Not all Airbnb guests are created equal there are nine different types of guest avatars that you’re likely to encounter when opening up your home on Airbnb. From the “party animal” to the “luxury seeker”, it’s important to be aware of the different types of guests that you might encounter so that you can best cater to their needs. Here’s a rundown of the nine different types of Airbnb guest avatars:
The Party Animal Avatar
This type of guest is looking to have a good time—and they’re not afraid to let everyone else know it, either. If you’re not comfortable with having a party in your home or even just load music, then this isn’t the type of guest for you. In addition, party animals are also more likely to be messy and destructive, so if you’re particular about your possessions, then this type of guest is best avoided. On the plus side, you can charge more for these guests as most hosts don’t allow them to stay and they also spread the cost through the group
Before booking these guests will look at locations to get to and from any bars, clubs or restaurants and also will look for automatic check-in so that they don’t need to meet you
Families with Young Children Avatar
This type of guest is relatively self-explanatory—they’re families with young children who are looking for a place to stay while they’re in town. Families with young children tend to be noisy, but they’re usually fairly well-behaved and respectful of your property. However, they can also be messy, so if you’re not comfortable with a little bit of extra mess in your home, then this type of guest might not be right for you.
Before booking, these guests will need confirmation about a few essentials to make their stay comfortable. These will include kid’s beds or cots, stair gates and a microwave for those emergency food times!
The Families with Older Children Avatar
This type of guest is similar to the “families with young children” avatar but with one key difference—older children are more likely to be independent and require less supervision than younger children. As a result, families with older children tend to be less messy and more respectful than families with younger children. However, they can still be noisy, so if noise is an issue for you then this might not be the right type of guest for your property.
Before booking these guests will want to see how their older children will be entertained either by nearby activities or board games or consoles in the property
The Business traveller Avatar
This type of guest is usually in town for business purposes and is looking for a place to crash at the end of the day. Business travellers tend to be quiet and respectful, but they can also be demanding in terms of their need for amenities and services. If you’re not comfortable accommodating special requests, then this might not be the right type of guest for you.
Before booking these guests will need to know that you can provide a receipt for their booking, they will probably want electronic independent access so they don’t need to disturb you at all hours. Lastly, a fridge and microwave are essential!
The Individual Traveler Avatar
This type of guest is similar to the “business traveller” avatar but without the business element—they’re simply individuals who are looking for a place to stay while they’re in town exploring or visiting family and friends. Individual travellers tend to be quiet and respectful but can also be demanding in terms of their need for amenities and services. If you’re not comfortably accommodating special requests, then this might not be the right type
Before booking you will find that these guests fall into one of two types, those that don’t ask for anything and you don’t hear from them and those who ask a hundred questions and are very tricky to accommodate all of their requests
The Budget-Conscious Travelers Avatar
This type of guest is looking to get the most value for their money—they’re not interested in spending extra on luxuries, but they still expect a clean and comfortable place to stay. If you can provide a budget-friendly option without skimping on quality, then this is the perfect type of guest for your property. Just be aware that budget-conscious travellers are also more likely to be bargain hunters, so they may try to haggle with you on price.
Before booking these guests will need to know what is included and may require later check-outs or earlier check-ins but without paying a premium for these extras
The Digital Nomads ‘Avatar’
This is a fairly new category of travellers who makes their living working online as they travel the world. They need reliable high-speed internet access as well as a quiet workplace to get their work done. Digital Nomads are typically respectful guests but their work habits can be rather distracting for hosts who aren’t used to having people working from home.
Before booking these guests will need to see evidence of a fast broadband speed and for it to be included in the price, also a good quality local coffee shop!
The Elderly Couple Avatar
Older guests often look for a relaxed and low-key holiday experience when they book an Airbnb property. They usually expect a comfortable place to rest their heads after a long day of exploring, and they usually don’t need or want all the bells and whistles that come with some of the more modern properties. That said, many elderly guests appreciate having a few creature comforts like a TV and WiFi, so it’s important to consider what amenities your property has to offer. Generally speaking, elderly guests are some of the most loyal and repeat customers you can find, so it’s always worth going the extra mile to make them feel at home.
Before booking your property these guests would potentially want to see pictures of a comfy bed and an idea of low-tech things to do in the area
The Luxury Seeker Avatar
This type of traveller is exactly what it sounds like … someone who’s willing to splurge on experiences and luxuries while on vacation. Luxury Seekers set standards high so hosts need to make sure that their properties are up to maintaining high standards– if not then these guests will quickly be seeking somewhere else to stay!
Before booking, these guests will check out all of your images, looking for quality and luxury that matches their expectations.
So there you have it, the different types of people that may book your Airbnb property. Knowing who your target audience is can help you better prepare your property and provide a more enjoyable experience for all.