Hosting Hacks – 5 Tips For Impressing Your Airbnb Guests in 2021
Maintaining a great Airbnb score only happens with constant work. As a host, you have to consistently impress your guests enough to get great reviews. There’s a lot of competition out there, so how can you ensure your offering is a cut above the rest? How do you impress Airbnb guests in 2021?
Here are some hosting hacks to help you rise above the competition:
Don’t Scrimp On The Basics
Cheap sheets, budget plates and mugs, battered cookware – these all lower the sense of quality in an Airbnb stay. Functional details like these get picked on instantly by guests, and predictably, appear in negative reviews.
If you take a little more care and opt for modern appliances (like an induction stove with the best induction cookware), you’re sure to impress your guests.
Respond Rapidly
In an age of convenience and instant messaging, we are all used to getting things quickly, so if a prospective guest messages you, it’s important that you don’t keep them waiting. Leave it too long, and you could end up losing the booking. Reply quickly, and you will not only secure that booking, but the person will likely mention your communication in their review. Good customer service is one of the easiest ways to impress a guest, especially in such a heavily automated world – the human touch matters.
Make the Space Clean and Inviting
Studies tell us that over 60% of hotel guests read reviews before making a hotel booking, and over 70% of those people expect above-average cleanliness. Add to that the pandemic and our global heightened awareness of bacteria and dirt, and you’ve truly got to step up that cleanliness to impress your Airbnb guests. Try the following to show your dedication to keeping your Airbnb pristine:
Follow all Airbnb guidelines, and include pictures that demonstrate your adherence to them
Always follow the current pandemic guidelines in your area
Include hand sanitizer, wipes, and antibacterial sprays as a complementary offering for guests
Add an aroma diffuser with fresh scents like peppermint and eucalyptus to deodorize the space
Made it Social-Media Friendly
Social media has changed our perception of what is aesthetically pleasing. Airbnb owners who take note of the new values guests have will earn fantastic reviews and more bookings. It is a case of elevating your place so that your guests can create those insta-moments during their stay. Here are some ideas that will make your Airbnb social-media friendly:
Invest in a comfy indoor swinging seat
Consider a living wall
Play with bright colors and patterns
Update your soft furnishings to reflect current decor trends
Invest in a hot tub
Don’t be afraid of large feature plants or ornaments
Enhance and embrace natural lighting as it’s essential for good photos
Be The Local Expert
Statistics say that 27% of guests want dining recommendations from their accommodation provider and 21%want experience recommendations.
Your Airbnb guests will welcome recommendations and information about the local area. You can provide those recommendations in multiple ways, including:
Up-to-date takeaway menus in the welcome pack
Local area maps in the welcome pack
Including website links for local attractions, restaurants, and experiences nearby in a message to your guests
If your guest wants interaction, you can chat to them and offer face to face advice
Work with local businesses for a discount code for your Airbnb guests
You’re Set to Impress Your Airbnb Guests in 2021
By following the tips above and putting that extra effort in, you’ll be on your way to impressing your guests and earning phenomenal Airbnb reviews this year, and beyond.
