How We Made 1 Homeowner an Extra $122,000 in 12 months

Updated: Nov 15, 2024

Doubling Revenue through Exceptional Design and Management: A Case Study

In the competitive world of Airbnb, every detail counts. From the layout of a room to the words in a listing description, these factors shape how potential guests perceive a property—and ultimately, influence their decision to book. Recently, we undertook a complete overhaul of an owner’s Airbnb property, focusing on elevating design, implementing professional photography, crafting compelling listing copy, and improving overall management with a strong emphasis on guest experience and five-star reviews. The results? A staggering more than doubling of the owner’s revenue from $90,000 to $212,000 in 1 year.

Here’s a deep dive into how we transformed this listing, and the key strategies that led to its success.

The Power of Design: Creating Spaces Guests Love

Design is the heart of any property’s appeal. In our case, the property was functional but lacked a cohesive, welcoming aesthetic. We started with a thorough assessment, identifying areas for improvement that would make the space feel more inviting and memorable.

Furniture & Layout Optimization: We began by rearranging and replacing furniture to create a natural flow that felt both open and inviting. Selecting pieces that balanced style with functionality made the rooms feel more spacious while creating cozy, Instagram-worthy nooks.
Thoughtful Decor: We carefully chose decor elements that added personality without feeling cluttered, creating an ambiance that felt upscale but approachable. By incorporating elements like unique artwork, cozy textiles, and subtle lighting, we were able to craft a space that left a lasting impression.

Professional Photography: Capturing the True Essence

Photos are often the first (and sometimes only) impression guests get of a property, so we knew high-quality photography would be crucial. After the redesign, we hired a professional photographer who specializes in capturing Airbnb properties, ensuring each room’s best angles, lighting, and unique features were showcased.

These photos did more than just make the property look appealing; they told a story. By capturing the warmth and functionality of each room, we transformed the property’s online presence, making it far more enticing to potential guests. Professional photos boosted click-through rates and ultimately increased bookings.

Compelling Listing Copy: Words that Sell

With stunning visuals in place, the next step was creating listing copy that captured the experience of staying at the property. We knew it was essential to move beyond generic descriptions and create a narrative that resonated with potential guests.

Highlighting Unique Features: From a bon fire pit table to a 3 car garage in Mission beach, we showcased what set this property apart from the competition. By emphasizing these unique selling points, we provided potential guests with compelling reasons to choose this property.
Prioritizing Guest Experience: Rather than listing amenities, we described what a stay would feel like—enjoying a morning coffee on the patio, unwinding in a luxurious bed, or gathering in the open living space for an evening with friends. This focus on experience, rather than features, made the listing feel personal and inviting.
Attention to Detail: We also included essential information such as proximity to local attractions, nearby dining options, and transportation details, providing a complete picture for potential guests.

Guest-Centric Management: Prioritizing 5-Star Reviews

In addition to the aesthetic and functional upgrades, we made a commitment to prioritize exceptional guest experiences in every aspect of our management. We knew that earning five-star reviews would create a cycle of success, increasing visibility on Airbnb and attracting even more bookings.

Seamless Check-In/Check-Out: Our check-in process was streamlined and effortless for guests, with clear instructions and easy access to the property. For check-out, we provided a straightforward list to make departure stress-free.
Personal Touches: Little extras, like a welcome basket with local treats or a guide to nearby restaurants and activities, helped guests feel valued and welcomed. These small touches went a long way in creating memorable stays.
Prompt & Responsive Communication: We prioritized rapid response times and clear communication, ensuring guests felt supported throughout their stay. Whether it was a quick question about amenities or a request for a local recommendation, we were available and eager to help.
Attention to Cleanliness: Cleanliness is consistently cited as a top factor in guest reviews, so we ensured that every corner of the property was spotless. Guests appreciated the high standard of cleanliness, which translated into more five-star reviews.

The Results: A 100% Revenue Increase

Through these combined efforts, we achieved remarkable results. Within a few months, the owner saw their revenue double, largely thanks to increased occupancy rates and higher nightly rates that guests were willing to pay for the enhanced experience.

Increased Bookings: The redesigned space and professional photos drove higher click-through rates, leading to more bookings. We went from sporadic, low-season bookings to a nearly full calendar year-round.
Higher Average Nightly Rate: Thanks to the premium look and feel of the property, we were able to increase the nightly rate significantly, reflecting the higher value we’d added through our design and management.
Consistent Five-Star Reviews: By focusing on guest experience, we consistently received five-star reviews, which boosted the property’s ranking on Airbnb. These reviews became a vital part of attracting new guests, creating a self-sustaining cycle of success.
Top 5% of Listings Badge: We received the guest favorite badge and earned the top 5% of listings badge worldwide for our property and performance!

Key Takeaways: The Art of Transforming a Property

This experience taught us that transforming an Airbnb property goes far beyond superficial updates—it requires a holistic approach that considers design, marketing, and the guest experience. Here’s a quick recap of the strategies we used to double the owner’s revenue:

Thoughtful Design: Prioritize cohesive, welcoming design that makes a property stand out and enhances the guest experience.
Professional Photography: Invest in high-quality images that capture the essence and unique features of the space.
Compelling Copy: Craft a listing that highlights both the property’s unique features and the overall experience.
Guest-Centric Management: Focus on creating a seamless, memorable experience for guests, resulting in consistent five-star reviews.

This approach has shown us the incredible potential of well-managed, beautifully designed Airbnb properties. By focusing on quality in every detail, we were able to unlock significant revenue gains for the owner and create a model for success in our Airbnb portfolio. If you’re considering taking your Airbnb to the next level, we’d love to help you achieve results just like these.