The Airbnb profile description is a much-overlooked aspect of an Airbnb listing. The reason is probably that people don't like writing about themselves. However, it can pay off to spend a bit of time on optimizing your profile. Here's why.
Right now, those who are traveling have major coronavirus anxiety. They most likely are traveling only for necessity, and they want to be sure they can trust their hosts to be clean and safe. When the host is “just a person,” it's harder for people to believe that they're following a strict protocol.
It's important right now for Airbnb hosts to take every measure to protect their business.
Below are a few Airbnb about me examples to help build trust
When staying at an Airbnb, guests rely on their host to provide these basic needs. Their worst nightmare is to catch the virus or – if they're medical workers – not to be able to get a good night's rest.
It therefore makes sense that Airbnb guests want to get a good first impression of their host before they book a stay. Your Airbnb bio gives you the chance to describe yourself, make that good impression, to allow your guests to get to know you a bit on a personal level.
We created a kit to help short-term rental hosts survive the coronavirus, including headlines & descriptions you can copy & paste to get more bookings
How to describe yourself on Airbnb
The main thing to do is to get people to trust you with your profile. Show them that you're a human and that you care. I know, you may not like writing about yourself. But this is important stuff and it’s not hard. Here are some good Airbnb profile description example questions:
- Where did you grow up?
- What’s your occupation?
- What are your hobbies and passions?
- What are your favorite places to travel to?
- What kind of music do you like?
- What’s your favorite sport?
- What kind of books do you like?
- What type of movies are you into?
- What do you enjoy most about being an Airbnb host?
You never know what part of your profile a guest will relate to. For example, if you’re into modern art, guests who share that passion will favor your listing over others because they (1) can relate to you as a person and (2) they’ll anticipate you’ll have some good recommendations for art galleries and museums.
Related Post: The Most Comprehensive Airbnb Hosting Guide On The Internet
How do I make a good Airbnb profile: Add a good personal photo
Make sure to upload a good picture of yourself. What is a good picture? Here are the key characteristics:
- The picture is clear and of high quality
- You are smiling
- Your face and eyes are unobstructed
- Your hair is combed/brushed
- Your outfit is business casual
For those of you out there who consider this information common sense: Bravo. But I cannot tell you how many profile pictures I’ve come across that fail to meet these basic criteria. I’ve seen photos with covered faces, bizarre and inappropriate outfits, and utterly creepy looking expressions. Please, for your own sake, don’t look like a weirdo.
Add verifications to your Airbnb bio
This is really a no-brainer. There is no downside in adding all three verifications: your government ID, email address and phone number. This information won't be shared with anyone, so don't worry. You can also connect social media accounts such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+.
Add references to your Airbnb bio
Adding references is particularly important when you're just starting out and you don't have any reviews yet.
It doesn't add a ton of credibility, but there's no downside to adding references. You can request a reference though email or, if you've connected your Facebook account, through Facebook.
Best Airbnb about me examples
Here's another example of an Airbnb profile. For each example, I've indicated what's good about the profile and what can be improved.
What's great about this profile
Profile photo: picture is clear, host is smiling and the photo also shows the host engaging in something that he is passionate about. Sports and football-loving guests will immediately be able to relate. First impression of this host: friendly guy who likes sports.
Profile description: the description communicates a lot of positive things: the host is excited to be part of Airbnb and he loves meeting new people. Definitely the type of person that I would want to stay with. He also shares his favorite travel destinations.
What could be improved
References: This host hasn't added any references. It's not a huge deal, but it only takes a few minutes to request some so there is no reason not to.
Profile description: It wouldn't hurt to share a bit more, where the host grew up and what his occupation is for example. The more you share about yourself, the better the chance that the guest can relate.
Notice the subtle reference to his Instagram profile, a creative way to provide an opportunity for guests to get to know the host a bit better. This is a risky tactic though. The hosts basically provides personal contact details, which is against the user conduct terms of Airbnb's terms of service and could be reason to remove the account. If you're thinking that this won't happen, read about what happened to Superhost Kelly Kampen.
