How you can optimise your Airbnb bookings
In recent blogs we’ve focused quite considerably on how to get started in airbnb property management and the help that you’ll need to get things moving in the right direction. Whether that’s pleasant decor, making sure your home is suitably kitted out, or simply ensuring that a friendly face is there to greet your guests, whatever time of day or night they arrive. All of that’s extremely important, but certain knowledge only reveals itself with experience, which of course has to be acquired over time. At Elite we’ve been studying trends in the airbnb market for a while now and have learnt from our own - and our competitors experiences - and are happy to share some effective holiday let management practices to help you.
Change your property location
Sounds a wee bit odd doesn’t it? Obviously you can’t physically uproot your house and plant it outside a famous landmark such as Edinburgh Castle, but you can subtly make your property Airbnb location more attractive on your listing. Airbnb does not show a guest your specific location until they’ve actually booked. During set-up, you’ll be asked to set an approximate location of your home and this is where you can nudge your home ever so slightly towards that known tourist hotspot. But please be sensible and realistic, your guest(s) will already have reasonable expectations of what is nearby, having doubtlessly researched things before they arrive.
Some amenities are more equal than others
Okay a little classic literary allegory there, but remember Airbnb property management also caters for business travellers as well as individuals and families visiting Edinburgh on holiday, or for a short break. Selecting certain property features can boost the visibility of your listing. You’ll also be automatically included as part of Airbnb’s listings for business travellers. This group now accounts for around 15% of all bookings and given that they’ve slightly different needs, it’s best to prepare a ‘catch-all’ itinerary which accommodates them. Here is a list of exactly what items you’ll need:
Iron and ironing board
Laptop-friendly workspace
Hangers
Hair dryer
‘Essentials’ (toilet paper, shampoo, soap, towels, bed linens, and pillows)
Internet, WiFi and TV
24-hour self check-in (a key lockbox, keypad, smartlock, or by getting the key or access from a concierge)
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — they’re cheap and easy to install
What is your host story?
Airbnb started out as a way for people to share their sofa with passing travellers. It’s fair to say things have somewhat evolved, but the platform is still focused on the personal, human element. All guests naturally want to know they’re renting off a real person. So it’s definitely worth accurately completing profile. You should:
Upload a profile picture that actually features you!
‘About Me’, write a little bit about why you’re hosting. It doesn’t need to be your life story though.
Add the languages you speak. You never know when this could come in handy, even if you’re a bit rusty!
Upload as many forms of ID as you can, as well as your phone number and email address.
Think about it – you’d want to know who is staying in your home, and guests need similar reassurance.
What is your property’s Unique Selling Point?
Being able to sell your Airbnb listing to a potential guest, quite quickly, can be vital. It’s known that guests spend an average of just five seconds looking at a particular listing before returning to the search results. Always ensure the attractive picture which best shows off your space is the cover photo. This is the photo guests will see alongside comparable listings.
Once a guest clicks through to your page they will be presented with four more photos. This should be the first four, in the order that you arranged on the ‘Edit Photos’ screen.
Don’t show off your living room four times. Select a bedroom (or two), a kitchen, and maybe even a bathroom. It should be pretty much the entirety of your home at a glance.
Stress Free Airbnb property management
Instructing Elite Property Management will help make the entire holiday let management process as smooth and efficient as possible, both for you and your guests. Our intimate knowledge of the Edinburgh property scene means we’re second to none when it comes to providing bespoke property letting solutions that meet and exceed your expectations. We ensure your property is always maintained to the highest possible standard required for letting, and we always go that extra mile providing a suite of services ensuring the ultimate comfort of your guests.
Maximising your income
During our initial meeting with you, we’ll get to know the full details and specifications of your property, which helps give you an idea of how much revenue you could make over a specific period. We’ll discuss your preferred rental schedule, any special needs you may have, and any other things that are important to you to ensure that your holiday rentals run smoothly.
A suite of first class guest services
We want to make sure that your guests have a memorable time and that starts the minute they arrive at your property. It’s important that your guests are greeted by a friendly face, and we can be there 24/7 to make sure that happens. As well as providing them with a warm welcome and fresh clean laundry for every guest, we’ll use the opportunity to tell them more about the property they’ll be staying in, as well as pointing out some of the local attractions they’ll doubtlessly be interested in. In fact it’s not only at the outset that we’ll be there for guests. Liaison with them continues throughout the duration of their stay, and if we attend to this communication, it also means you don’t have to! And, by being immediately on hand, should guests need anything fixed, or something goes wrong at the property, our tradesmen will be straight round to sort things out.
Elite for all your airbnb property management needs
So what are you waiting for? If you know you’re going to be away from your property for any length of time, or indeed, regularly throughout the year, why not come to us and we will help you manage the entire letting process, whilst your rental income grows. Contact us today to find out how we can help.