Host on Demand: Comprehensive Guide for Airbnb Hosts

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

1. Optimize Your Listing:

•  Enhance Visual Appeal -Add more,new, better pictures, add descriptions, add local attractions, create guide books.
• Add new or improve existing amenities, ensure all listed amenities are well maintained and accessible.
• Check your navigation guides/routes, update as and when possible
• Remove minimum stay periods (fit all travel requirements), Instant booking is preferred for immediate travel needs.
• Declutter spaces - keep only the essentials.
• Don’t often tweak on nightly rates (wish lists- not impressive to have sudden inflation of rates)
• Improvised internet services - add those extra GB/ speed - (suits work from home, access work during holidays, suits OTT access) 

2. Prepare for Guest Comfort:

• Stock Up Essentials: cooking basics, tea/coffee, snacks.
• Stock the guest refrigerators (optional)
• Provide extra supplies like bedding, toiletries, and cleaning products.
• Address Seasonal Challenges: Prepare for summer months (water scarcity, planned electricity outages). Keep umbrellas during winter months. Add an extra comforter during winter. Add a crib to accommodate an infant.
• Maintain Appliances: Schedule maintenance for AC units, water purifiers, and water pumps, extra remote batteries.
• Stock an extra first aid kit (handy). Detail availability of medical services near by.
• Describe access for special needs (if available) - gifted guest needs, pet needs etc. 

3. Foster Engagement and Trust:

• Communicate Effectively: Enable quick response messages and utilize message scheduling.
• Establish Clear Expectations: Communicate house rules and benefits to guests.
• Streamline Booking Process: Consider the pros and cons of instant bookings and implement a cleaning fee.
• Make quick responses on booking requests - stay connected (they must be reaching out to multiple hosts simultaneously). 

4. Monitor and Enhance Performance:

•  Attend to Guest Needs - Pay attention to first-time guest inquiries always welcome new customers.
• Take comfort through available reviews on guests.
• Communicate effectively to convert enquiry into bookings.
• Adapt to Market Dynamics: Adjust tariffs based on the number of guests.
• Sync calendar’s on your listings and hosting portals.
• Simplify house rules also add penalties on specific overruling of house rules
• Create genuine guest reviews, add details if possible and report house rule violators.
• Stay Compliant: Stay informed about local regulations and ensure adherence.

5. Enhance Guest Experience:

•  Provide Local Recommendations: Offer itinerary suggestions, recommend eateries, and collaborate with local services, share your experiences, local know how’s. Stay proactive.
• Offer Convenience: Check in / check out times, luggage drop ins, welcome kits.
• Personalize Interaction: Engage with guests, encourage guest reviews, regular greets, share local happenings, road blocks/ diversion information if possible. 

6. Uphold Quality and Safety Standards:

• Prioritize Guest Satisfaction: Embrace diversity, encourage positive ratings, DO complete guest ratings promptly.
• Ensure Compliance: Consider adding experiences, maintain quality standards, and avoid unnecessary detailing. 

** My words for caution:

•  DO NOT Attempt to match hotel/restaurant models.
• DO NOT Go overboard and create promises that are difficult to meet up with. .
• DO NOT ignore possible alarm signals.
• DO NOT compromise on quality/standards/pricing.
• DO NOT entertain adventures/ risks.

 HAPPY HOSTING.

Dr Jayanthi Ilamurugu,

Super Host & Community Leader - Host club of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry