EP164: This Week in the World of Airbnb

Can Airbnb have its cake and eat it too? With the company’s efforts to professionalize and provide guests with consistency, some hosts feel that the ‘sharing’ roots of the platform have been diminished. It is possible for Airbnb to function more like a hotel, yet maintain its signature personal touch?Jasper is joined by David Jacoby, Co-Founder and President of Hostfully, to discuss this week’s headlines regarding the Airbnb shift to promote best practices among its hosts, including that of the Instant Book feature – which is being upgraded to allow hosts more control.They also cover Airbnb’s acquisition of Trooly, a background check startup that will help protect users from bad actors and further professionalize the platform. Last but not least, Jasper and David answer listener questions about attracting bookings during low season. Remember, you can email your questions to [email protected]!Topics CoveredArticle #1: Can Airbnb Professionalize Without Losing the Personal Touch?•Airbnb plays up ‘sharing’ roots•Of 3M total listings – 1M shared space, 1M private, 1M management co.•Push for consistency of experienceArticle #2: Airbnb Tries to Behave More Like a Hotel•Instant Book feature, flexible cancellation policy•Hosts encouraged to upgrade space•Business-friendly tag (privacy, Wi-Fi, 24-hr access, iron)•Must attract different types of travelers to grow•Changes likely part of prep for IPO•Focus on increasing supplyArticle #3: Airbnb Ramps Up Push to Get More Hosts to Choose Instant Booking•Instant Book introduced in 2010, 40% using•Default search (must de-select to see additional listings)•Suite of new tools incentive for hosts to turn on Instant Book•Improved calendar tool for multiple listings in same home (prevents double-bookings)•Gives host more control•Saves step for hosts who rarely turn down guests•With customization, listing process more complicatedArticle #4: Airbnb to Buy Background-Check Startup Trooly to Root Out Scams•Acquisition to protect from bad actors•Authenticates user identities to avoid scams•Could be added to Instant Book features•Improve image in preparation for IPOQ: How do I attract more bookings during low season?•Make listing as attractive as possible•List on multiple platforms•Establish your own website•Consider subletting when demand is low•Explore niche sites like misterb&b, Bud and Breakfast or Innclusive•Reach out to previous guests•Add creative options (i.e.: packages)•Host refugees through Open Homes initiative•Join the Couchsurfing communityResources MentionedArticle #1: fortune.com/2017/06/18/airbnb-professional-personal-hostsArticle #2: nytimes.com/2017/06/17/technology/airbnbs-hosts-professional-hotels.htmlArticle #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-bookingArticle #4: bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-16/airbnb-to-buy-background-check-startup-trooly-to-root-out-scamsHomeAway, VRBO, 9flatsBooking.com, TripAdvisor, Expediamisterb&b, Bud and Breakfast, InnclusiveOpen Homes, Couchsurfing, Thibault Masson’s RentalPreneurs Article Connect with JasperEmail: [email protected]: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.