10 Things You Can Do to Be a Better Airbnb Host
Becoming an Airbnb host is a great way to make extra cash by renting out your home or a room in your home to travelers staying in your city. No matter what you charge for your rental, one fact remains the same: the higher your rental rating on Airbnb, the more money you stand to make.
The reason for this is that users often choose highly rated places over other options. Below, we’ve put together a list of things that you can do to be a better Airbnb host (and therefore boost your ratings):
1. Send guests a personalized email a week before their arrival with details.
To make sure everything goes smoothly, send your guests an email with details about your listing such as where to park, how to access the unit, and anything else they might need to know about the property. You may want to include some information on places to visit or eat in the neighborhood as well. If you notice that guests are often asking the same questions, creating a FAQ to send to new guests is a great way to anticipate these needs.
2. Whenever possible, greet your guests in person.
Though not everyone is in the area of their Airbnb rental, if you are nearby and available, make arrangements to meet your guests in person. Give them a quick tour of the home, show them where things are and how to use any electronics, and ask if they have any questions. If you’re not available, make sure you provide easy entry through a lockbox or with keyless entry. Anticipate any questions and leave a quick “about our home” guide in the rental in place of answering questions in person.
3. Personalize your space with unique décor.
If your guests wanted to stay in a boring hotel room, they would have. To personalize your Airbnb rental, include some tasteful décor and other unique touches to make it your own. Find some attractive art pieces to put on the walls, stock the bookshelves with your favorite books, and find attractive bedding to make the space your own. You don’t have to spend a lot to make the space unique. Check out antique shops or thrift stores to find hidden gems.
4. Make sure your space is clean and smelling fresh.
More than a unique space, Airbnb guests want a rental that is tidy. Whether you clean the unit yourself or hire a company to do so, it’s vital that you make sure the space is spotless before each guest arrives. Most Airbnb hosts build time to clean into their schedules and include cleaning fees as part of the rental.
5. Make sure the essentials are well-stocked.
If you want to be a better Airbnb host, you’ll want to make sure you have all the essentials stocked for your guests. This includes clean towels, linens, paper products like toilet paper and tissues, trash bags, hand soap, etc. Since you won’t be cleaning or entering the rental space while the guest is there, you should also include some cleaning materials and emergency supplies like a first aid kit and flashlights.
6. Go beyond just providing the essentials.
Provide more than just the essentials for your guests. Get some little extras like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, hand soap, disposable razors, cotton swabs, cotton balls, and other toiletries. Though most guests will bring their own items along for their stay, those who have forgotten something will greatly appreciate the extra effort you’ve put in.
7. Stock your rental home with snacks.
Though stocking your kitchen with free snacks for your guests does require an investment, this can pay off big time in the long run, as this is just the kind of perk that encourages guests to leave a glowing review. Have a variety of fun and healthy snacks from fresh fruit and nuts to popcorn and chocolate. You may even want to go one step further and find out your guest’s food preferences before they arrive to make their experience even more personalized.
8. Help your guests explore your city.
Be sure to leave your guests plenty of information about what to do in your city. Whether you invest in some city guidebooks, provide some brochures, or just make a list of places to eat, shop, and have some fun in the area, this goes a long way in helping your guests feel comfortable and have a good time during their stay.
9. Be responsive to their needs.
One of the most important ways you can be the best host possible is by making yourself available to answer questions or address any issues. Make sure your guests have your contact information so they can reach out to you at any time. Be sure to keep your phone close by when you know you have a guest staying in your rental, and respond to their messages in a timely manner. This can make the difference between a mediocre review and a sparkling one.
10. Go above and beyond in some way.
Find a way to go above and beyond what is promised in your listing. Whether it’s having a glass of wine with your guests one night, providing them with access to your Netflix account, or leaving a bottle of champagne for a special occasion – when you do a little bit more than promised in the listing, you can really make a lasting impression on your guest, which they’ll remember when it’s time to leave a review.
These are just a few of the top suggestions we have for improving the experience for your Airbnb guests and boosting your ratings. Remember, when it comes to being an Airbnb host, the more effort you put into providing a quality experience, the more opportunities you have to boost your ratings and keep your rentals booked.