Construct your own Airbnb profile
Let's get to work and construct your own Airbnb profile. Most hosts don't write much because they simply don't know what to write. Use the guidelines below to compose your Airbnb profile.
Pick a sentence that describes you best from each category below. It's best to use your own words to communicate, so don't copy-paste everything but instead use these categories and sentences as inspiration to compose your own!
Where did you grow up?
I was born in the beautiful city of Chicago. I grew up in Atlanta and moved to New York City in 2009. In 2012, I moved to Tokyo for a year and now I am back in the city that I love most: Los Angeles.I was born in Idaho, but I spent most of my childhood years in California.
What's your education?
At the age of 12 I moved to Miami, where I went to college. I went to college in St. Louis and graduated with a major in computer science. I'm currently pursuing my masters at USC. I earned my degree in economics from the liberal arts college at my state university in Missouri.I have my associates degree in fashion merchandising and my bachelors in communications. I have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the University of Florida.
Where do you currently live?
I currently live in Londen. I reside in Paris with my husband. I recently moved from New Orleans to Austin. I moved to New York from China nine years ago for my masters and I've lived here ever since.I live in Los Angeles, but I'm originally from Puerto Rico.
What's your occupation?
I'm a designer helping brands tell their visual stories on social media.I own a clothing store a few blocks away from my home.I've been working as a lawyer for the last five years.I'm a doctor and work night-shifts at the St. Mary's hospital.I'm a consultant and I typically work away from home during the week.I'm a full-time Airbnb host and I manage about 20 properties.I'm an entrepreneur and currently I work on my own startup.
What are your hobbies/passions?
I enjoy walking, going to quaint restaurants, visiting local bars, and drinking wine.I'm passionate about reading, going to small music venues, and stand-up comedy.I love all type of water sports, such as surfing, sailing and scuba-diving.I love to practice yoga and meditation.I love traveling by myself and enjoy this travel style very much.I love watching movies, spending time in the outdoors and traveling.
What can you share about your personality?
I consider myself as easy going as they come.I am very laid-back and enjoy spending time with my loved ones and my dog.My friends describe me as witty, bubbly and energetic.I'm often perceived as a direct communicator.People often compliment me on being attentive.I'm a bit of an introvert, so if I don't talk much it's not because I don't like you.
What is your attitude towards live?
I keep a positive attitude and really enjoy life.We only get one shot at life, so I try as many things as I can.My personal goal is to meet at least one new person a day, it makes life far more interesting.I believe that everything happens for a reason and trust that if I follow my intuition, good things will come my way.Instead of considering strangers as potentially dangerous, I consider everyone my friend unless I have reason to believe otherwise.
When and why did you become an Airbnb host?
I starting hosting on Airbnb in 2012.I became an Airbnb host because I love meeting new people.What I love most about being an Airbnb host is sharing my home with people from all over the world.I listed my home on Airbnb because I want to connect with people from other cultures.I started sharing my spare room on Airbnb to help pay for medical bills.Although my motivation to list on Airbnb was financial in nature, I really enjoy providing my guests with the best experience possible.I would like to meet more travelers through Airbnb!
What is your hosting style?
I live on-site and I'm available if you need anything.I stay a few blocks from my Airbnb and I'm always happy to go for a drink and show you my favorite bars.If you'd like to share a meal, I always enjoy hearing stories from my guests.Although I live far from my Airbnb, I'm happy to jump on a call and chat to my guests.I love getting to know my guests and spending some time with them.I'm generally quite busy so I prefer to give my guests space to explore my neighborhood by themselves.I typically don't spend much time with my guests, but I'm always available if they need me.I'm usually out of town and normally don't meet my guests, but my neighbor John is always there to help.I'm super social and love hanging out with my guests.I'm very shy and usually keep to myself unless my guests need help with something.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“There is only one very good life. It's the life you know that you want and you make it for yourself” – Diana Vreeland”Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” – Jim Rohn”I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.” – Abraham Lincoln”Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” – Marcus Aurelius”It isn’t the events themselves that disturb people, but only their judgements about them.” – Epictetus”Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca”The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” – Augustine
Add a welcome message to your guests.
