How to Target Business Travelers on Airbnb
Business travelers can become a fixture for you
Airbnb unit. Find out how to lure them to your unit and whether you should target them.
Location matters
Convenience is key for a business traveler, and no one can argue with renting a room two blocks from the conference room where they need to be for an 8am meeting, especially if they’re still jet-lagged.
For busy business travelers, the last thing they want to do when flying to a new city is spend more time on long commutes when they’ve already flown elsewhere.
If you have a house in a rural suburb an hour or two from the nearest town, you may want to consider listing your space for a different type of tenant…not a developer. If your unit is in town and is centrally located near where business travelers already travel, then you’re well positioned to be successful with business travelers.
Relevant structures
While location may be the most important factor when hosting business travellers, it’s not the only one. Think about how you will advertise your space.
These customers give up hotel rooms in exchange for a clean, private space that is better than living out of a suitcase in a hotel for a few days.
Make your part of your customers’ journey the least stressful and least tiring for them. The lack of any of the basic necessities a business traveler needs creates just another obstacle to booking a stay with you. A small investment here can go a long way.
Many of these travelers want something other than a standard hotel, but want the comfort of a hotel with things like free Wi-Fi, a coffeemaker, and a washer and dryer. They also want to check in and out EASILY.
While it’s true that these customers aren’t just looking for a home, they also want a workspace. Other amenities to consider include:
- Desk with chair
- Functional all-in-one fax/scanner/printer
- Power bars
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
- Easy parking
- If you want to take it a step further, keep a few spare phone or laptop chargers handy.
Refine your goal
You also need to consider the type of business customers you want to target.
Whatever you are looking for, meet their SPECIFIC needs. Provide your client with a list of industry-specific areas of interest they would like to visit in their spare time and prepare the appropriate products.
Just ask your guests what their guest’s type of trip is and they’ll usually provide you with a few details. It’s a gold mine of help.
Every industry has different needs, so with a little due diligence ahead of time, you can provide your guests with a far more memorable and compelling experience. Know your city, know your client’s industry and how the two relate.
Pricing
Additionally, business travelers who use Airbnb are also typically value-driven.
They’re on Airbnb looking for something practical, different, but also better value for money than typical hotel deals. So price your rental wisely: Price your unit correctly against hotel offerings, and so travelers are encouraged to stay for the full business week so you still have weekends available for vacationers.
You can set nightly, weekly, or monthly rates, but for business travelers it might be wiser to opt for a nightly or weekly rate.
You may need to set the lowest prices early on to attract travelers and get reviews from your host, but once you’re established in the area, you’ll eventually have more freedom with rates and discounts.
Don’t forget the basics
As with any Airbnb listing, make sure you understand the state and local laws that apply to your business. Do you need a permit? Do you have to pay tax on rental income? What is the maximum length of stay for another person? Do you have to share the room with them?
You should also know your home insurance, as well as Airbnb’s, in case something goes wrong. Although Airbnb can insure a host for up to $1,000,000, these costs do not include cash, rare artwork, jewelry, pets, etc. Know what you’re dealing with and know how to protect yourself. After all, just be a good host.
Advertise honestly, respond quickly, and be available to your traveler whenever they need you.
Flexibility and hospitality play an important role in this business, so be as friendly as possible and the people you host will spread the good news.
Business travelers often visit the same location regularly, so a satisfying and reliable experience can easily lead to repeat bookings for you.
