Delight Your Guests by Delivering the Unexpected—with J.T. McKay
Summary
This article discusses strategies to delight Airbnb guests and improve their experience. JT McKay shares tips on becoming a "story-seller" through your listing and house manual, automating messaging with personalization, and providing special touches during their stay. Hosts should consider incorporating these ideas to potentially improve reviews, encourage repeat bookings, and build a positive reputation.
Key Insights
- •J.T. McKay operates 10 vacation rental units in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
- •The Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area is popular for short-term rentals due to its appeal as a 'Vegas for families' and its attraction for outdoor enthusiasts.
Action Items
- ✓Automate guest messaging with authenticity, by using customization tags, sending a first morning check-in message, or recording a custom welcome video.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
- ✓Become a "story-seller" in your listing to attract the ideal guest by showing respect for space.Effort: lowImpact: medium
- ✓Include information about yourself in your house manual to build a personal connection and infuse it with personality and fun.Effort: lowImpact: medium
- ✓Provide a basket of selfie props, leverage QR codes for information, offer USB charging outlets and Bluetooth speakers, and offer V.I.G. discounts and free swag to delight guests.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
Tools & Resources
- →Airbnb on Autopilot: Save Time and Boost Profits for Your Vacation Rental: J.T. McKay is the author of Airbnb on Autopilot: Save Time and Boost Profits for Your Vacation Rental.
- →Loom: Resources mentioned include Loom and Netflix.
More from Your Listing
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This article highlights an Arkansas Airbnb property designed to evoke the English countryside aesthetic. It's a look at how hosts can create unique and appealing listings by focusing on design and theming. Understanding how to differentiate your property is essential for attracting guests.
An Airbnb host reported earning $2,300 per month with nearly constant bookings. However, dealing with difficult guests caused them to exit the STR market. This experience highlights the potential for revenue in short-term rentals, balanced by the challenges of guest management and the impact on a host's time and mental well-being.
Curated by Learn STR by GoStudioM