I look forward to hosting you!I would love to welcome you in my home!I would be thrilled to host you in my beautiful condo.I'd be honoured to share my home with you!I would be stoked to be your next Airbnb host.
Remember, the more you write in your profile, the better the chance that a viewer finds something to connect with you on. This increases the chance of receiving a booking. However, you don't want to go over-board and write an entire book. People don't want to read vast amounts of text. Keep it to three to five paragraphs of two to four sentences each.
Conclusion
People who use Airbnb not only like the authentic experience of a local host, but they're also putting their trust in someone they don't know. Creating a great Airbnb profile is an important step in getting people to feel like they know, like and trust you.
It doesn't take much time to create a great Airbnb profile. Although it's certainly not the most important part of your Airbnb listing, I believe it definitely pays off to spend an hour or so on it. One extra booking will be worth the time!
We created a kit to help short-term rental hosts survive the coronavirus, including headlines & descriptions you can copy & paste to get more bookings
Hi Jasper,
Great podcast, I’m a regular listener, and you do a fantastic job. Keep the podcasts coming!
One technical issue. I listen to the podcast with iPhone headphones, and the mixing has been off. The last few episodes, your voice has been coming in exclusively through the left earpiece, and your guest through the right. It’s a bit disorienting, and probably an easy fix.
Cheers!
Hi Brian, thanks for pointing this out. I noticed it too and been trying to figure out what went wrong and I have now fixed it!
Hello Jasper-Good to know you are a real person !:) Your book helped me tonnes. Great article and just short enough for me to digest between tasks.
I’ve been a host in sunny Jamaica since 2013 and list three properties.
Few things;
1. Id love to have your feedback on my profiles below. I have noticed a downturn in requests over the last several months and am searching for answers. Im about investing in some online marketing (a destination blog, a website, offline marketing (brochures and business cards) and some content marketing with my existing clients
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6238888?
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3768878?
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5046341?
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13244550?
2. You mentioned the value of personal welcomes. For about two years Ive been using a keybox so guests don’t wait for me to let them in- Sometimes a day or two later I go to meet in personthey seem satisfied. is that something you would dissuade
Hi Melecia,
Your profile looks great, I have two suggestions for you: (1) I would add all the verifications and connect your account to social media (2) I would request some references.
As for the personal welcomes, if you have the time I would always do it. It gives you the chance to get to know your guests a bit, show them around the house and answer questions they may have. Your guests will appreciate this and as a result you’ll probably get rated higher.
Also, I noticed you don’t respond to reviews. I recommend you do, potential guests always look at reviews so this is a part of your listing where you can make a good impression on them.
Best,
Jasper
Jasper thanks You are always helpful, submitting my airbnb for Your review https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17773278
Hi Lali,
good job on your listing. Here’s where you can improve. I’d put picture no.3 first. You want to add a few good pictures of that bed with the wine on top, as it looks good. Your current picture (although it’s the best one you have) doesn’t show the entire bed.
Please refer to this article to improve your photo section: https://getpaidforyourpad.com/blog/ultimate-guide-creating-best-photo-section-airbnb-listing/
Hope this helps!
Best,
Jasper
Hi Jasper!
So glad you’re here for us newbies! I’d love your feedback on my listing. We moved in April and started Airbnb in May! Our fourth guests arrived today! Not sure where to put our link to our listing so I put it for my website.
Thanks! Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
congrats on getting your listing started! I would start by making some improvements to your photo section, I’d put picture no.5 first and refer to this guide to optimize it further.
