Competition is fierce nowadays. Only those who are committed to success will find what it takes to succeed in this field. Airbnb removes all those listings that are under performing and it’s pushing more and more to aim for excellence. Here are 5 steps that will help you remain in business.
1.- Cleanliness is your best weapon
Forget about offering pools, wines, games, freebies or nice amenities if your home is not properly cleaned. You may have the most luxurious place in the world but does it really matter if it’s dirty? The idea of a bed and breakfast in the early stages was just about a couch to spend the night in exchange of a few extra bucks. Travelers were mainly focused on saving money while traveling but those days are long gone. Hosts wanted to remain competitive so they started placing sheets over those couches and eventually added towels. Airbnb kept evolving to make those basics mandatory for each listing. It goes way further than simplicity nowadays. Those hosts who were once competing with cheap hostels are now competing with big chain hotels and cleaning is literally the best welcome gift you can offer to every guest, so make sure you have a dedicated cleaning staff if you want to remain competitive.
2.- Easy check-ins. Yes, please.
Think about it. All you really want from your accommodation provider is to allow you to use the accommodation facilities as quickly as possible. You rarely arrive to a hotel after 3pm to wait for someone to bring the keys. You should aim for that kind of check in experience at any time, so use technology to your advantage. Install a smart lock or use key exchange bins. Anticipate to your guest’s questions and show the way to your home as soon as you can. Update your listing with the kind of check in you offer to make your guests idealize how easy it is to check in at your place.
3.- Set the right price
We all want to earn more, but have you considered the competence? Competence is good to take you back to the ground and set competitive prices. You need to constantly monitor the market trends to set the best price. If there is a special event in your local area and you are not fully aware of it, you might be selling yourself short to opportunistic guests. The high number of bookings you are receiving are probably an indicator of you selling your accommodation to rebate prices. It takes time, but it’s much needed to be on top of market trends.
4.- Amaze your guests
If you are in it just for the money, you might not remain on the market for so long. Be a guest yourself, see what other hosts are doing to offer a great experience. You will be amazed of what dedicated hosts can do. Again, you don’t need to offer luxurious stuff or incredible amenities. Try placing a nice booklet with suggestions to have fun near your area, give them good local tips or just have a white board with a “welcome” handwritten note. We hosted in places where tap water is not drinkable and we placed a couple of water bottles as a welcome gift. If your place is the perfect place for couples, considering leaving a bottle of wine or chocolates and get ready for those 5 star reviews.
5.- Don’t work alone
Do you know of any successful business that found the way to success by working isolated? If you think of any, let us know but the majority of victorious hosts are the ones who have an extra hand, and by extra hand we mean a dedicated co-host, just like ourselves. Get the freedom you deserve to either keep investing in other properties or just take some time off to enjoy with your family. Receive periodic updates about the status of your listing and keep your investment property on autopilot with bnbexpert.