide you with amazing photos to use on Airbnb and other platforms, like Facebook and Instagram.
11. The more photos, the better
A picture is worth a thousand words, so show off your space in the best light. Take advantage of different lighting throughout the day and try to showcase your area in every season. People who book on Airbnb like being able to see a lot of different pictures to really get a feel of the space.
12. Use creative camera angles to enlarge a space
Use wide-angle lenses to show off more of the room and play with high versus low angles to make the ceilings feel taller or shorter.
13. Show off your amenities
The kitchen is one of the most important spaces for a lot of guests on Airbnb, so take the time to stage it up with fresh fruit and flowers on the counter as well as place settings on the table. Take extra photos to showcase all of your amenities (dishwashers,washer/dryer, etc.) and anything else that makes your apartment unique!
14. Don't be afraid to take risks with the design
If you want to give guests a taste of what it's like to live in your city, consider taking a design risk that pays homage to its unique vibe and history. For instance, if you live in Brooklyn, consider using reclaimed wood and other industrial materials as décor. Similarly, if your Airbnb is in San Francisco, try using an eclectic mix of modern art and vintage furniture. If you live in Austin, try adding some bohemian touches like dream catchers and fringe pillows… you get the idea!
15. Leave bathroom essentials for your guests
Your guests will appreciate having shampoo, conditioner, soap, toilet paper and other bathroom essentials. Be sure to leave these items in a designated place so they know what belongs to the house and what belongs to you. However, if space is limited in your bathroom cabinet, consider leaving these items in baskets on the countertop instead.
Practical tips for Airbnb hosts
Airbnb listings are a great way to meet future guests while earning extra income and collecting positive reviews. To attract the best potential guests, follow these host tips:
- Customize your listing with a cover photo.
- Be sure to set house rules. Guests will be able to see them before they book.
- Consider a cleaning fee or clean the space yourself for free!
- Encourage your guests to leave you a positive review. Their honest feedback will help future guests feel more comfortable booking your Airbnb listing.
- Be honest about the size of the place, including its square footage. Be clear about how many people can stay in your flat!
- Make sure that your WiFi connection is reliable because that's something guests will be looking for. The same goes for your air conditioning or heating system.
- Clean your space between each guest stay. Make sure to have fresh bed sheets available at all times.
Tips for Airbnb guests
- Guests are expected to clean up after themselves during their stay and follow house rules.
- Be on time. It is not polite to keep your host waiting.
- If you are running late, call your host to let him know in advance.
- Remember that it is not all about you! Your host will likely want to talk about his interests too, so make sure you listen carefully and ask questions when appropriate to show that you are interested in what they have to say.
- Show appreciation for your host's home, e.g., ‘’what a lovely room!’’
9 suggestions to make your Airbnb experience special
- Future hosts should read Airbnb super hosts' reviews to see what makes a great host.
- Prospective hosts should make sure they communicate well with Airbnb guests.
- Airbnb guests should treat the rental like their own home and leave it in good shape.
- Airbnb super hosts should be friendly, communicative, and considerate of their guests' experiences.
- Airbnb rentals should be clean with lots of natural light and airy spaces.
- Great reviews will make future hosts want to stay at your place.
- Guest experience is essential because it contributes to a host's overall rating on Airbnb.
- Airbnb messages are an easy way for prospective hosts to reach out to future guests through the website or app.
- Airbnb users should be friendly and respectful.
Enjoy the best culinary experience in the comfort of your Airbnb