“My goal is to help you gain the confidence and knowledge needed to achieve Superhost status. “
We are excited to introduce Andrea Clarkson, an Airbnb Ambassador and Superhost known for her expertise in the short-term rental industry.
Andrea's unique approach combines her in-depth industry knowledge with a creative flair, enabling hosts to increase bookings and spark innovative ideas. We're thrilled to chat with Andrea about her journey in the world of short-term rentals, her mentoring program, and her top tips for achieving success as an Airbnb host. Let's dive in!
Andrea, tell us about yourself and your journey in the short-term rental industry. How did you become an Airbnb Ambassador and Superhost?
Hello! My name is Andrea, I live in Eastern Washington with my husband and two kids. I am an Interior Designer and I have a blog, mammamode.com which is dedicated to empowering aspiring and current Airbnb hosts. I started by renting out my tiny apartment in a ski region of Switzerland while working abroad as a fashion buyer. What began as a side hustle quickly blossomed into a full-blown passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. My commitment to hosting with heart and a knack for creating memorable stays led me to become a Superhost and eventually, I was invited to become an Airbnb Ambassador. It's been an incredible journey of growth and connection with a vibrant community that values hospitality and sharing.
With the Ambassador program I am able to help new hosts onboard to the platform, and we can communicate within the Airbnb app, I’m able to review their listing as soon as it goes live, giving them a full review of each section and my ideas to improve their listing. If you are planning to host guests within the next 90 days you can sign up here.
Your mentoring program focuses on helping hosts elevate their hosting game. What are some key areas you emphasize in your mentoring sessions?
In my mentoring sessions, we focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every aspect of the Airbnb experience is smooth and enjoyable for both the host and guests. This includes everything from streamlined check-ins to maintaining high standards of cleanliness. I also emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space, which involves investing in high-quality basics like fluffy Turkish towels and high-thread-count cotton linens. My goal is to help you gain the confidence and knowledge needed to achieve Superhost status.
“To maximize bookings, it's essential to be proactive about marketing your Airbnb. This includes ensuring your listing is SEO-friendly, having an Instagram presence and engaging with guests through timely and thoughtful communication. Additionally, optimizing your Airbnb listing for SEO by using relevant keywords and regularly updating your content can help increase visibility.”
What are some common mistakes you've seen hosts make, and how can they be avoided?
One common mistake is not fully optimizing the listing for visibility. A well-maintained Airbnb listing with accurate, high-quality photos and up-to-date descriptions is crucial. Many hosts overlook the power of their online presence. Additionally, making a Google My Business page for your Airbnb can significantly increase local visibility and direct bookings, with your listing appearing on local maps and searches. If you've already gone live, I also offer a full listing optimization service, allowing you to benefit from all of my ideas to improve your listing and enhance your visibility and guest experience.
In your experience, what creative ideas can hosts implement to enhance their guests' experience and receive more positive reviews?
Creativity in hosting can truly set your listing apart. Consider creating unique experiences that reflect the locale—such as curated guidebooks with local secrets or special in-house amenities that highlight the culture or nature of the area. Ensuring that your home is equipped with thoughtful touches like offering a well-crafted guest guidebook and branded signs can enhance the appeal of your property. Ensuring guests have everything they need at their fingertips and providing exceptional service will lead to positive reviews and repeat visitors.
