Stand Out! STR Hosting for AirBNB and Vrbo

Sometimes a property has everything needed to lock down a happy customer and secure a five-star review, but not taking things to the finish line can cost a star and change your outlook for higher pricing, more bookings and happier reviews.

You won't want to miss Jeanette's "coffee rant" -- and the other tips and tricks that our host could easily change to join the SuperHost club. This review of our stay in Columbia, SC will help shine a light on some  of the most common misses by hosts around the globe.

We've had a "treasure trove" of questions from our listeners and we've finally put together some high level answers. Are dogs a good idea?  What about extra fees?  Is it okay to rent to someone other than the person on the AirBNB listing? What about the timing of reviews? Any strategies there? All this and more in Part 1 of Questions and Answers from you, the listener.

Providing your Airbnb guests with a meaningful, beautiful welcome book or house manual is one of the most important things you can do as a host.  Please do not skip this important step!  We offer some ways to short cut the process, make your manual look it's best and even some websites to help with photography.

A good Airbnb and VRBO house manual will make your life easier, improve the guest’s experience, and help get you on your way to another 5-star review!  Learn what makes a great house manual, and download ours at www.standoutpodcast.com

You did it!  You've received your first inquiry. And that turned into your very first booking. That's a milestone all in itself!  But this is where the rubber meets the road. Good communication from beginning to end makes the difference. And don't forget the little things that help you Stand Out! 

The welcome note example is on our website at staydockside.com

How you price your STR AirBNB or VRBO property can have a huge impact on your occupancy-- and your bottom line.  John and Jeanette walk through the many inputs that drive your pricing -- not all are as obvious as you might think.

John uses the rental car model to show how an STR's price is way more than just a daily rate based on costs.

Knowing your costs and your goals make all the difference... and remember to keep your friends close -- and your "comps" even closer :)

Although it's one of the most daunting tasks we'll cover, writing your initial titles, descriptions and amenities for your property can be the winning formula to help your home stand out from the pack. We'll talk about words to use -- and not use -- and cover strategies we've learned from AirBNB and VRBO directly.  All with the goal of having the right guests click "book now" -- with no reason to look further.

There are many considerations when choosing which hosting platform is right for you -- or are you ready to navigate both platforms at once? John and Jeanette take a deep dive into the ins and outs of each platform, their history, their audiences, and more.

Bonus -- a walk through Premier Host and Superhost -- are they worth the effort?

Staging and Photography for your AirBNB or VRBO property is NOT the same as getting your home ready to sell.  Jeanette walks us through a very detailed description of what's required to stage an STR.  John then takes a deep dive on photography.

As a bonus, John and Jeanette step through 20 random listings in their town, and talks through mistakes and misses the hosts made in photographing their home.

There's a grab bag of items that help bridge the gap from final furnishings to a home that's ready to photograph.  In this episode, we'll cover everything from lighting and wall art -- to knick knacks and paint.  Plus a bonus at the end discussing "instagram moments" in your STR property.

It's the most used home in your primary home -- and it's no different in your short-term rental property.  Your guests want to cook, bake, sauté and broil their way to fun and comfort in your home. And having the right dishes -- and enough of everything -- can go a really long way to a five star review. 

Choosing furniture and creating a unique interior design for your STR is VERY different than furnishing a traditional "live in" home.  Learn some fresh ideas on design, furniture selection and placement that will help you "stand out" with your short term rental vacation property. We'll also jump into some great resources to help you get inspired.

Cleaning your short-term rental property is VERY different than cleaning a house.  Listen as John and Jeanette step through their detailed cleaning checklist and learn tips and trick from these successful SuperHosts.  it's a long one this week, but remember NOTHING gets more reviews mentions than cleanliness. Buckle up! 

See the list at www.standoutpodcast.com

Hear from John and Jeanette as they visit Mexico as short term rental guests for a unique home that they have nicknamed "the compound" -- hear what they loved and what needs help through the eyes of the guest. 

Maybe your home isn't in Mexico (or maybe it is?) -- you can still listen for key things that every guest looks to when deciding if the home they rented really "stands out."

Guess what shows up in your public reviews more than just about any other topic?  The quality of your linens and towels!  Jeanette will walk you through everything from bath towels and embroidered make-up towels, to sheets, pillows and robes.  Learn what it takes to really "Stand Out" in your new short-term rental property VRBO or AinBNB.

Stay tuned at www.standoutpodcast.com

John and Jeanette dive into the considerations about selecting a property for your STR.  What's good, what's great -- and what's not so grand.  Stand Out! actionable recommendations include a great Netflix series that provides amazing visual cues for STR properties, as well as a few websites that can give you the edge when planning for your STR business.

Keep up with John and Jeanette at www.standoutpodcast.com

Learn what "Stand Out!" hosting is all about as John and Jeanette give a brief introduction and step through a laundry list of topics you can expect to hear as the podcast continues the journey.

Thanks for tuning in, and please subscribe to the Stand Out! podcast.