The 9 Secrets to Attract More Guests on Airbnb

While getting Airbnb bookings during the peak season is easy, scoring the same number of bookings throughout the year is a challenge for any Airbnb host. Apart from creating optimized Airbnb listings and making an addition to your rental, a few other ways can help you to attract more Airbnb guests and get more bookings, no matter what time of year.

How to Attract More Guests on Airbnb

Let’s delve deeper into how Airbnb hosts can increase their Airbnb occupancy rate and earn throughout the year.

1.      Update your Airbnb Listing

A great way to attract more guests on Airbnb is to keep your Airbnb listing up to date. Updating your listing frequently is important because your description should match what you are offering. For instance, if you added any amenities to your property within the last six months, don’t forget to show them by adding more pictures to your listing.

Whether you made any additions to your roof garden or décor, update your listing and upload recent pictures. Remember to update your listing every month, so you don’t miss out on bookings.

If monthly updates can boost your booking likelihood by 70%, imagine the impact of daily updates on your Airbnb SEO. Although updating your listing daily needs serious commitment and involvement, the results are worth the effort. Airbnb rewards active hosts with priority seating in rankings, increasing your chances of receiving more inquiries.

2.      Make your Listing Attractive

Figure out the keywords your Airbnb guests use to search for a rental in your neighborhood. Add those keywords in your description. For instance, you may want to include tourist attractions, major landmarks, and local events to target visitors who want to explore these spots during their holiday or business trip.

Here are a few examples of ways you can add different keywords in your descriptions:

• Enjoy gorgeous views of the ocean and the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge from the roof terrace
• The luxury beach house is steps away from the beautiful Malibu Beach
• Witness the spectacular firework show over the Mississippi River right from your window

3.      Adjust Rates Periodically

Even if you have the most beautiful apartment or house in the neighborhood, if you don’t price it comparatively, your chances of grabbing more bookings are sure to decrease. Remember that the price you set for your home can never be the same throughout the year. Make sure you offer attractive weekend rates to travelers for giving them an incentive to stay with you during the week.

Furthermore, cut down your rates during the off-season to stay competitive with local motels offering discounts in this period. Having competitive rates is one of the best ways to attract more guests on Airbnb’s platform.

4.      Reach out to the Right People

Another useful tip to target guests is to tie your Airbnb listing or description to big events. This small step will help you attract more guests on Airbnb. Don’t wait for guests to find you in the crowd and grab their attention by mentioning that your rental is near a specific spot, such as a stadium or an arena. That way, your listing will appeal to travelers who plan to explore those places or need to attend events.

Here are some examples:

• Situated in the City of Festivals, the apartment offers the perfect accommodation for tourists looking forward to exploring the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
• The Disneyland Parks and Anaheim Convention Center are a 5-minute drive from this luxury home.
• The apartment is perfect for business travelers who want accommodation near central Austin hot spots.

5.      Offer Airport Pickup

Do you wonder why hotels offer this facility? Who wouldn’t mind benefitting from this free service? Offer this service so your Airbnb guests don’t have to navigate their way to your rental. Many Airbnb hosts include Airport pickup as part of their package because it helps the guests avoid the stress of finding public transport while carrying their luggage.

List the service as part of your description and see the difference it makes to your bookings. If you live far from the airport, offering this benefit may not be the best idea. However, try it once to see the impact it makes on your booking rate success.

6.      Provide a Welcome Pack

The hotel industry thrived because it understood the power of ‘freebies.’ Adopt the same model and boost your booking rate. Airbnb guests read multiple reviews before choosing a home on Airbnb. Imagine your past guests posting praising reviews, thanking you for the ‘amazing welcome pack’ offering free treats.

While gifts don’t make much of a difference to frequent travelers, the gesture shows your hospitality. Many hosts mention ‘free welcome gift basket’ or ‘free fresh fruit basket’ in their description as part of their overall package. Offerings like these certainly make a nice impression on guests looking for a warm, cozy, and welcoming home. Check out some amazing ideas from my bestselling book, The Airbnb Superhost Checklist, to make sure you offer your guests the best gifts.

7.      Offer Free Passes

If you target tourists and adventure travelers, offering free passes to local cinemas, art galleries, and massage centers is a great way to grab their attention. These small investments go a long way to increase your Airbnb bookings. Discount vouchers or gift cards are just another way to thank your guests for choosing your rental.

For instance, if someone is visiting your city or town on New Year, offer passes to a local celebration event or buy them their first dinner at a fancy restaurant. While these offerings seem a little expensive, they make up just a fraction of what you can make if your rental is booked throughout the year.

8.      Promote Family-friendly Attractions

Small details like a washing area, extra mattresses, high chairs, cots, and baby baths can attract more guests on Airbnb because these are everyday accessories for many families. Think of a large family that is traveling to your city for a couple of months. They would surely like to use all these amenities without buying them to make their stay comfortable. Mention all such amenities and get the tick of approval from Airbnb guests trying to save as much money as possible during a vacation trip.

9.      Be a Local Guide

Much like the airport pickup service, offering this service is viable only for some hosts. However, if you want to attract guests to visit for the first time or are passionate about the city or place you live in, offering services as a local guide is not a bad idea. You can mention your availability in your listing so your guests know the time or hours when they can contact you for local guidance. While some hosts charge for this service, offering it as a freebie will certainly give you an edge over other hosts.

Some of my best Airbnb experiences have been when hosts took the time to show me around the neighborhood. One time, my host spent an entire day with me to show me the nearby cafes, supermarkets, and local restaurants and attractions. Naturally, I posted an awesome review to thank him and return the favor.

Final Thoughts

If you are wondering how to make your Airbnb listing more enticing to attract guests all year round, get in touch. My Airbnb listing copywriting services can boost your booking rate and help you get the most out of your rental property.