Most Airbnbs rely heavily on reviews from past guests, which can make or break your business. As the host of a new or unknown Airbnb, you’ll need to do everything you can to ensure happy guests and positive reviews so your business ranks high in search engines and continues to succeed.
Of course, this can be tricky, so we’ve put together a list of common hosting mistakes many owners make. By sidestepping these traps, you can make your Airbnb a great destination for your guests.
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Setting Inaccurate Expectations
When you write an ad for your Airbnb, it’s perfectly fine to be creative. However, it’s not okay to set inaccurate expectations. This may result in a lot of bookings at first, but once the word gets out that your Airbnb isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, guests will turn away.
For example, if you claim to have a fully stocked kitchen, make sure it contains everything necessary to create gourmet meals. Provide induction-compatible cookware, place settings, small appliances, accessories, a coffee maker, a good quality blender, and anything else your guests might need to whip up a storm in the kitchen.
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Posting Poor-Quality Photos
Many new Airbnb owners are excited to get their business up and running, choosing to take photos of the vacation home themselves to save money. This is fine if you pay attention to what you’re snapping. Make sure there are no weird things in the photos (like the neighbor’s cat or your reflection in a mirror) and consider the lighting. Remember, you want the images to be bright, crisp, and inviting.
If you want professional-looking pictures for your Airbnb ad, consider hiring a photographer. It might be expensive, but high-quality photos tend to bring in more bookings. So, consider it an investment that will more than pay for itself over time.
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Not Having Flexible Pricing
You might be tempted to set a fixed per-night price for your Airbnb, but you’ll book more guests and make more money if you provide flexible pricing based on the season.
For example, lower nightly prices during the off-season will entice guests to book with you. Alternatively, during holidays or busy months, you’ll be able to charge more than usual because people are willing to pay more during these times. Don’t sell yourself short by setting a fixed price for your Airbnb.
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Being Too Impersonal
Most people book a stay at an Airbnb because of the personal touch it provides. Being too impersonal or cold can turn your guests off. From your favorite local coffee roastery to the lookouts with the most stunning views, be willing to provide recommendations. Guests are always open to discovering new places to eat or sights to see, but don’t go overboard and be too clingy. Your guests’ body language will tell you just how much of a personal touch they prefer.
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Theming Your Airbnb
You may be hoping to set your Airbnb apart from the competition, but giving it a theme can turn some guests off. Sure, some people may love staying in a Japanese-themed apartment and sleeping on a futon, but most people are happy with a comfortable bed and neutral surroundings. Avoid theming your space to make it appealing to everyone, not just a few.
Your Airbnb relies heavily on guest reviews, so you need to make sure everyone who stays with you has a wonderful experience. Keep the above information in mind, and avoid making these Airbnb hosting mistakes if you want happy guests.
