It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and particularly so in the realm of Airbnb hosting. With more than seven million listings worldwide, competition is fierce for those looking to rent out their properties on the platform. Just a handful of bad reviews can be the difference between an Airbnb guest choosing somebody else’s stay over yours.
It’s therefore incredibly important to do everything possible to both wow guests and keep Airbnb itself onside. Failing to do the latter can see you suspended or removed from the community entirely. With all this in mind, we’ve outlined three common mistakes to avoid as a new Airbnb host.
1. Writing an inaccurate listing
Airbnb users rely on the information provided by hosts to make an informed decision about where to stay. If your listing misrepresents your space or omits important details, it can lead to disappointed guests and negative reviews.
To avoid this mistake, ensure that your listing is a comprehensive and truthful representation of your property. Be explicit about the amenities available, the size of the space, and any house rules. If there are limitations or quirks in your property, such as a narrow staircase or limited parking, make sure to highlight them.
If you’re struggling with this aspect, you may want to consider hiring an experienced Airbnb listing management company to help you. As Dubai-based business Frank Porter explains, such companies can “write catchy and unique Airbnb property descriptions, along with any area-specific references” and “continuously check properties and the channels to ensure information is correct throughout.”
2. Being unresponsive to guest enquiries
Timely and effective communication is a cornerstone of successful Airbnb hosting. Failing to respond promptly to inquiries can result in missed bookings, disappointed guests and a tarnished reputation.
Guests often have questions or concerns before booking, and a quick response can make the difference between securing a reservation or losing a potential guest to a more responsive host. By the same token, responding promptly to existing guests is also a must should they have any questions themselves.
What’s more, a fast response rate is one of the criteria you need to meet to achieve Superhost status and all the benefits this can bring.
So, be sure to utilise the Airbnb messaging system to stay organised and respond to inquiries in a timely manner, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt and let guests know you’ll provide a detailed response shortly. Being communicative not only helps with bookings but also establishes a positive rapport with guests, enhancing their overall experience.
3. Failing to provide a clean and well-maintained space
A pristine and well-maintained space is non-negotiable in the world of Airbnb hosting. Guests expect Airbnb properties to be in tip-top condition, and any lapse in this area can lead to negative reviews. In turn, too many negative reviews can lead to a reduction in bookings.
Consequently, it’s crucial to regularly clean and inspect your property, paying attention to high-touch surfaces, bathrooms, and bedding in particular. Be sure to invest sufficient time and resources in property maintenance too, promptly addressing any issues that arise to ensure that everything is in working order. Overlooking routine upkeep tasks can result in issues like malfunctioning appliances and faulty amenities, significantly diminishing the quality of your guests’ stays.
Again, you might want to consider hiring an external company to help you here — this will give you peace of mind and ensure high-quality maintenance. Meticulous attention to detail and proactive engagement can be the differentiating factors that elevate a host above the fierce competition and ensure a thriving Airbnb venture.
