The hospitality industry was in crisis: Here’s what you can do to become a Superhost again
COVID-19 dealt a heavy blow to the hospitality industry and its hosts. This pandemic caused many people to cancel their travel plans, which in turn led to a decrease in bookings for Airbnb and many people turning to an entirely different business altogether. However, things are starting to look up for Airbnb hosts and those who had thriving Airbnb businesses before the pandemic. There is now a renewed interest and excitement towards traveling and discovery. With potential guests with savings ready to explore, Airbnb is expected to experience a complete revival. So here is a recap of how you can regain your Superhost Status super quick.
Being a Superhost
It is genuine bliss to see a Superhost status sticker on your profile. It isn’t just any ordinary sticker but comes with many added benefits. These benefits are not exclusively related to money, but Airbnb also supports you in various other areas.
On average, super hosts receive 60% more bookings than any regular host in the same area. It certainly boosts your earnings, and you also get instant access to the customer support team. Moreover, Airbnb also facilitates their Superhosts with travel coupons and Airbnb-sponsored events in your city.
Becoming a super host on Airbnb is not as straightforward as it may seem. Hosts have to meet specific criteria to become eligible for the Superhost badge. These criteria aren’t strict per set, but you must consider them before thinking about profits.
Airbnb Superhosts Requirements
These requirements are like prerequisites for achieving a much greater earning potential after getting your Superhost status. There is nothing complicated about the conditions but maintaining them over a long period is a little challenging:
Response Rate: Airbnb expects around 90% response rates from its thriving sellers. This response rate is essential to maintain if your goal is to attain your Superhost status. Just make sure you reply to each and every query of your guests.
No Cancellations: Make sure your booking cancellation rate is near 0%. Try to satisfy your customers as much as you can and compromise with your clients where you are at risk of cancellation.
More Bookings: You need consistent bookings to attain the super host badge. Make sure you had at least ten bookings in the prior year to qualify for this supreme status. Moreover, check the top listings of your competitors in your area and their average booking rates.
Good Ratings: It is by far the most crucial element if you want to achieve that Superhost badge. Airbnb will never promote you until or unless you give your guests a satisfactory experience. Make sure your positive ratings are above 80% even after you get the Superhost status. If your ratings fall below 4.0, Airbnb might revoke your status, and you have to wait months to get it back.
So now the real question arises; how do you manage all these long-term requirements to generate passive income from Airbnb as a Superhost? The answer is straightforward; you always have to go above and beyond your customer’s expectations by overdelivering what you have promised.
Becoming a Super Profitable SuperHost
Once your listings are on the top search result of your area, you just have to maintain those listings, and it is only possible if you manage guests’ expectations carefully. If your guest is satisfied with the experience and gives you five-star ratings, you will probably secure the first position for a much more extended period of time.
Manage Expectations: Make sure your listings and descriptions are perfectly aligned with the value you will deliver.
Always Overdeliver: Overdelivering is an art in itself. People are regularly satisfied when you go beyond their expectations. You can overdeliver on your guests’ experience by giving a personal touch to the place. If guests are on vacation with their family, you can recommend to them the best restaurants and a couple of places in the city.
Cover the Basics: When a host forgets basic necessities like toilet papers, extra towels, and pillow covers, then many customers leave a bad review in return as you failed to cover basic things. Superhosts never run out of these things because they know it will ruin guests’ experiences.
Remain Proactive: Guests might spend days living in your apartment and still leave a bad review due to some trivial reason. Many guests do not bother to tell about any problems they are facing; hence Superhosts have to stay proactive by asking their guests about their experiences during their stay. In this way, guests will be more likely to leave a positive review despite any little inconvenience.
To Conclude
There is no mystical formula to becoming a super-profitable host. However, a simple success rule is to provide top-notch services, and you’ll indeed receive considerable profits in return, as more and more guests will stay at your place. These guests will willingly pay higher amounts if you over-deliver and take care of their basic “needs and desires.”
Here are some final tips:
1. Keep your calendar up to date
Make sure that your calendar is always up to date. This way, potential guests will know exactly when your property is available and can plan their trip accordingly.
2. Offer discounts and promotions
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Offering discounts and promotions is a great way to attract guests and boost bookings.
3. Make your listing stand out
In a sea of listings, it’s important to make yours stand out. Use high-quality photos and an engaging description to lure guests in.
4. Be flexible with your cancellation policy
Flexible cancellation policies are always a plus for guests. Consider offering a partial or full refund for cancellations made within a certain timeframe.
5. Respond quickly to messages
When guests reach out, make sure to respond as quickly as possible. This will show them that you’re attentive and responsive, two qualities that are sure to win them over.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Superhost in no time!
What do you think are best practices for Super Hosts? Let us know in the comments below!