Have you ever thought of purchasing a small home and renovating it for Airbnb? If so, you are not alone. Airbnb is one of the fastest-growing markets within the lodging sector. Much like your home, a well-designed and adequately advertised Airbnb will capture more revenue overall. Not to mention, get skyrocketing reviews from your guests!
It is a little-known fact that every home I have ever staged to sell has sold in less than 48 hours after it was listed. Yes, you read that right, 48 hours! When clients embrace my process, they see results. It is all about the visual, folks, just like an Airbnb. Your rental needs to look warm, fun, and inviting. Potential guests need to be able to picture themselves in your home.
Tip 1: Know Your Ideal Guest
Are you planning on making your home kid-friendly? Make sure you have highchairs, toys, safety features, and maybe some kid-friendly snacks in the pantry. How about attractive to a business professional? Don’t forget a proper desk, fast, reliable Wi-Fi, and perhaps a gourmet coffee maker for those early morning trips to the office. Or the couple looking for a romantic getaway….a bottle of wine waiting for them upon arrival, luxurious bedding and perhaps robes and slippers???
Tip 2: Keep the Space Light & Bright
It is best to keep your Airbnb light, airy, and fresh looking. Great ways to do this are by adding lamps and light fixtures and keeping the walls as neutral as possible. Remember, most of your guests are going to be looking for a place to relax and kick back after a day of sightseeing or working. Keeping your space bright and happy will ensure that a spa-like relaxing atmosphere is achieved.
Tip 3: Favor Open, Clutter-Free Spaces
Keeping with that spa-like feel, removing clutter and mess in your rental is imperative. Studies have shown, guests prefer less visual clutter. Here are some ideas for storage or organization that may help.
Tip 4: Add a Unique Local Flavor
When you begin decorating your Airbnb, consider little personal touches such as local art or photography to highlight the space. When traveling, your guests will appreciate those special touches that remind them of the beautiful area that surrounds them.
Tip 5: Bring in Some Greenery
As most of you know, I am a proponent of greenery to bring the outside in. And with an Airbnb, that is no exception. However, since you will have to maintain these plants, I suggest perhaps a few great faux arrangements around the space to evoke the same feeling.
Tip 6: Harness the Power of Free
Like I mentioned above, snacks are great for the kids but don’t forget about the adults. Your guests will appreciate those bottles of water, shampoo, conditioner, and soaps to make them feel even more like home. When we were recently vacationing in Ireland, I know I appreciated the Airbnb we stayed in merely because it had complimentary bags of chips for the kids to prevent them from complaining for 10 seconds!
Tip 7: Get Professional Photos Taken
Great lighting and artfully placed items in a space help set the stage for a great photo. You would be doing yourself an excellent service by hiring a professional photographer that specializes in interiors to take pictures of your space to post online. These photos will be a visual calling card for your potential guests.
I encourage you to take at least one of these tips and implement it into your potential new revenue stream. Even the slightest modification can make a big difference. Happy hosting!!!
Questions about visually marketing your Airbnb listing? Ask us in the comments below. We’ve got even more tricks up our sleeve. 😉
Xoxo,
Jill
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