AirBnB has quickly ascended to one of the leading home-sharing platforms in the world, and with that success comes stiff competition. If you plan to post a property on the platform, “just listing it” isn’t going to be enough to get booked.
If you want to stand out, get noticed and stay booked, you need to market your Airbnb like it’s your side hustle’s full-time job. Here’s how to do it:
- Invest in professional photography – First impressions are everything, even on the internet – or perhaps especially on the internet. Your photos have to sell your property, and as good as your iPhone is, it’s no substitute for a professional photographer who knows about lighting, angles and all the things that bring a space to life. But, before the photographer arrives, make sure to set the stage. Even small investments in decor can elevate and sell a place.
- Write a listing that doesn’t read like a boring hotel brochure – After swiping through your pics, the next most important section readers will home in on is your description. People will spend time reading this. Make them laugh, make them smile, give nothing but good vibes. Your copy should ooze with personality. This is your chance to be honest but clever. It’s also where you can anticipate and answer guest questions. Include info about things like parking, Wi-Fi, stairs, pets and nearby hotspots. People appreciate it when they don’t have to go digging for answers.
- Do your own marketing – Just because you list your property on AirBnB’s site doesn’t mean you can’t also market it separately. Create a simple landing page or website with details, photos and a link to book. This gives you more freedom to optimize your site with local keywords and help you get found on more sites. The same strategy applies to social media. For example, take control of your visibility by creating an Instagram account for your property with your own hashtag.
- Rack up reviews (and respond to them) – Social proof sells, and reviews are your goldmine. Deliver 5-star service and politely ask guests to leave reviews. By responding to every review, good or bad, with gratitude and professionalism, you can show you care about going the extra mile for your guests.
Sell Your Space and an Experience
Travelers book AirBnB properties for a variety of reasons, but many are doing so because they want more than just a roof over their heads. They want a vibe, a story, a shareable moment. The better you are at communicating that – visually, verbally and emotionally – the more your Airbnb will stand out in the sea of competition.
If you need help crafting the right message, building a brand for your property or creating a marketing plan that drives more bookings for your AirBnB listing, we’re here to help. Give us a call at The Found Gen to get started.