Becoming an Airbnb Superhost is a prestigious recognition that comes with perks such as increased visibility, more bookings, and a reputation for providing exceptional hospitality. Achieving Superhost status requires a commitment to outstanding guest experiences and meeting specific criteria set by Airbnb. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to become an Airbnb Superhost.
What Are the Airbnb Superhost Criteria?
Before embarking on your journey to become a Superhost, familiarise yourself with the criteria set by Airbnb. To achieve Superhost status, hosts have to meet 4 stringent requirements over a 12-month period and are evaluated on a quarterly basis:
- Reach and maintain an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5
- Ensure a customer response rate of at least 90%
- Have a cancellation rate of less than 1%
- Complete a minimum or 10 trips (or 3 reservations) totalling 100 nights or more
Do I Need to Apply to Become a Superhost?
No. One of the best parts about the Superhost programme is that it is applied automatically to hosts who meet the criteria during an assessment period. There is no need to apply or take any further action.
1. Reach & Maintain an Overall Rating of 4.8
The requirement that has the biggest impact on guests is the overall rating of your property on the Airbnb platform. A minimum rating of 4.8 out of 5 must be held over a 12-month period in order to meet this requirement. To ensure you have the best chance to achieve this very high rating there are several tips you can follow to keep your property and hosting experience in good shape:
a. Clean and Well-Prepared Space:
Ensure your property is clean, well-maintained, and accurately represented in your listing. Pay attention to details that contribute to a positive first impression.
b. Thoughtful Amenities:
Provide amenities that enhance your guests' comfort, such as toiletries, high-quality linens, and well-equipped kitchens. Consider the needs and preferences of your target audience.
c. Clear House Rules:
Establish transparent house rules that help set expectations for guests. Clearly communicate guidelines on check-in/check-out times, smoking policies, and any other important considerations.
e. Personalised Touches:
Consider adding personal touches to make guests feel welcome. This could include a welcome basket, local recommendations, or a personalised note.
f. Request Reviews from Guests:
Strive for consistent 5-star reviews from your guests. Encourage satisfied guests to leave positive feedback and address any concerns promptly to prevent negative reviews.
g. Seek Constructive Feedback:
Actively seek feedback from guests to understand areas for improvement. Use constructive criticism to enhance your hosting experience.
2. Ensure a Customer Response Rate of at Least 90%
a. Be Punctual with Replies
This requirement stipulates that you respond to at least 90% of initial messages from Airbnb customers, and it is potentially the easiest to achieve as it is completely in control of the property owner.
b. High Response Rate –> Higher Overall Rating
Ensure you respond promptly to guest inquiries, booking requests, and any other messages. Timely and clear communication also contribute to a positive guest experience, helping to positively influence overall hosting ratings.
3. Have a Cancellation Rate of 1% or Less
a. Honour Reservations:
Maintain a commitment to honouring confirmed reservations. Cancelling reservations can negatively impact your Superhost status as you may only need one or two cancellations in a 12-month period
b. Learn & Adhere to Airbnb Policies:
Familiarise yourself with and adhere to Airbnb's hosting standards and policies, particularly the Extenuating Circumstances Policy. This allows for exceptions for specific kinds of cancellations that will not contribute towards your Superhost cancellation rate, such as national emergencies or natural disasters.
c. Be Flexible and Understanding:
Be flexible and understanding when unexpected situations arise or when guests require amendments or special arrangements rather than thinking about cancelling. Accommodate reasonable requests and demonstrate a commitment to resolving issues wherever possible.
4. Complete 100 Nights of Bookings
a. Host as Often as Possible:
Regularly hosting guests makes it more like you can reach the 100 nights goal requirement. Aim for a high occupancy rate to showcase the commitment to providing hospitality that Airbnb stipulate to quality as a Superhost.
b. Track Your Progress:
To help achieve this, we recommend that you monitor your hosting performance through the Airbnb dashboard. Track your progress towards meeting Superhost criteria and address any areas that may need improvement.
Remember To Maintain your Superhost Metrics:
Airbnb evaluates hosts for Superhost status during the first month of every quarter. It is important to ensure that you consistently meet the criteria throughout each assessment period to increase your chances of maintaining Superhost status - if you are able to achieve it.
We recommend that you check your stats regularly and stay on top of all the important metrics that Airbnb track as part of their Superhost criteria.
Stay Informed and Adapt:
Becoming an Airbnb Superhost is an achievable goal for hosts committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences. By understanding the criteria, consistently providing outstanding hospitality, maintaining high ratings, and adhering to professional hosting practices, you can enhance your hosting reputation and join the ranks of Airbnb Superhosts.
Keep yourself informed about updates to Airbnb's policies and hosting standards. Stay adaptable and be willing to adjust your hosting approach based on guest feedback and industry trends. Remember that continuous improvement and a genuine commitment to your guests are key elements in building and sustaining Superhost status.
A great way to improve your Airbnb metrics is to use an experienced and trusted company to manage your letting on your behalf. As one of London’s leading Airbnb management companies, StayinLondon know just how to get you bookings and keep your guests satisfied.
