The "Influencer" Guest

[Laura2592]

Anyone get a guest who is an "influencer" and wants to put your listing on social media?  I have an online business where I sometimes get these requests for free stuff (no thanks) but recently had such an inquiry on Airbnb. The prospective guest is interested in booking and mentions their "influencer" status.  Is this another attempt at freebies? Are you aware of anyone who has advertised your space on social media or have you gotten an inquiry like this? 

[Dave52]

@Laura2592 

Have never gotten this inquiry.  It is well known, people go around and promote/threaten themselves as online "influencers" to try to get free hotel stays, restaurant perks, etc.  Would it add any value to an airbnb listing?  Airbnb, and you, promote your listing already.  Personally I would congratulate them on their influencer status and treat them like any other guest.

[Laura2592]

@Dave52 yes my only experience with an influencer is when someone wanted free jewelry from my online shop.  There was no overt ask for free nights at my Airbnb but I wondered if that was coming.  I also don't know how I feel about an Instagram photoshoot happening during the stay but I am sure that some guest has already done that, just not someone who said so up front. And probably not someone with "influencer" level followers.  

[Gordon0]

Isn't 'influencer' the same as 'cheapskate' in these circumstances, @Laura2592?  

[Alexandra316]

@Gordon0  Add in chancer/scammer and you've got it. 

[Emilia42]

@Ann72 has hosted an Instagrammer who promoted her listing and took great photos. She should have more insight. 🙂

[Ann72]

Ha @Emilia42!  @Laura2592  I've had a good number, but only two offered something in exchange - great photographs.  So I let them each come for a weekend and did indeed get great photos out of it.  Plus I've had other guests who are among their followers.  And got more Instagram followers.  With each I had a contract spelling out what we would each get.  

But someone who wants to come for free in exchange for exposure?  No way.

[Traci189]

Would you be willing to share the contract you used? @Ann72 

[Ann72]

@Traci189  I would if I could find it!  I'll keep looking and when I find it, I'll reach out.  It's very simple, though.  You should stipulate the number of days the person will stay there, ensure they follow house rules and read the house manual, stipulate the number of people staying, and stipulate that their stay will be at no cost in exchange for 25 high-resolution photos of the listing.  You should also list certain shots that you would require.

[Alexandra316]

@Laura2592 I had someone try it on with me recently. They opened with the "news" that they were an influencer with a bunch of followers, obviously expecting me to gush over it. They followed it up with some questions. I answered the questions professionally and politely and left the influencer comment alone. Never heard back from them. They were definitely fishing for freebees. I don't have the type of property that a real influencer would be interested in: it's basic and not "Insta-worthy". 

[Marcia464]

Yep, was sucked in once but never again!

[Robin4]

@Laura2592 

Yeah, it's amazing how the 'contra deal' disappears once the host has done their bit.

I know of a host in this local area of mine. She has a lovely listing set in a vineyard, she was approached and got involved with an 'influencer' (fortunately not through Airbnb) who wanted to stage a fashion shoot for a respected magazine, had all the glossy's to prove it, and in return would do a feature spread on the property and the host! 

I am now trying to get her to come here onto the CC and show what happened to her but, rest assured the end result was nothing like @Fred13 's experience with the Wall Street Journal!  As you can understand, she is somewhat embarrassed.  

All the host ended up with was 5 lines and a photo on Facebook.....and a considerable amount of make-up and property damage!

If anyone tells you they can assist your career in some way....put your runners on and run away at a million miles an hour!

Influencer.......YUCK!

Cheers.......Rob

@Emilia42  @Ann72  @Alexandra316  @Marcia464 

****Watch this space, I am trying to get her involvement here as a warning to the community!

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Laura2592 

I used to tutor (English) as a side gig and I'd occasionally meet a parent that asks for a discount and in return they'd be willing to *spread the word* about me, and introduce me to new potential students. My response was always along the lines of....... I've never needed to give discounts for parents and students to recognize what a great tutor I am, and I'd hate for any parent to feel pressured to tell people how great I am if that's not what they really think about me. 

I really hate those types~

[Fred13]

Same @Jessica-and-Henry0 , they come across slimy. We get these all the time and we always weave & dodge out of giving them anything. It is an old-time hustle, largely based on self-importance.

[Lawrene0]

@Jessica-and-Henry0 , I have a great line, stolen from someone somewhere, when anyone offers exposure for my listing or my work: "Exposure is what you die of, right?"