How To Get Your Home Airbnb Ready!

April 7, 2022 In Inspiration By Aisha

Are you considering listing your home on Airbnb as a holiday or short-term rental?

If so, you might want to read this.

Here's some tips to help you get Airbnb-ready.

1. Identify Your Target Guests

Who are the ideal guests for your space? Are they going to be a family, couple or friends? This will help you know which style, key features of your home and amenities are appealing and what would be important to your guest.

What are the basics my guests will need during their stay? This will also help you prepare your home and any additional items that will make you unique and stand out from the crowd.

2. Remove Personal Items

You want your guests to feel as comfortable as possible. Ultimately you want them to feel like it is their home away from home. Try and remove as many personal items as possible that are not of value to the guest. Items such as family pictures, items of clothing etc. You might want to move them into a wardrobe that you lock or a storage space. This is a gentle reminder that the guests can be comfortable in your home and not living in someone else's space.

3. Go Above and Beyond

If you want killer reviews, you're really going to need to put your best foot forward. How can you “wow” them?

Here are a few things you can do to crate that memorable experience that has your guests wanting more;

Provide a local guide of all your favourite spots; markets, stores, coffee spots, breakfast cafes, pubs, restaurants (and the owners names), beaches, walks etc. It's all about living like a local and experiencing the treasures and local insights into your area.
Music lifts the soul, provide easy to use radio with some recommendations for local radio stations.
Provide a mobile with a local sim and data card and wifi.
Provide menus for local dining, delivery and take away.
Provide convenient items like umbrellas, coolers/picnic baskets, sunscreen, market bag, note pad and pen, bottled water, sparkling water and something local and yummy like chocolates.
Public transport cards
Airport pick-up service details

It's all about the details so think about what would make your stay more memorable and add it to your Airbnb list.

4. Lighting Makes a Difference

How can we brighten and create mood? Good lighting serves a dual purpose. Natural light is a mood lifter. Ensure you don't just have one source of light, have a variety of options so your guests have control of their mood and space.

5.It's Those Boutique Hotel Feels

Sink into comfy mattress toppers / high-quality sheets
Delicious smelling bathroom amenities
Welcome packs – chocolates, wine and welcome notes on pillows
How-to remote and channel guides
Local info and recommendations on entrance table or coffee table
Wine and beer in the fridge
Fresh flowers / air freshener / cleaning wipes
Stock up on the toilet paper - no one likes feeling they are on rations

6. First Impressions Count

First impressions need to be effortless. Think of it like this: the goal of a first impression is to do just that – impress. As an Airbnb host, you want to show guests that you’re professional and interesting, and that their stay at your home will be not only easy, but refreshingly pleasant and memorable.

Communicating that starts with the basics; a welcoming profile picture, an inviting description (advice on that coming soon), and, of course, a fast response time so fast to help the potential guest make their decision ASAP.

Once you’ve impressed and helped your guest into booking, your efforts don't stop there. Make sure you have a welcome email that maintains the excitement and updates as their stay gets close. Some tips include;

A home description and layout
A thoughtful greeting and “welcome to the family” message
Practical details about the house (WiFi passwords, where they can find things etc.).
Contact info throughout their stay
And, of course any house rules to manage expectations.

7. Photography makes all the difference

This is your opportunity to help your guests visualise how they will enjoy your home. Comfy living spaces, books to enjoy, coffee to wake up to, place to enjoy the morning sun, place for the kids to play and even places for your pups to sleep.

Remember, making guests feel at home is a great way to get a higher rating on airbnb! This will also set the tone for your guests so they will re-book and recommend your home to their family and friends.

8. Don't Have Time, You Can Always Get Help

Last but not least, if you just don't have the time or capacity, consider getting some help from professionals. Using an interior stylist or decorator can help you stand out from the competition, attract the right guests and achieve the best optimum overnight rate for your property.

That way, you can get the listing up fast, minimal investment, for the optimum return.

As always, if you need anything, the Hills & West team is here to help.

Book in a virtual call to chat through your wishlist and we can help you get Airbnb-ready.

Book-in-consult.

Email us for more information

hello@hillsandwest.com

Did this article help you in any way? If you have any other tips then please share below.

Have a wonderful day xox

Tags:

Airbnb Ready