How do Guests Decide to Book Your Airbnb?

If you’ve hit a point where your Airbnb isn’t booking as much as you need to reach your financial goals, you might think “Well maybe if I just lowered my price a bit”, but this is, of course, the wrong answer.

What you do need to do is start thinking like a guest.

When someone is looking to book an Airbnb they go through 5 stages:

Step 1:

First, they filter by type, rooms, etc. and price range.

Step 2:

Next, they start browsing the photos – the photos are the first impression you have to catch your guest’s eye.

If your photos are poorly lit, or the decor is not appealing – you lost them.

Now here’s a little secret guests do – I know because I have done it myself – When a guest can’t find something they like in their price range – they will search for a slightly higher price range to see what they can find. THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN DOING YOUR RESEARCH ON COMPS.

Step 3:

Only after this process do they start checking out reviews.

Step 4:

You have to assume that they are probably comparing your listing with others, especially if you are in a very popular destination with lots of options.

So why would they choose your Airbnb?

• Your decor and listing photos are outstanding and drool-worthy.
• You have more and/or better reviews than other listings.
• You have additional amenities (maybe a game console that will push the decision forward, game room, GATED pool, etc.).

Step 5:

At this point, your potential guest will have narrowed down his choice to 2-3 listings and make their decision.

So you want to make sure your listing stands out in a way that others don’t and in most cases, it comes down to how your listing photos look and how you rate for accuracy.

So how can you do this and do it quickly? Check out this great service by Showplace.

Not only do they provide killer design services but they can take care of all the logistics and stock your Airbnb with discounted amenities, and help you set up quickly so you can list and get started getting booked.

If you already have a listing active, Showroom also offers refresh packages that can help you improve your decor to help you stand out.

I’d also review and make sure you aren’t putting guests off by committing one of these Airbnb decor mistakes.