No matter what stage you are at with your Airbnb business, the Superhost reigns supreme. You get more bookings from appearing in more searches and - according to global vacation rental software iGMS - they have a 81% higher occupation rate. All of which leads to higher earnings from the property. Whether it’s your first short term let property or you have 10, the Airbnb Superhost is great for business and not every host will achieve it (in fact, only 19% currently have the mythical title).
There's no quick fix to achieving it, so see it rather as an ongoing process and manual to hosting best practice on the platform. And, as we hint at in the title of this post, the real trick is to stay as an Airbnb Superhost because that's where you'll enjoy the true benefits in the long run.
7 key things the Airbnb Superhost does:
1. Play the long game! Yes, achieving the 4.8* average review mark can seem a lofty goal but break down the different components that go into a top quality guest experience and you’ll be there in no time. Superhosts must have at least 10+ stays in the past year or 100 booked nights, so plenty of time to make the right impression on your guests. Plus, every 3 months Airbnb re-evaluates your listings so consistency in the long run is what matters.
2. Communication is key. You have to be on top of your game when it comes to responding to your guests' inquiries and messages. To help you here, make sure you provide clear and detailed information about your short term rental listing, including the location, amenities and check-in/check-out procedures, and this should hopefully reduce the amount of messaging required. Fast response times are also very important - if you’re too slow then the guests’ issues won’t get resolved in time and worse, you may lose potential leads that wanted to book. Airbnb Superhosts must maintain a 90% response rate to guests within 24 hours, but the quicker you respond the better experience for all.
3. Culture and design. Keep your property spotless, well-maintained but also designed accordingly for that local experience. Most guests want to feel like they’re soaking up part of the culture, even if only through small things. For example, if you have your Airbnb in the west end of London then why not include some regal culture in your property. Why not recommend the best shows on in the theatres? If you manage or own a short term rental in the Northern Quarter of Manchester - hipster capital amongst the backdrop of the cotton mills - then why not lap up the industrial chic design with the furnishings. Maybe let them know about the vibrant nightlife options, too? It's all about the details and making your hosts appreciate the extra touches.
4. Underpromise and overdeliver. Why not include a few breakfast items for your guests without mentioning it on the listing? This is guaranteed to leave a sweet taste in your guests’ mouth early on, and it means you’re well on your way to a 5* review. Whilst minimising costs are important, remember that the better your reviews, the more bookings you’ll get and the higher your earnings will be. So don’t be afraid to spend when it comes to pleasing your guests.
5. Flexibility. You never know what your guests might need so be willing to accommodate their requests, whether it's early check-in or late check-out. Remember, the little things make a big difference. Admittedly, this can make running the operation more complex but it will be worth it from the increased bookings post-Superhost status.
6. Feedback. Earlier the better.
After your guests check out, follow up with them and ask for feedback. Address any issues that may have arisen during their stay and make sure they had a good experience. Guests will need your prompts to leave reviews so chase them politely - it’s in your interest that they do so! The longer after the stay the less likely they will review so prod them fast. Another great tip here is to reach out to the guests mid-stay to check in if there have been any issues. It’s important to show guests you are empathetic and willing to solve any potential problems, and the sooner you do this the less likely they’ll get to the end of their stay with a sour taste in their mouth. A bad review is like the mountain from the molehill - identify potential mole hills early with the guests to stop it snowballing. And always apply any learnings to future stays to optimise a guest’s experience.
7. Use your PMS to avoid calendar clashes Superhosts have less than a 1% cancellation rate. You don't want any misunderstandings so make it as transparent as possible. Using your PMS and/or channel management tool such as Guesty, make sure your calendar is always updated and your cancellation policy is clear and consistent.
By following these tips, you'll be on your way to becoming a Superhost in no time. It's all about providing a great experience for your guests - treat your customers like kings.
And if you enjoyed this article about being a better Airbnb host, why not check out other pieces from the blog to improve your Airbnb property business:
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