Just like there are no two guests who are exactly the same, Airbnb hosts also embrace their very own unique styles and Airbnb management strategies. Surely, good hosts share the same traits, right? After all, Airbnb management already has enough pains and headaches, why is your unique style of hosting of any importance?
When you take some time to do a little bit of introspection to try and find out which type of Airbnb host you are, you will get a much better idea of which type of guests you should try to attract. With this knowledge, Airbnb hosts will be able to write a much more effective listing that will attract the right type of guest and adjust their Airbnb management strategy accordingly.
Here are three of the most common types of Airbnb hosts.
The Opportunistic Airbnb Host
This type of host is all about spotting an opportunity and taking advantage of it to make a quick buck. They are not really interested in growing a short-term rental business but are more than willing to rent out a room or even their entire property for a specific time if that means that they could make a significant sum of money.
For example, it could be that there is a big event in their city and accommodation is hard to find. If they have an extra room available, this type of host will only be too happy to play host for that short time. As a matter of fact, if they can get the right price, they will even find themselves a different place to stay at for that time.
Many times this type of host will be lucky to reside in a city that hosts countless major events throughout the year and was charging a high nightly price is not uncommon. If you are spontaneous and think that this style of hosting will suit you the best, a good Airbnb management practice will be to stay on top of all the local events and highlight these dates on your calendar.
The Conventional Property Owner
There are many Airbnb hosts who have in fact been renting out their property before Airbnb took the short-term vacation rental industry by storm. These Airbnb hosts are currently listing their properties on various websites like TripAdvisor and VRBO. As a matter of fact, this type of Airbnb host might even boast several properties that he rents out. Though this means that they have to respond to various emails every day, but luckily with the help of vacation rental software, they have found an efficient way to stay on top of things and grow a profitable business.
As they regard it as a business, they are often not as carefree as other Airbnb hosts.
For example, guests often do not even have any face-to-face interaction with the host. Instead, this type of host will probably use some sort of automation for exchanging the keys or meet the guests only briefly.
If this description fits your style of hosting, you will have the most successful hosting experience when you concentrate on attracting a family or big groups of friends looking for more freedom to enjoy a much-deserved holiday. Without cramping your own style or your guests’ freedom, you can still add a bit of personal interaction for instance by leaving tourist guides on a coffee table.
The Involved Airbnb Host
Not every single Airbnb Host is in it for the money. There are some hosts who actually mainly rent out their property as it gives them a chance to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Yes, they do still make money, however, it is all about the rewarding experience that being an Airbnb host has to offer.
An Airbnb host who is actively involved will sincerely listen to their guests’ unique stories. They will take the time to get to know their guests better so that they can share some of the best places their area has to offer that will suit their guests’ unique interests. Although this might sound like a win-win for both guest and host, certain guests will prefer an Airbnb host who offers them more privacy (and who will not derail their carefully planned excursions with their own list of must-see places).
Hosting is not for everyone. There are some people who will never make a great Airbnb host. Though, for those who are cut out for Airbnb, revisiting your own needs and goals will enable you to make the necessary changes that are needed to improve your Airbnb management practices.