Avoid These Airbnb Marketing Blunders
Are you stepping into the world of short-term rentals? You might be accidentally lowering your earnings with common Airbnb marketing mistakes. Many hosts make similar errors, and some are not obvious.
It’s easy to think a beautiful property is enough. However, due to increased competition, it takes more, and some mistakes might not be immediately apparent. These Airbnb marketing mistakes can affect bookings, even if they seem minor.
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Marketing Mistakes with Your Airbnb Listing
Marketing Mistakes with Your Airbnb Listing
Visibility is a significant challenge in the Airbnb world. With more hosts on the platform, making your property stand out is essential.
Not optimizing your Airbnb listing is like hiding treasure without a map. Potential guests need to find it quickly. Review your data regularly to see what needs changing.
Checkout our post on the top Airbnb Listing Tips you need to elevate your listing. And, check out our favorite listing secret weapon to ethically double your Airbnb views!
Not Tracking Your Marketing Efforts
Are you trying everything and hoping something works with your Airbnb marketing? Tracking your performance shows whether your efforts result in bookings.
Imagine spending time making reels, carousel posts, stories, and working with influencers. All of that requires effort and may cost money.
For example, if you update your listing photos, check if they lead to more bookings. Create a simple spreadsheet and track your actions on platforms like Instagram or TikTok to see if they result in bookings.
Failing to Build a Memorable Airbnb Brand
With many similar properties available, a clear brand helps you stand out. Modern decor alone isn’t enough to impress.
Consider adding depth to your listing. A theme or supporting a key movement can create interest and discussion. Creating a vibe for guests is great marketing strategy.
Having updated decor is not sufficient. Building a memorable brand helps a listing stand out.
Consistency matters. Include your brand elements in every guest interaction, from the listing to the amenities. Be proud of your offering and keep the vibe consistent.
One consistent amenity you can find in all of our listings is the Forgot Something Basket. This is a small touch that guests love! Grab everything you need to create your own right here.
Setting and Forgetting Your Listing
Even a great property needs regular updates. It’s not a “set and forget” situation if you want to maximize your income.
Set a schedule based on the time you have. Update your listing to show any improvements, like new items that enhance the space.
Make your message clear. Ensure it convinces someone to book.
Create a list. Schedule to revisit properties in phases throughout the year, ensuring each section is reviewed multiple times, such as quarterly.
Not Getting Enough Google Reviews for Your Rental
Reviews are valuable, but relying only on Airbnb limits your reach to potential direct bookers. You need Google reviews to thrive as a host.
Proof is crucial. It influences a prospect’s decision to book now or later.
Collecting reviews, especially on Google, assures guests checking other platforms. It increases visibility beyond Airbnb. These reviews confirm your service quality.
| Platform | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | Don’t Ask | Stay Compliant |
| Messaging Platform | Ask for Google Review | Build Social Proof |
| Direct Booking Site | Start One | Expand Brand Reach |
Getting reviews takes time. Gradually ask satisfied guests for reviews. The number will grow over time.
Not Keeping the Airbnb Listing Updated
Imagine inviting guests to a meal, only to serve stale dishes. Refreshing amenities and updating listing details is vital for business.
Regularly reinvesting in your property, from new linens to upgraded amenities, shows guests you care about their experience. Some Airbnb marketing mistakes are subtle.
This can also be damaging. You have to see what competitors are providing. Keep your listing feeling “new”.
How To Get More Airbnb Bookings
You’ve decided to make a change, and that’s great.
Staying current is crucial to stand out. But, even if things are going well now, they could decline without these efforts.
Identify new Airbnb marketing mistakes. Correct those common Airbnb host struggles.
Conduct Competitor Analysis
Understand your market by simply browsing. What features or designs do local competitors highlight? Is anything missing?
Check the amenities other properties offer. Also, note their designs or services, like how they present TV viewing.
Note nearby attractions. Include them in your listing to attract travelers.
Anything else that comes to mind, do it. It demonstrates care that some travelers will appreciate from their stay.
Upgrading Your Rental Offering
A redesign could have a major impact. An essential element, is having the best beds.
