Hosts looking to grow their short-term rental businesses shouldn’t overlook the benefits of creating an Airbnb profile. It might seem insignificant, but many Airbnb hosts don’t realize that guests pay attention to and read host profiles. Having a detailed profile can showcase both your hosting ability and your vacation rental. Read on to discover how an Airbnb profile can sustain your revenue growth, and how to make your profile stand out.
What Should I Include in My Airbnb Profile?
1. Add a profile description
Your guests will want to get to know you a little better before making any final booking decisions. The easiest way to do this is to tell them about yourself by adding a description section in your Airbnb profile. Sharing some details about yourself can help create trust and a positive guest experience.
Some suggestions of what to include in your description are:
- Your work and professional credentials.
- Some of your hobbies and interests.
- Why you decided to become an Airbnb host.
- What you enjoy the most about hosting.
- What languages you speak.
2. Add a profile picture
A picture adds a face to your name and is a must for your Airbnb profile. Remember that your profile picture should look professional, as it’s a part of your rental listing. Make sure the lighting is good before you take your picture, and that the quality is clear and not dark or grainy.
Your face should be visible and not obscured by sunglasses, a scarf, mask, etc. Keep your expression friendly and feel free to smile. Avoid looking angry or upset and making inappropriate facial expressions or hand gestures.
3. Verify your Airbnb profile
A common worry that guests have is being scammed online. Verifying your profile is the best way of assuring guests that your listing is legitimate and not a scam.
To get verified, access your account settings on your personal profile. Select the identity verification option. You’ll be asked to confirm your legal identity, either by adding your legal name and address or by uploading a photo of a government-issued identification (a driver’s license, passport, or national identity card). You may also be asked to take and upload a new photo of yourself, which will be different from your profile photo.
4. Get great reviews
Reviews are essential for success, as guests usually browse Airbnb profile reviews before booking. Getting stellar reviews can be a tricky process, though, and hosts need to work consistently to maintain a positive review rate. Try to provide a perfect guest experience and stay in contact with your guests throughout their stay.
After they have checked out, send them a message asking them if they wouldn’t mind leaving a review if they enjoyed their stay. You can also leave a guest review first to encourage them to leave one back.
What Can I Do to Make My Profile Stand Out?
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Keep your description updated
You want to show any guests who view your profile that you’re an active host, so update your profile description when possible. If any exciting changes are in the works for you or your rental, be sure to mention them. Remember to keep a positive tone in your description. Avoid using negative or offensive language.
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Update your profile picture
Another way to keep your Airbnb profile active to guests is to update your profile picture now and then. Remember, this is a photo for your business, so keep it looking professional. If your LinkedIn or Facebook profile pictures look appropriate, you can reuse them on Airbnb. A good rule of thumb is to update your profile photos every 1 – 2 years.
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Add some interesting, extra information
A good way to stand out from competitors is by uploading some fun and interesting extra information to your profile. This can be about your vacation rental, your city or town, or local attractions nearby. Having some extra information on your profile page shows that you’re a passionate host who wants their guests to have a terrific vacation.
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Keep a high response rate
Your response rate will be on display on your Airbnb profile, so make sure you keep it high. Try to respond promptly to any inquiries that guests send you to avoid losing out to a competitor. Automating your guest messages is a simple and effective way to maintain a high response rate.
Why Is It Important to Have a Completed Airbnb Profile?
Prove your listing is legitimate
A study has shown that listings with completed and verified Airbnb profiles are often viewed as being more legitimate. A friendly and detailed host profile can reassure any uncertain guests that your listing is not a scam.
Appear more trustworthy and approachable
Just as you’re likely to vet guests who want to book your rental, guests will equally want to vet any host whose property they book. Providing more details about yourself and getting verified by Airbnb can help you appear as a more reliable and trustworthy host.
Attract your ideal guests
Your Airbnb profile information can help you expand your rental marketing and attract your target guests. Giving readers a sense of who you are and what kind of vacation rental you own will give them an idea of the kind of experience you offer.
Who Can See My Airbnb Profile?
Your Airbnb profile will be visible to anyone who clicks on your rental listing and follows the link to your profile page. Avoid including personal information, such as your physical address and contact information. Guests who book your rental will have access to your contact information after the booking has been accepted.
Conclusion
Although it can take some work and consistent upkeep, completing your Airbnb profile is well worth it. Your profile can build trust, convey a sense of authenticity, and entice guests to book with you again and again.