I’d also turn on instant book, that will help get more bookings.
Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge so freely, Jasper! It is truly appreciated. We also appreciate the wonderful products you have drawn our attention to, most recently Guestbook. We are so excited about the direction that app is taking and look forward to how it will streamline our hosting.
We would welcome you input on our profile and/or listing.
Our listing is below:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15936463
Our profile is:
https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/79332434
Thanks so much!!
Decatur Alpaca Cottage
Greetings Jasper,
I’d like for you to review my listing. I’ve been hosting since April 2017 just outside Palm Springs. I just made “Super Host”. http://abnb.me/EVmg/rFIYJ4QJjF
Hi Jasper
I’m one of your silent listeners from the other side of the world….well silent up to now that is.
I appreciate your offer to review my profile, so if you don’t mind, I dare to send you the link to it, although it’s from somewhere far away.
https://www.airbnb.ch/users/show/43714958
Cheers
Nico
Hi Nico,
I like the written part of your profile as it’s very detailed and your personality comes across well. The picture could be a bit better, it’s slightly blurry. I would put a clear picture of your face in the middle where you are smiling.
I also conceive thus, perfectly composed post!
Hey Jasper,
Thanks for the great posts. I’ve actually implemented some of your automation techniques (smartbnb & pricelabs) and have had a lot of success to the point that my wife has asked “why are we getting so many bookings?!?” I haven’t analyzed my revenue yet but on a qualitative basis, I feel revenue has improved while reducing my time involved to manage the account.
I’m always looking to improve my listing’s status, especially as we add units to our portfolio. If you get a chance, could you check out my profile?
http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21427150
Thanks.
Liam
Hi Liam, I would the “whole house” part of your title as that will be clear to users as your home is listed as an entire house and use the space to add some other attractive feature of your listing.
I’d also recommend making some changes to your photo portfolio, see here for guidelines: https://getpaidforyourpad.com/blog/ultimate-guide-creating-best-photo-section-airbnb-listing/.
Hi, Jasper! I’d love if you’d take a look at my profile and tell me what I’m doing right and wrong: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/86336169. I would particularly appreciate it if you would look over this listing and give me a review similar to the ones you did on your YouTube video on Monday. Here’s the link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33431323?preview_for_ml=true&guests=1&adults=1&sl_alternate_dates_exclusion=true&source_impression_id=p3_1558036321_a7n7vSPy319V%2B4l2
Best regards,
Janae
Hi Jasper, I’m very new to your posts, and new to Airbnb. I enjoyed this article and would very much appreciate your feedback on our profile.
https://www.airbnb.ie/rooms/30897311
Thank you.
Karl.
Hi Karl, your listing looks great, good job! I would write a bit about yourself on your profile, currently it has no text. I would also add some photos of interesting things guests can do in your area, such as your favorite restaurants, tourist highlights and activities.
Hi Jasper, thanks so much for these helpful tips. I was especially interested in your tip about the 30 second video. I wasn’t able to figure out where to find this on the profile page in either the mobile app or on the webpage on a computer, so I was hoping you could direct me to where this is? I would love to add this to my profile as a host.
Jasper, thanks for these very valuable tips on how to build a great profile. We are in the middle of doing a branding update, including updating our profile and stumbled upon your website which has some great ideas we plan to implement. One thing though, you mention a 30 second video we can use as hosts in our profile, but I can’t figure out where this is uploaded? Can you provide some more details on where this is found?
Hi Melissa, Airbnb actually removed the video option unfortunately, thanks for pointing this out I’ve updated the post!
Hi Jasper!
I have read your blog when I began my Airbnb 3 years ago. Now I am looking at improving as I occasionally do, especially during this time. I have just been reading about your writing a host profile and found it very useful!
I would greatly appreciate your feedback on my Airbnb listing! Thank you so much!
Any tips on formatting? I have paragraphs, line breaks and spacing but when previewing a listing it’s all flows together with no paragraphs