Consider if the number of beds works for attracting guests. However the bed size is equally important. Upgrading to kings or queens from a trundle bed can change perceptions.
By upgrading essential items in your vacation rental, you will create a more desirable place to stay. When your marketing budget allows, these updates will improve your brand. The pandemic’s implications may still have you focused on how to save money, but always think long term.
Use Social Media
Using social media requires a plan and effort to maintain engagement. Identify opportunities and take action.
Many people want visual proof. Use platforms to show before-and-after images or special features.
Share tips or experiences relevant to your niche. Pay attention to your tone and learn from those who do it well. Stay professional.
Check platforms like LinkedIn frequently to learn and apply successful strategies. You might find great connections, new insights, and boost your marketing plans. For more on common social marketing mistakes, continue reading.
Try Using Influencers
Connecting with influencers in your field, even similar services, requires research. Influencer marketing mistakes can be costly. Find a partnership that benefits everyone equally.
How well do you know their followers and their engagement? You need to know their active reach and what their audience is interested in. Making good choices is vital for your marketing activities.
Build connections for future opportunities by starting with sharing their content. Connect at your comfort level until trust develops. Keep learning and building for long-term success.
You’ll soon often receive a “Thanks for Visiting”. Learn from all the Airbnb marketing mistakes.
The global pandemic had lasting impacts on business. The hospitality and short-term rental industry saw large marketing cuts across the board. Although many travelers sought places like Airbnb for the first time to isolate from their household, customer support for Airbnb and hosts declined rapidly.
The 2020 Airbnb Relief Fund
To help its brand’s customers, a $250 million relief fund was established by Airbnb. Hosts were given a 25% payout of whatever a guest was entitled to under their standard policies. This only applied to stays with a check-in between March 14 and May 31, 2020, booked on or before March 14, 2020.
After public backlash, Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO, sent an apology letter via email marketing. Although Airbnb created customer groups and hosts who felt supported by this, the funds fell short and there was much left to be desired. Many still found they had a negative impression of the company and how they handled the pandemic.
Even after Airbnb secured $2 billion in additional funding and created the fund to drive people to become a host, there was still backlash. Offering grants was well received for super hosts. Overall the Airbnb ordeal of cancellation fees and marketing cuts reflect poorly on their choices for how to operate during such an unprecedented time.
Airbnb Marketing Since 2020
It may come as a shock to learn that Airbnb halted all marketing in 2020 when the pandemic began. The company saw a massive boost in organic traffic to their site of those seeking a place to stay. It’s pure economics that they could easily justify slashing costs for marketing.
They didn’t account for their hosts lose revenue while they sat back without needing to spend much for marketing to increase traffic. Chesky did a host video call on YouTube and the comments blew up about the way things were being handled. Hosts who needed money felt stuck and did not want to be paying cleaning and other fees if refunds were given.
The time Airbnb needed marketing was early in the pandemic when people sought isolation from large groups. Yet Airbnb still felt marketing was not a need since organic traffic carried them. This all comes across to many as a short-term view.
Since then, they are shifting to long-form content, and influencer and affiliate marketing. They have shifted away from Google search ads. Although social commerce has helped, public backlash of how Airbnb responded is not easily forgotten by hosts.
Key Takeaways
Airbnb marketing mistakes are not permanent. Recognizing them as fixable is motivating.
This keeps everything in check. The work is ongoing and exciting.
Consider each factor for your listings and rentals. Exceed expectations, as it can determine whether a traveler trusts a company with their planned experience, which is an honor.
Short-term rentals involve effort. Go above and beyond in marketing and planning.
Calling All Hosts: The Hosting Handbook
If you loved this post we invite you to check out our one-stop-shop solution for hosts everywhere —the Hosting Handbook! While you can download all the easy to consume, step-by-step tips we use in our own hosting business and create the ultimate “book” the Hosting Handbook is so much more than that! If you’ve consumed or content for years (or just met us!) this is the reference guide for all the amazing and tactical tips we have for running a profitable and, more importantly hospitable, short-term rental. How do we price for pets? How do we fold our towels? What sheets do we buy? How do I purchase a short-term rental? All these questions (and more!) can be answered in the Hosting Handbook! Check it out now!
Happy Hosting!
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