Case Study of an Airbnb in Cape Town

Airbnb is a momentum game. The more bookings you get, the more users see your listing in search results. Build a solid reputation, and you become one of the top Airbnbs in your city. But in order to get those initial bookings and build that momentum, you have to make it as easy as possible for guests to book your Airbnb!My friend, Simon Lewis, lists his home in Cape Town, South Africa, and it’s a beautiful space in an ideal location. Unfortunately, his bookings have declined in recent months. Today on the podcast, we’re taking a look at his listing to find out why.First, Simon describes the features of his Airbnb, explaining what makes it special and how it’s managed currently. We debate the pros and cons of allowing one-night stays, and Simon explains why he’s hesitant to set his listing to Instant Book and relax his cancellation policy. We also discuss simple ways to improve your position in search results, like changing the order of your photos and maintaining your calendar. Listen in for our plan to improve Simon’s results on Airbnb and learn how to build momentum for YOUR listing so it ranks near the top!Topics Covered An overview of Simon’s Airbnb in Cape Town1BR by beach in desirable areaSlow during winter months (May—August)Friend does check-ins, local cleaning co.The benefits of using the Instant Book settingAirbnb promotes listing in search resultsBuild momentum as reputation growsWhy Simon is hesitant to use Instant BookFear of theft from personal homeAvoid bad reviews by talking to guest firstHow you can protect yourself AND use Instant BookUse Airbnb Resolution Center for stolen itemsAllowed to cancel booking 3X penalty-freeSet conditions for who can Instant BookTips for maintaining your Airbnb calendarOpen up for booking full year in advanceUpdate daily to demonstrate accuracyHow to order photos for your greatest advantageUse collage of photos in first positionFirst 5 should show different spacesResearch nearby listings + stand outOur plan to improve Simon’s results on AirbnbSet listing to Instant BookMaintain calendarReduce minimum stay to one nightChange order of photosShift to flexible cancellation policyHow to handle requests for early check-inAllow guests to leave bags while cleaningRecommend nearby restaurants, shopping Connect with Simon Simon’s Airbnb ListingSimon on TwitterResources Get Paid for Your Pad on YouTubeGet Paid for Your Pad BlogGet Paid for Your Pad Email ListConnect with JasperEmail: [email protected]: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadAirbnb News Facebook GroupTo 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.