The Impact of Guest Satisfaction on Your STR Business

[Calvin Baughman]

I’ve been doing this for a while, and even though I have a lot to improve yet, I had some insights about how to make guests feel more comfortable in my property. I think sharing it might help a few people and maybe you can also give me your feedback and exchange experiences!

In the dynamic world of short-term rentals, the level of satisfaction your guests experience directly influences your reputation, brings them back, and determines how well your gig does overall. Your place's vibe has a big influence on your guests' satisfaction.

Guest satisfaction starts with keeping your place spick and span. Cleanliness is the first thing guests clock when they step in, and a squeaky clean vibe makes an instant good impression. Lots of folks pick Airbnb for that homey feel, so meeting or beating those expectations with a tidy spot is key. And when it comes to reviews, cleanliness can make or break your Airbnb game.

You can also make a breakfast basket, or other kinds of treats and gifts for your guests. Maybe include a guide of the best restaurants around your property, or other places with attractive landscapes or good activities for your guests.

In the Airbnb hustle, creating a space that appeals to a wide range of guests is a big deal if you want your pad to reach its full potential. One slick move is going for a chill decor scheme that's both classy and appeals to pretty much everyone.

Think basic with colors like whites, grays, and beige, and get some solid, neutral-colored furniture. Classic pieces give your place a comfy and stylish feel without going overboard, making it appealing to all sorts of people. Also, don't go nuts with art and stuff, keep it simple with a few pieces that match the chill color vibe, nothing too wild.

Reviews are the secret sauce for your Airbnb listing's success, so make sure you're on top of your guests' well-being. Keeping your place crazy clean and organized can be a bit of a mission, especially finding reliable folks to help out. That's why keeping things clear with your cleaner and setting realistic cleanliness goals is super important. Luckily, tech's got your back with apps and platforms that make this stuff easier. Check them out to level up your vacation rental game.

Some tools I'm all about:
• Guesty: for reservation management, communication, and payment processing.
• Turno: for finding cleaners, organizing and automating cleanings and cleaners’ payments.
• Personal Capital: for budgeting, investment tracking, and retirement planning features. It also provides insights into your overall financial picture.
• KeyNest: simple and secure key exchange solution, it helps to improve the guest check-in experience.