How To Become An Airbnb Superhost

Anyone can be a host on Airbnb - that’s what’s made it so successful. But becoming a Superhost is quite a lot more difficult. The Superhost programme recognises the very best of the best of Airbnb’s hosts, and becoming a Superhost is a great way to get the most out of Airbnb.

To achieve Superhost status, hosts must meet specific criteria that demonstrate their commitment to providing outstanding hospitality. This includes maintaining a high overall rating, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and ensuring a consistent level of bookings. Typically, hosts must have completed at least 10 stays in the past year, maintain a minimum rating of 4.8 out of 5, and have a cancellation rate of less than 1%.

The benefits of becoming a Superhost are significant. Superhosts enjoy increased visibility on the platform, often resulting in more bookings and higher earnings. They are also eligible for exclusive rewards, including travel coupons and priority support from Airbnb. Additionally, Superhosts often receive glowing reviews from guests, which can further enhance their listing’s appeal.

To improve your chances, focus on providing an exceptional experience for your guests. This can include thoughtful touches like personalized welcome notes, local recommendations, and maintaining a clean and comfortable space. Prompt communication is also key; responding quickly to inquiries and addressing any issues that arise during a guest's stay can make a big difference in reviews.

Ultimately, the journey to becoming a Superhost is about consistency, dedication, and a genuine desire to create memorable experiences for travelers. By striving for excellence and prioritizing guest satisfaction, you can elevate your hosting game and join the ranks of Airbnb’s Superhosts.

What’s So Great About Being a Superhost?

Quite a lot actually! You’re a lot more visible in Airbnb’s search ranking - there’s a feature on the search listings where you can filter by Superhost status. You’ll also have a special badge on your profile and listing labelling you as a Superhost. The combination of more people finding your listing and the trust in you that they’ll have because of your Superhost status mean you’ll get a lot more bookings - and you’ll be able to charge a higher price at the same time.

Airbnb also offer some specific financial rewards to Superhosts, including a yearly Airbnb travel coupon.

Is There Any Benefits of Being an Airbnb Superhost?

Quite a lot actually! You’re a lot more visible in Airbnb’s search ranking - there’s a feature on the search listings, the Superhost Search filter, where your profile will be visible. You’ll also have a special Airbnb Superhost badge to show on your profile. The combination of more people finding your listing and the trust in you that they’ll have because of your level of service mean you’ll get a lot more bookings - and you’ll be able to charge a higher price at the same time.

Airbnb also offer some specific financial rewards to Superhosts, including a yearly Airbnb travel coupon. In addition to the travel coupon, Superhosts may also gain access to exclusive promotions and tools that can help enhance their hosting experience. These may include priority support from Airbnb, which ensures that any issues or questions you have are addressed promptly, allowing you to focus on providing an exceptional experience for your guests.

Furthermore, Superhosts often enjoy the benefits of positive reviews, as guests are more likely to leave favorable feedback when they know they are staying with a reputable host. This can create a virtuous cycle, where positive reviews lead to increased visibility, more bookings, and ultimately, greater earnings.

Lastly, maintaining your Superhost status encourages you to continually improve your hosting game. The criteria for Superhost designation, which includes maintaining a high response rate, receiving excellent reviews, and having a consistent number of completed stays, serve as a benchmark for quality. This motivates hosts to provide the best possible experience, not just for themselves but for their guests as well.

Overall, the benefits of being a Superhost extend far beyond just financial gains - they foster a sense of community, encourage professional growth, and ultimately lead to more fulfilling hosting experiences.

What Are the Criteria To Become a Airbnb Superhost?

This is the hard bit! There are four criteria that you’ll need to have met for the last 12 months for you to be eligible for Superhost status on Airbnb - and the platform checks to see if you’re still meeting them every three months. These are the following:

To reach the Airbnb Superhost status you will need a rating of 4.8 or higher

Based on your reviews over the past 12 months, you’ll need to have an overall rating of 4.8 or more in order to become a Superhost. This is calculated from the date guests leave their reviews, not on the final day of their stay.

