If you have recently started to run an Airbnb, or if it has always been a dream of yours, you need to know it isn’t as easy as it might look from the outside. While many see it as easy cash, it takes a lot of time, effort and organization to do it properly and you want to ensure you don’t skip corners. If you don’t do it right, you’ll get bad reviews, people might request refunds and it can all end up being much more hassle than it’s worth. Yet you might not want to spend all your spare time running it, particularly if you have a full-time job and are doing this on the side. In this article we take a look at some top tips on how you can make running an Airbnb that bit easier. Keep on reading to find out more and get inspired.
Have A Great Listing
One of the most important things you need for your Airbnb to work is a great listing. If you don’t sell your home through the photos and words, you could have the most incredible place in the world, but people aren’t going to stay there. Some top tips for having a great listing, is to focus on high-quality photographs that show as much of the property as possible, particularly any standout features you mention such as a pool or BBQ area. You should also detail as much as you can about the house and the surrounding area so people know what to expect, including things such as how near it is to the beach and if they will need a car to get around.
Focus On Communication
Communication is key with an Airbnb listing and you want your guests to feel as though you are on top of this. You can utilize Airbnb’s prompts feature for automated messages and then ensure you respond as quickly as possible to any queries they might ping over. Responding quickly can be the difference between them making a booking or not! You should also always be friendly when you are talking to them, addressing them by name and asking if there is anything else you can do to help them out. When they are staying on your property, you could be there to meet them and give them a tour, offering handy hints and tips about the property and the surrounding area.
Utilise Automation And Technology
When you run an Airbnb listing, it can feel like a lot of work, yet luckily there is plenty of tech to lend a hand. As mentioned above, Airbnb offers automated features for pre-stay communication such as check-in instructions and what to expect. You can also utilise payment systems to set up recurring billing to automate your payments. This makes it much easier to get payments promptly and not worry about following up and it takes a long time.
Offer A More Personalised Experience
With an Airbnb listing you want your guests to feel valued and you can do that by offering a more personalised experience. Doing things such as offering a basket of treats or a hamper for them when they arrive at your property, or even just a handwritten note and a book of recommendations of places to go can be a really nice touch.
Pay Attention To The Teviews You Receive
As an Airbnb owner, you will receive many reviews, hopefully all good but you might receive some with feedback or criticism. Instead of taking this personally, see what comments you can take on board and use it to make your listing even better. Try and reply to each review, thanking them for taking the time to leave it and don’t ever reply negatively or in a mean way, particularly if someone has been scathing as this can make the situation a whole lot worse.
These are just a few things you can do that can make running an Airbnb that bit easier. Having a home to let can be a very lucrative business, just ensure you do it correctly and put in the effort to make it work as well as it can. Ensure you always listen to guest feedback, communicate well with those that stay and provide a detailed listing with fantastic photos. What are some top tips you have for making running an Airbnb a little easier? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
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