What are some successful ways you've promoted your Airbnb listing?

[Rebecca]

Hello Hosts 👋

Lately, I've noticed a popular question popping up in the Community Center: "How can I market my Airbnb?". It's great to see that a lot of you are seeking advice on marketing your Airbnb listing as marketing plays a crucial role in attracting potential guests and maximising your bookings. With the rise of rental properties and increased competition, it's essential to have a strong marketing strategy to stand out from the crowd and capture the attention of your target audience... aka potential guests. 

With that in mind, I'm wondering what successful strategies have you implemented when promoting your Airbnb listings? 

Share your current marketing strategy, thoughts and creative ideas in the comments below. 👇

[Rebecca]

There was a great thread that was started way back in 2015 where @Mfonabasi0, @Patricia2526, @Nuno-Y-Daniel0, @Julie10, @Ali413, @Lucy362, @Rachel477, @Jane29, @Deb0 and @Clare0 all shared some wonderful marketing tips and strategies.

I wondered if anything has changed over the years and you do something different now, especially with the advancement of sites and technology? It would be great to hear from you to catch up but also see how you're getting on! 🤗

[Olivier1414]

Dear Rebecca,

Thanks for the invitation.

I contacted the Airbnb members with experience, they gave me all the ideas to succeed; the best idea I got from them was to use smart pricing. I posted all the pictures of what we have in the house. 

Thanks

Olivier 

[Rebecca]

Hi @Olivier1414 👋

Thanks for sharing your hosting experience and the helpful tip about using smart pricing. It's great to hear that you're utilising the advice from experienced Airbnb members too 😊.

I'm curious, how has smart pricing been working for you so far? 

[Olivier1414]

I love smart pricing because like on weekends when it is busy the price goes high. Before I had a fixed price and didn't make more. 

[Meron413]

Dear Rebecca,

Thanks for your invite. 
I am always talking to my ‘Airbnb member’ friends, here in Addis Ababa. They have a long time experience so I take so many experience they have. 
I do check the smart pricing every time. 
I guess I give detailed information about the place I have and communicate well. 
And I have a lot to learn more in the future from experienced hosts. 

Thanks

MeroN  

[Rebecca]

Hi @Meron413 👋

Thank you for accepting the invite and for sharing your experience as a host in Addis Ababa. It's wonderful that you have a network of experienced Airbnb members to learn from. It sounds like you're already doing a great job with checking smart pricing, providing detailed information, and communicating effectively.

Have you done any advertising or marketing outside of the Airbnb platform? 😊

[Meron413]

Hello Rebecca,

hope you are well. 
thank you for your response. 

Actually I have never advertise or marketing out side of Airbnb platform. 

[Luxury164]

Hi Rebecca. The only way to have a successful airbnb is to be CONSISTENT. Present your properties on every platform you can think of. Whether it be on other booking platforms or social media platforms. Put your property out there and do it consistently. Don't give up. Also build rapport with the people who have rented your property. They will push your business for you.

[Rebecca]

Hi @Luxury164 👋

Thank you for sharing! Consistency is indeed key, and it's great to hear that you're actively promoting your properties on various platforms. Building rapport with your guests is an excellent strategy to help grow your business through positive word-of-mouth. 😍

I'm curious, do you have any specific tips or strategies for building rapport with guests? I'd love to hear more about your experiences in this area. 🙌

[Mallorie2]

Hi Rebecca, 

it's so good hearing people's different strategies.  Our air bnb 's  very quiet, and i will be following some of the ideas people have posted. 

My tip for building rapport is to leave a little bouquet of flowers or some fresh fruit in the room.  Whenever I can,  I meet the people on arrival. 

If I bake a dessert or scones, I take a portion over to the guests.  

I am careful not to intrude  though - you can feel some guests want to be completely left alone, and then I respect that, others want to find out more.  

[Rebecca]

Hi @Mallorie2 👋

That's great to hear! I love your idea of leaving a little bouquet of flowers or fresh fruit in the room. It's those little touches that can make a big difference. 🙌

Have you had guests leave comments or mention those little extras you've left? 😊

[Melanie597]

Dear Rebecca,

I'm excited to read other reccomendations for promoting as well, as I feel this is my weak area!

Currently I inconsistently post on social media and share to local groups.  Honestly, I've never received a booking directly from a social media posting in 6 years! So I feel it's a waste of my time paying & playing. With that said, prior guests do follow social pages so maybe good to offer specials? 

My current advertising for the cabin -

Listed on 2 local online visitor publications. 

Google business listing.

Paid google advertising.

Business cards on-site for guests to take, and for me to pas out when making a connection.

Listed on multiple booking platforms.

Utilize professional photos.

Website for the property.

Here are a few things that I believe make a difference in advertising algorithms.

Upkeep & amenities-

I offer as many amenities as possible, continually make upgrades, replace worn items, and take great care of the property.  

Respond to every review, guest inquiry or message promptly.

Review listing & pricing at least bi-weekly making changes.

I hope thus helps other hosts succeed,

Happy Hosting,

Melanie

[Rebecca]

Hi @Melanie597 👋

Thank you for sharing your current advertising strategies and hosting tips! It's great to see that you're constantly striving to improve your property and provide a positive guest experience.

Social media is hit and miss sometimes isn't it! I love the idea of your past guests following you though and keeping up-to-date with your place though! Have you considered utilising any local partnerships or collaborations with businesses in your area? 

Keep up the great work and happy hosting! 😊

[Melanie597]

@Rebecca ,

Thank you for your input. Your mention refreshed my memory of avenues I'd forgotten about.  🤔 Yes, I have partnered up with a local wedding venue that utilizes my cabin as part of their package for wedding couples accommodations.  It has worked out relatively well for a couple years.  There are other businesses I've collaborated with about my property too-Lake Lemon Marina (a nearby attraction) has sent several my way! Vacation rental owners in the area I've connected with will send potential guests my way if they are booked up or their properties aren't a fit.  There are multiple avenues for local advertising.  

Melanie