Airbnb has been around for quite some time, offering new rental opportunities to property owners who want to offer hotel-like accommodation to guests.
However, with more property owners joining the Airbnb boom, competition is getting tougher and hosts need to know how to do better in the crowds.
The question is, how?
Managing your Airbnb property can be a daunting task especially when guests' expectation is ever-increasing, but what you get in return is rewarding if you get it right.
It is important to keep in mind that your potential guests already have the kind of experience they want in mind and all you have to do is go beyond it.
According to Monique Sartor, interior design expert and CEO of Sartorial Interior, a few simple actions can be very effective, such as adding a hearty welcome basket to your living room, or providing big fluffy towels and toiletry set.
MadeComfy asked the industry experts their opinion on how to get more Airbnb bookings. Here are ten tips they shared with us.
Airbnb’s existing algorithm takes into account all the information you put on your profile.
The more information you provide to your potential guests, the more legitimate you will look and that means more customers entrusting you and your property.
Completing your profile information also improves your listings ranking on Airbnb, so make sure you fill out every field on your profile.
Another helpful point to help you increase your bookings is know your target market and what they are looking for in a property.
What you put on your property’s listing will help you raise the bar higher than other property owners who offer the same type of accommodation as you.
Here are a few tips:
Newcomers should start by setting their price lower than its competitors until they start receiving good reviews and build up their liability. On the other hand, experienced Airbnb property owners should try to stay relevant and remain neck-to-neck with their competition.
But getting to the correct data and price isn’t as easy as it sounds, so that’s where we can assist. MadeComfy have in house experts analysing data to calculate potential rental returns each month. This dynamic pricing process will help homeowners maximise returns on their investment property.
Your calendar must be updated regularly so that all your open dates appear on the Airbnb market. This will ensure you don’t miss any potential booking.
Successful hosts normally visit their listing calendar on a daily basis, which helps them improve their Airbnb rankings. Get into the habit of checking your reservations every morning and update your booking calendar accordingly.
Keep in mind that when it comes to owning a short-term property all your hard work pays off. Always consider that all your listing’s updates will take a considerable amount of your time and a lot of dedication. The more active and responsive you are with your listing, the higher you will be in Airbnb search rankings.
Most guests are booking their stay at the soonest possible time so make sure you’re ready to answer all their enquiries at any time.
Airbnb pays close attention to the host’s response rate so it’s best that you respond to their enquiries as soon as they arrive in your mailbox.
Note that guest enquiries might come at anytime. So as a host you would have to make yourself available 24/7 to respond to any enquiries that might come.
Not being able to reply when the guest needs you the most might create a negative impact on your listing.
With that in mind, it is always good to consider an Airbnb property management company that will provide you with that service. For example, MadeComfy can respond to guest enquiries 24/7.
Guests want to get the best possible experience for their trip, and this includes their stay in your property. Be prepared to welcome your guests and make a lasting first impression.
Also, try not to clean your house just before the guests' arrivals no one wants to smell harsh chemicals as they walk from room to room!
Small yet intentional actions for your guests have a huge impact on their overall experience, which could lead to positive reviews and referrals.
Property owners can include special packages such as sightseeing tours through Airbnb Experiences, an interesting tool which can help you secure more bookings.
This helps you create an end-to-end guest experience that extends from inside your property to outside its doors.
Highlight special events or secret local hubs for guests to visit during their free time to elevate their Airbnb experience to a whole new level.
The styling of your property gives it another dimension in terms of experience, so it’s best to complement your guests’ personality or preference with your unique style. it is important to have your own unique style to create that WOW factor.
According to Jennifer Williams, an awarded interior stylist and owner of the company Creative Style interior Design, adding a range of lighting from down lights on dimmer switches to floor and table lamps can create an ambience in any space.
For small accessories, Williams says that you can use a mirror to bounce light around and reflect a view if there is one. Place some 'inoffensive' artwork, a rug to soften hard floors, and a vase or two of real or good quality artificial flowers to make the space feel more welcoming.
"Do not overdo the decorative accessories as they can be seen as clutter and your guests won't want to worry about paying for breakages either,” she added.
Your guests' comment about your property and service should serve as your learning curve. This tells you what you’re doing right, what you should work on, and what you should stop doing to improve your rankings.
Getting bad reviews doesn’t make you a bad host, so make sure that you are ready to thank guests who recently booked your property regardless of their feedback. Show how important guest feedback is to you by responding to their comments and learn from them.
As a host, you need to keep up with the hosting industry and be one of the first to know if there are any important Airbnb announcements. Improve your services and offerings based on latest trends.
Standing out in the competitive short-term rental market takes more than just listing your property—it takes strategy, expertise, and a partner who knows how to maximise your returns.
At MadeComfy, we combine data-driven pricing, professional styling, 24/7 guest management, and multi-platform marketing to ensure your property doesn’t just get bookings—it gets more bookings, at the best possible rates.
Why stress over algorithms, guest enquiries, and dynamic pricing when our experts can handle it all for you? From optimised listings to unforgettable guest experiences, we take care of every detail so you can sit back and watch your rental income grow.
Ready to turn your Airbnb into a high-performing asset? CONTACT US today and start earning more—with none of the hassle!