10 tricks to help you get more Airbnb bookings
The reason people book an Airbnb is to feel more at home than staying in a hotel while on vacation. Yes, an amazing location is great, but as an Airbnb host, you also want to make sure your guests feel comfortable in your space.
How do I stand out?
The first thing you want to do is decide what sets your Airbnb listing apart from the others. Airbnb is a rapidly growing company and as of now, there are more than 6 million Airbnb listings worldwide. Out of those, over 2 million are in the United States alone.
Take a look at the competition in your surrounding area – do some look the same as others? Whether it’s your view, a pop of color, a chef’s kitchen, or a cool bathroom, be sure to showcase something unique to catch the attention of potential guests.
Below we will discuss a few features you can add to your Airbnb for the ultimate guest experience.
First impressions are always important
Travel is stressful. Period. Some people have kids, some have pets, and there always tends to be traffic or flight delays at some point during the day. If your guests walk in and don’t immediately get that “thank god” feeling, they will find a way to nitpick at just about anything – so be sure the first impression is great!
Don’t let your guests walk into a dark hole
You can have the most amazing home, but if your guests are tripping over themselves to find a light switch it won’t matter. It seems like a silly thing, but the simple act of leaving a lamp on is a helpful start.
If you are worried about your electricity bill by doing this, LED lightbulbs are a popular choice for energy-efficient lighting. LED bulbs use about 80% less energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.
Have organized entry storage
If your guests are like most people, they will have a lot of stuff, so give them somewhere to drop their luggage and everyday items. An entry console with a small bowl for things like keys, wallets, and sunglasses makes it easy for them to run in and out of the house for all their planned activities.
Several hooks and a shoe rack will also help your guests stay organized throughout their trip.
Give your guests an inviting place to relax
While a comfy couch is of the utmost importance, what good is it if you can’t cozy up for a movie?
Find a cute, decorative basket and fill it with soft blankets for everyone to share. Extra pillows are never a bad thing, especially if they make your furniture look beautiful at the same time.
Design tips throughout the house
Airbnb interior design is not always the same as your own home. You need to think about how your guests are going to use the space differently than you would on a regular day. They are there to relax and enjoy their trip, so it’s important to design your space in the best way possible to do so.
Showcase your favorite art
Art is the perfect way to add a personal touch to your rental property. If you want to simply add color to your home, find some floral or abstract prints. Love photography? Share your photos with your guests by printing them out and hanging them in a sleek black frame.
A gallery wall is a unique way to mix a variety of pieces of art. This is aesthetically pleasing for your guests and also tells a story about what you love as a host.
A good night’s sleep = a successful vacation
Most guests go on vacation to rest and recharge and this starts with a (convenient) good night’s sleep!
Nightstands are the perfect way to give each guest their own space. A lamp on either side of the bed allows for the deep sleeper and night owl to enjoy their bedtime routine. If the bedroom doesn’t have outlets in line with the layout of the furniture, make sure to provide extension cords so each guest can charge up devices without having to reach across each other all night.
We all love natural light, but sometimes we need a little privacy
Having a lot of windows in your Airbnb is great, especially if you are somewhere like the beach. We all want wonderful views, but also need some privacy from our neighbors.
In the main spaces of the home like the living and dining room, there is the option of sheer linen curtains that will allow your guests to close them while also letting in natural light. In the bedroom, you can opt for blackout curtains or blinds to be sure to give your guests the good night’s rest we mentioned above.
Utilize small spaces
Small space? No problem. If you have an awkward space that you don’t know what to do with, get creative. Make a reading or work nook for your guests with a small chair or desk. If your Airbnb design is kid-friendly, give them a space to hang out and have some time away from the grownups. It’s important to give each guest their own retreat, so why not utilize every inch of the house as best you can?
Give your guests everything they need (including the urge to book)
Having the essentials when you walk into an Airbnb can be so helpful. No one wants to have to run to the store the minute they get on vacation, so be sure to provide them with the basics that they need to get their trip started off right.
Stock up the kitchen
For some people, waking up and having a cup of coffee and or tea first thing in the morning is a must. If this is already available (don’t forget the creamer), I am a happy camper.
Provide your guests with the simple essentials in the kitchen such as spices, oil, salt & pepper, sharp knives, and clean pots & pans. Many guests will spend a lot of their time on vacation trying out new restaurants, but it is nice to give them the option to cook meals at home.
Bathroom essentials
No matter what size or number of beds you have in your Airbnb, each should have a set of towels for every potential guest. Roll them up nicely at the end of the bed to give a luxury spa feeling.
Go the extra mile and give your guests some bathroom essentials – someone is bound to forget something. Toothpaste, extra wash clothes, or even a pack of makeup wipes can go a long way when it comes to making your guests feel at home.
This one is for the hosts
Hire a professional photographer! You can have the best Airbnb design in your home, but if you don’t have good listing photos there will be nothing to catch the eye of potential renters.
Be sure to remember that Airbnb photos are different from real estate photos. Guests don’t need to see every nook and cranny as they aren’t looking to buy your property. The reason people book an Airbnb is for the experience, so be sure to show them what you have to offer!
Conclusion
Designing an Airbnb can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that the guest comes first. In the end, as a host, you want to get as many bookings as possible, but to do so you need to be sure everyone feels at home. Utilize these 10 tips to give your guests everything they need and a place they never want to leave.