A 1% or lower cancellation rate

Once your guests have booked, you’ll need to guarantee that you’ll see the booking through - and that means a very low cancellation rate. There are extenuating circumstances under which cancellations are allowed - including unforeseen property damage, jury duty, and serious illness. If you meet any of the extenuating circumstances, you can contact Airbnb directly and explain what happened.

To become a Superhost you will need a 90% response rate

Your response rate is the percentage of messages you responded to within 24 hours over the past year. This includes guests asking questions as well as reservation requests.

Hosted 10+ times in the last year

You’ll need to have hosted guests at least 10 times over the past 12 months, or, if you’re hosting longer-term guests, you’ll need to have hosted three trips totalling over 100 days.

Tips To Help Getting at Least 10 Bookings a Year?

Even if you’re responding to and accepting all of the booking requests you get, it can still be hard for most Airbnb hosts to get the required 10 bookings a year. Make sure the description is clear and the title is catchy. Include as many good photos as you can - they don’t need to be professional, but they should be well lit and taken with a good quality camera. Have as many amenities as you can, as guests will check your list when checking your listing. Try lowering your pricing too - check the prices of similar homes near to yours as a point of comparison.

Additionally, consider enhancing your property's visibility by optimizing your listing for search engines. Use relevant keywords that potential guests might use when searching for accommodations in your area. This could include specific attractions nearby, unique features of your property, or types of experiences you offer.

Engage with past guests by encouraging them to leave reviews. Positive feedback can significantly boost your listing's credibility and appeal. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value guest input and are committed to providing a great experience.

Promote your listing on social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Share posts showcasing your property, local attractions, and any special events happening in your area. You might also consider collaborating with local businesses to create packages that offer unique experiences, making your listing even more attractive.

Lastly, be flexible with your booking policies. Offering flexible cancellation options can make potential guests feel more secure in their decision to book with you. Consider implementing instant booking options as well, as this can make the process easier and more appealing for travelers looking for convenience. By taking these steps, you can improve your chances of securing those necessary bookings and making your property a go-to choice for guests.

How Do I Ensure a Rating of 4.8 or Higher To Become a Superhost on Airbnb?

Keeping your rating above 4.8 isn’t easy - apart from simply not having hosted enough, low ratings are the biggest cause of hosts failing to gain Superhost status. Guests can give ratings on their overall experience, cleanliness, accuracy, value, communications, check-in, location and amenities. To get the very best ratings, you might want to try going the extra mile for your guests and checking out our guide to things that guests love.

How Do I Track My Progress To Meet the Airbnb Superhost Requirements?

You can track your progress towards becoming a Superhost by heading to the opportunities section on the performance tab of your Airbnb dashboard. This will give you a breakdown of each target. Being a Superhost isn’t something you need to activate or apply for - if you meet the criteria, you’ll become a Superhost automatically.

To achieve Superhost status, you'll need to meet certain criteria over a 12-month period. These include maintaining a high overall rating, completing a minimum number of stays, and having a low cancellation rate. Specifically, you should aim for a 4.8-star rating or higher, complete at least 10 stays, and have fewer than 1% cancellations.

Regularly monitoring your performance will help you identify areas for improvement, such as enhancing your response time to guest inquiries or refining your listing description and photos. Engaging with guests and providing exceptional experiences can also contribute significantly to your ratings and reviews.

Once you reach Superhost status, you'll receive a badge that highlights your achievement on your listing, which can enhance your visibility and attract more bookings. Additionally, Superhosts enjoy benefits such as priority support from Airbnb, exclusive promotional opportunities, and increased exposure on the platform.

Keep in mind that your Superhost status is evaluated every quarter, so it's essential to maintain the high standards required to keep this title. By consistently offering great hospitality and staying proactive in your hosting efforts, you can enjoy the benefits of being a Superhost and create memorable experiences for your guests.

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