There are countless ways to create additional revenue streams with your Airbnb listing, yet few hosts take advantage of them. If you’re a host, you’re running a business—so approach it with a business mindset. Here’s a list of ideas, ordered from least to most time-intensive, to help you boost your income.
Before diving in, it’s essential to highlight the impact of interior design on your Airbnb listing. A well-designed space can significantly raise your nightly rate over the long term. While the initial investment may be substantial, it’s one that pays off over the years.
Increase Average Reservation Length
Raising weekend rates while lowering Thursday and Sunday rates can lead to slightly longer average stays, as some guests add a ‘cheaper’ weekday to their trip. Credit to AirDNA for this clever strategy—most quality pricing tools automate this adjustment for you.
Pro Tip: If you have a vacant day on either side of a booking, use Smartbnb to send a message offering a small discount for an extended stay. Already using Smartbnb? Take a moment to optimize your messaging.
Related: Step By Step: Revenue Management
Add Referral Codes to Your Listing
Include referral codes for services like Uber, Lyft, or food delivery in your listing. Guests can use them to earn free credits, and you’ll benefit from referrals, too. Test different phrasing to see what boosts conversion rates—adding terms like “airport,” as in “Free airport ride with my Lyft/Uber code: EXAMPLE,” often works well.
Provide Souvenirs
Travelers love to bring back souvenirs, but they may forget, run out of time, or prefer not to haggle. Offer unique souvenirs they can purchase directly from you. Include some free, low-cost items and a few high-quality ones for sale. Mention these options in your electronic guidebook and host profile.
Apply for the Airbnb Super Referral Program
Since most hosts deal with guests only, this may be a bit of a stretch. But, as an Airbnb host, you can earn $300 per referral through the Super Referral Program, available globally. You’ll need to apply and be accepted into the program, but the earnings are significantly higher than the standard $100 referral bonus.
Charge for Early Check-ins/Late Check-outs
For minor adjustments, like a 30-minute early check-in, there’s usually no need to charge. However, if guests want to check in two or more hours early, it’s reasonable to add a fee. You can automate this with GuestBook property management software or manage it manually through Airbnb’s Resolution Center.
Offer Additional Services
Consider offering valuable services like a cooking class, hired chef, laundry service, pre-stocked fridge, or tickets to local activities. Think of 4-5 options that might save guests time and effort, especially for longer stays where routine errands can interrupt their experience.
Rent Your Car
Many platforms like Getaround or Turo allow you to rent out your car, especially in the U.S. These services are available worldwide; simply search “car rental [city]” and look beyond the major companies. If these options aren’t available locally, you could recommend EasyCar.com, which covers almost any city and offers easy price comparisons.
Earn Commissions on Local Activities
Identify two or three unique local experiences that guests might miss in their own research. Work out a deal with providers to earn a small commission for each guest you refer.
Pro Tip: Avoid listing too many or overly common nearby attractions in your listing. Common attractions are likely already known to guests, and including too many can divert attention from the unique, sellable features of your property. Remember, your Airbnb listing is not a trip planner.
Collect Guest Personal Emails
This strategy is more effective if you manage multiple Airbnb listings. You can gather personal email addresses from previous guests to target them with future promotions—just ensure you obtain their permission first. Services like Guesty can automate this process for you.
Offering Additional Cleaning
For long stays, guests might appreciate additional cleaning and fresh linens. Depending on the lenght of their stay and their wish of cleaning schedules – you can offer it as an additional service. Paid or free of charge, up to you to judge what fits your market.
Where to find more ideas?
Last summer we spent some time the Four Seasons in Marrakesh. As (co-)hosts – we watch all the details, and we learn everywhere we go. If you haven’t done it yet, I can only recommend taking pictures and learn from the best. The menus for the Spa treatments, the breakfast options, the laundry and drycleaning options, the way of communicating to guests, the way they show their branding. You’d almost forget you’re on holidays!
What other methods have you used to increase revenue through your Airbnb rental activities? Share your experiences in the comments section!