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