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Written By: Conrad
Last Updated: September 8, 2023
They say you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Your Airbnb listing description (hopefully) makes a good impression to potential guests, but your Airbnb profile can also be an excellent way to draw guests in and turn them from looking into booking. Airbnb bios are short (between 50 and 100 words is ideal) and give Airbnb guests a chance to get to know their host before they book.
Your Airbnb profile should be personable but also professional. Think somewhere between a dating profile and your resume; enough personal information to let guests know you’re a real person but professional enough to show you care about your property and will handle your guests in a professional manner. It should show you take your rental property seriously and strive to provide quality accommodations.
Some of the best Airbnb hosts don’t take the time to write a profile but it’s such an easy and simple way to elevate all your listings. Even superhosts would benefit from a well-written profile.
Extra Assurance in the Age of COVID
Whether your guests are medical workers looking for a quiet and secure place to stay in between shifts or travelers looking for a safer alternative to public hotels and resorts, crafting a quality profile is even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Potential guests who use Airbnb are looking for every little assurance that their stay will be safe and secure. A well-written Airbnb profile can go a long way to show that you’re not only human, but that you want the best for each of your guests.
Connect with Guests
If you don’t like talking about yourself, writing a great Airbnb profile can seem a little daunting. When you start writing, think of it as meeting someone for the first time. What questions would you ask to get to know someone? What would you ask to make a connection with that person? Remember, the point of your profile is for guests to see you as a person and connect with you in a way that makes them want to stay at your place.
Following we’ve provided some good questions to ask yourself as you write your profile description and several description examples. These questions provide a helpful template for crafting your own profile.
Where did you grow up?
One of the easiest questions to answer about yourself, talking about where you grew up is a simple and no-brainer way to introduce yourself in your profile. In this profile, the host shares that he was born and raised in Texas and loves the state so much he still lives here. Without even looking at his property, guests will know that this host takes pride in where he lives and in turn, pride in his rentals.
Where did you go to school?
People love talking about their alma maters. Talking about your own college pride can appeal to those guests who have a soft spot for their college days (bonus points if you graduated from the same school!). This host’s profile not only shares that she’s a proud Tulane graduate, but that her time at school made her fall in love with New Orleans, a love she relishes sharing with guests.
Where do you currently live?
Answering this question is especially helpful if you currently live in the same area as your Airbnb rental because it lets guests know you are familiar with the area and can provide helpful recommendations and a list of your favorite places. Guests love local hosts who can share insider information on where to go and what to see. Forest and Andy not only share that they live in the same area as their rental, they let guests know they are a great resource for where to eat and what to do.
What do you do for a living?
Your current occupation can be a touchpoint to connect with guests and is an easy way to start your profile and introduce yourself to your guests. This host lets guests know what her and her husband do for a living and also shares a little bit about her family, which builds a personal connection with guests.
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies are another way that guests can make a personal connection with you. Even if they don’t currently share those same hobbies, one of your favorite activities might be something they want to try on vacation. This Airbnb host shares that she enjoys yoga, skiing and food. Guests who share those hobbies or just want to try them out may choose this listing over others because this host can speak to the best places to partake in these activities.
Where do you love to travel?
Sharing your own love for travel lets guests know that you have experience choosing accommodations for yourself and have knowledge on what guests want. These great hosts not only share that they love to travel, but that they know that a person’s accommodations can make or break the trip. By sharing their own guest experience, they connect to potential guests looking at their listing.
What do you love about being an Airbnb host?
If you’re excited about your Airbnb property, your guests are more likely to get pumped about it too. Tell your guests why you became an Airbnb host, what is your favorite part of Airbnb hosting or what you love about your vacation rental. This host’s obvious passion for her properties makes us want to experience them too!
What is your hosting style?
Guests look for all different types of hosting styles. Some want hosts who are nearby, hands-on and provide all kinds of information, suggestions and recommendations. Others prefer a more distant approach and just want a host who’s available in case of an emergency. Including your hosting style in your profile helps your guests know what to expect. Even if they aren’t looking for that particular hosting style, they may still book with you because of your transparency. We love how this host lays it all out for guests in her Airbnb host profile. “Staying with us is like staying with friends or family. This is not a hotel, glamp-ground, or a bed and breakfast ‘business’ – no teddy bears or pot pourri.”
Too Much Information
When it comes to your Airbnb profile description, there is such a thing as too much information. You want to be personable but not too personal. Don’t offer details such as your home address, email address and phone number. Guests should use the Airbnb contact options to get a hold of you.
Depending on your comfort level, you may not want to provide your last name or the names of your children. Don’t provide information that isn’t appropriate or suitable for this setting. Guests don’t need to know about your dating life, about your weird aunt or what you ate for breakfast yesterday. While this advice seems obvious, one look at social media will tell you that people have a tendency to overshare.
A Picture Equals a Thousand Words
Another ingredient for a good Airbnb profile is a picture of yourself. Be sure to include a high-quality photo to add even more personality to your profile. Your photo should show you smiling or if you don’t love your smile, at least have a grin or pleasant expression on your face. Make sure your eyes are showing and not hidden with a hat or sunglasses.
Like your mom would before school picture day, make sure your hair is brushed or combed and check for any flyaways or cowlicks. You don’t have to break out the prom dress or business suit, but you should be dressed nicely in business casual wear.
Profile photos should be at minimum 1024 x 683px (3:2 ratio).
This profile picture is an excellent example. The host is smiling and has a warm and welcoming expression. The photo is high quality and fits the minimum size requirements.
What Else to Include
Along with a written About section, Airbnb also allows you to include other information in your profile. While not necessary, these sections help round out your profile and offer a more comprehensive look at the host.
Verifications
Airbnb may require you to verify your identity by submitting a government photo I.D. or providing a valid email address and phone number. After you verify your profile, it will show up in the left side column of your profile page and say exactly what you used for verification—government I.D., email address, phone number, work email, etc.
While easy to do, many hosts skip verifying their profile. Don’t miss this simple step; a verified profile is another way to show your guests you’re legitimate.
References
You can request references through your Airbnb profile. These references are a good idea for new hosts without a lot of Airbnb reviews and can come from past guests, other hosts or friends and family.
Favorite quote
People love quotes and including your favorite quote in your About section offers another personal connection point. Consider including an awesome travel quote that will invoke feels of wanderlust and convince your guests to book.
Some cool travel quotes you could include:
- “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” Confucius
- “Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” Gustave Flaubert
- “Life is short and the world is wide.” Anonymous
Welcome message
Wrap up your About section with a welcome message that makes potential guests feel like they’re already a part of your travel family. Something simple like “We can’t wait to welcome you to our property” or “Pack your bags and get ready for a stress-free and wonderful stay at our property” will give your guests a good feeling before they even step foot on your property.
Languages you speak
If you speak languages besides English, let guests know. Guests who don’t speak English or those who prefer their native language will appreciate knowing you can communicate with them throughout the booking process and their stay.
Social media accounts
Airbnb also allows you to connect your social media accounts, including LinkedIn, Facebook and Google, to your profile. Be careful though with including links to these so you don’t cross those lines of getting too personal with guests.
Conclusion
Take the time to complete your Airbnb profile; it’s amazing what just 100 words can do for your Airbnb rental! A thought-out and meaningful Airbnb profile gives you a personal and human touch and helps you connect with guests. By completing your profile, you’re adding legitimacy to all of your listings. Use our guidelines or peruse Airbnb to find your own Airbnb profile examples that fit your personality and listings.
Need help creating an “About the Host,” description in Airbnb?Get in touch with us today
Take The Next Step
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