How to Create an Incredible First Impression as a Host Through Your Airbnb Listing

What’s the most important part of a short-term rental (STR) listing? Most hosts focus on the space itself, making it a point to have beautiful photographs that make the property look as attractive as possible. But it’s just as important to communicate who YOU are through the Airbnb listing, creating a very positive first impression so that guests feel comfortable booking with you. But what does that look like?Rebecca Cramer is the Superhost behind Mad Men Vacation Rentals, a small STR business with listings in Ocean City, Maryland, and Kissimmee, Florida. Her third property in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, is scheduled to go live in the summer of 2020. Rebecca started hosting on Airbnb in January of 2018 and quickly realized how much she loved helping guests make memories in the very places she and her family love. The success of her Mad Men Beach House and Mad Men Magic Kingdom prove that newcomers can still make it in a competitive STR market.On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Rebecca joins me to discuss her Airbnb origin story, explaining how renting the family’s beach house to afford the mortgage quickly turned into a small business. She describes how she creates a unique experience for families at her Madmen Magic Kingdom property near Disney World and offers insight around staging your space for photos and managing units remotely. Listen in for Rebecca’s top four strategies for earning exceptional reviews and learn how to build a trusting relationship with guests through your listing on Airbnb.Topics CoveredHow Rebecca got into AirbnbDream of having beach house in Ocean City, MarylandRent on Airbnb to afford mortgage, turn into businessWhat prepared Rebecca to be a good hostFamily goes big on hospitality at gatherings + holidaysWork in retail, as nurse (make people feel cared for)How Rebecca builds a relationship through her listingsHumor and enthusiasm in captions, descriptionProfile picture = family photoHow Rebecca creates an experience at Madmen Magic KingdomThemed rooms (princess castle, Pirates of the Caribbean)Pool with inflatables + unique game roomCostumes for kids to play dress-upRebecca’s tips for staging units for photosHelp guests envision themselves in spaceDetails like glass of wine on patio tableWhat sets Rebecca apart as a hostQuality photos AND very positive reviewsGo above and beyond to show you careHow Rebecca earns exceptional reviewsGuidebook with info about house and areaCommunicate desire to give best possible experienceAutomated message re: 5-star experienceRespond right away when guests reach outRebecca’s insight on managing units remotelyConnect with handyman and cleaners willing to helpPut together good team of people you trustHow to be successful as a newcomer in a competitive marketLeverage heart and passionDon’t need degree, just need to really careConnect with RebeccaMad Men Vacation RentalsMad Men on InstagramMad Men on FacebookResourcesHostfullySTR Profit AcademySTR Legends MastermindEmail [email protected] subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.