Airbnb Lesson 1: Starting Your Airbnb

7:00 PM angeLjamie 0 Comments


So you're thinking of putting your extra room or entire condo unit up for listing in Airbnb, but not sure where to start.  You look over the internet and gather information.  But, there's something that doesn't feel right.

Welcome to how I felt starting my Airbnb side-business.  Yes, there are lots of gurus and they are very helpful.  However, let's face it.  Those gurus are in western countries or in the top 10 cities of the world.  Very different to what your space in the Philippines might offer.  They are not exactly a good reflection of the Philippine setting.

So what are the things that you should consider, before listing your space in Airbnb Philippines?

·         What your place offer?
I’m not talking about your unit here; but the geographical setting of your place?  Where is it in the Philippines?  Think of why a guest would possibly book your place?  Is it near a beach? A historical site? Is it in Boracay, Palawan, Subic, Batangas, Baguio or just in the Metro?  Remember, ~90% of your guest would be locals.  So, think of why a local would come to your area, and possibly book your unit.

·         Who is your target market?
Based on where you what and what potential guests may do on your place, you’ll have an idea about your target market.  Do you think the guest would mostly be couples looking for a get-away? Maybe your potential guest is a business man trying to close some deals or looking after his off-site business?  Or they can even be a family staying for the night after a whole day of fun at Enchanted Kingdom or Splash Island and just want to rest before going back to the Metro?

·         Who’s going to manage?
You’ll need a doorman who’ll manage the check-in and check-out of guests.  A cleaning lady, who’ll clean the unit, change the sheets and laundry them or at least send them to laundry after each guest.  Are you going to manage it yourself?  Possible if it’s in the same area where you live.  But what if it’s a kilometer away? Or in the metro and you’re living on another province?

Condominiums on touristy areas actually know Airbnb.  It’s starting to be part of the lure on why people are buying condos.  Ask the sales agent or the building admin if they have cleaning service that you can use.  Or maybe there are independent cleaning agents in the building you’re just not aware off.  Ask around.

AZDZ is a new company in the Philippines that offers cleaning service, check in/out and other Airbnb related service around the metro.

·         Is it viable?
Wondering where to get an idea if your area has Airbnb listings and how many? Or maybe the number of guests staying in those listings?  Check AirDNA
They have a massive data about Airbnb and could give you an idea if your area is Airbnb worthy.

·         What your competitors offer?
So you’re positive that there are guests and people are earning with their Airbnb listings and want to join the crowd of host.  The best you can do is lurk in Airbnb.  See your competitor’s listings.  What do they offer?  How much are they pricing their listing?  What’s their check-in and check-out time?  Know which you can copy for your listing and find a way to raise the bar.  If they are offering 3-in-1 coffee, then offer Kapeng Barako in your place.  Do they offer cable TV?  Why not offer Netflix for your listing.

Airbnb is very competitive and seasoned hosts are equipped with experience.  You’ll have to learn fast.  Don’t be deceived by that Superhost badge.  It’s actually easy to get one.  So, if you think that you’ve answered all the questions above positively, then go ahead and start that Airbnb listing.


Image Source: techinasia.com, primer.com.ph, freepik, justcleanit.ca, AirDNA 

"Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend." Mark Zuckerberg

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