Targeting Your Amenities to Your Ideal Guest: A Key to Success on Airbnb

Are you struggling with low views and bookings on your Airbnb listing, feeling stuck and unsure of how to attract the right guests? You’re not alone. One of the most common mistakes Airbnb hosts make is not aligning their amenities with the needs of their ideal guests. Even if your property looks amazing, mismatched amenities can hold you back from reaching the audience you want to attract. But the good news? This is a problem you can solve—and Smart Hosting Hub is here to guide you.

Offering the right amenities is one of the most effective ways to make your property more appealing, build emotional connections with guests, and improve your listing’s performance in Airbnb’s algorithm. Let’s dive into how targeting your amenities can unlock your listing’s potential.

Why Amenities Matter

When guests browse Airbnb, they’re not just looking for a place to stay—they’re imagining an experience. And that experience is often shaped by specific amenities that make their trip seamless and enjoyable. Travelers seek different amenities based on their needs. Business guests prioritize reliable Wi-Fi and a quiet workspace, families appreciate kid-friendly features like high chairs and games, and pet owners value thoughtful touches like fenced yards and pet supplies. If your listing doesn’t cater to the preferences of your target guest, it’s easy to get overlooked.

Personal Story: I once booked an Airbnb for a hiking trip with my son and our dog. Finding a pet-friendly property was crucial, but what made my decision easy was the thoughtful details the host included: a fenced yard, dog bowls, waste bags, and even a cozy pet blanket. These small touches showed me that the host understood pet owners like me and had gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. It wasn’t just a stay—it felt like the perfect choice for our trip.

Common Mistakes Hosts Make

1. Not Identifying Their Ideal Guest

Many hosts don’t take the time to define their target audience. Are you aiming for weekend adventurers? Digital nomads? Families on vacation? Without a clear idea of who you’re trying to attract, it’s difficult to choose amenities that will resonate. The result? A listing that doesn’t stand out to anyone.

2. Not Researching Guest Priorities

If you’re not sure how to research what amenities your ideal guest is looking for, try using AI tools like ChatGPT. AI can help you uncover valuable insights quickly and effectively. Here are three tips for prompting ChatGPT to research amenities:

1. Ask for Guest Profiles: Let ChatGPT do the research for you. Use a prompt like this:"You are the leading hospitality expert with vast knowledge of creating memorable stays for guests. I have a [insert your property type and location]. Based on your expertise, what amenities are most important to [insert guest type, e.g., families, business travelers, or beachgoers] in [insert location]?"You may discover a few amenities you hadn’t considered before.

2. Compare Competitors: Use a prompt like, “Analyze popular Airbnb listings in [your area or market] and suggest amenities that make those listings stand out.”

3. Refine Amenities by Season: Prompt ChatGPT with, “What seasonal amenities should I offer to attract more guests during [summer, winter, etc.] in [your location]?”

Successful hosts use tools like ChatGPT to uncover trends, refine their offerings, and align their amenities with what guests truly value—ensuring their property stands out in a competitive market.

3. Burying Key Amenities in the Listing

Your guests shouldn’t have to dig through paragraphs to find what’s important. Highlight standout amenities early in your description and in your listing title. For instance, instead of just saying “Pet-friendly,” try something more engaging like, “Don’t forget to bring Fido—he’s family too! With a fenced yard and pet accessories provided, your furry baby will feel right at home.” This kind of specific, welcoming language creates clarity, builds trust, and resonates with guests emotionally.

4. Neglecting to Research the Competition

Take a look at other listings in your area. Are they offering amenities you haven’t considered? By identifying gaps—like free parking or hot tubs—you can position your property as the better choice. Understanding the competition gives you insights into what’s working and where you can stand out.

How to Target Amenities to Your Ideal Guest

1. Get Clear on Who You’re Hosting

The first step is defining your ideal guest. Think about the type of traveler your property is best suited for: families, couples, solo adventurers, or remote workers. Aligning your listing with their needs ensures you attract guests who are the perfect fit.

2. Anticipate Their Needs

What will make your guests’ stay effortless? Consider these examples:

• For families: Board games, high chairs, or a kid-friendly play area.

• For digital nomads: A dedicated workspace and fast internet.

• For outdoor enthusiasts: Gear storage, maps, or a fire pit.

3. Leverage Your Property’s Strengths

Does your property have a unique appeal? A beachfront condo might include beach gear like towels and umbrellas, while a countryside cabin could offer hiking maps and cozy blankets for chilly evenings. Showcase features that make your property special and align with your guests’ expectations.

4. Make Amenities Visible

Don’t hide your best features. Highlight them prominently in your title, description, and photos. Guests are more likely to book when they clearly see the value you offer.

5. Refine Through Feedback

Pay attention to guest reviews. Are there recurring themes in what they love or suggestions for improvement? Use this feedback to fine-tune your amenities over time.

Personal Story: Catering to My Ideal Guest with Tailored Amenities

As an Airbnb host, I’ve learned the power of targeted amenities. My Florida beach condo caters to families on vacation. Knowing this, I provide a “Beach Kit” with chairs, towels, a sun umbrella, and coolers. Since many of my guests fly in, these essentials save them money and effort. The result? Happy guests, glowing reviews, and more bookings. At the same time, I’ve chosen not to cater to families with infants or toddlers. My property isn’t baby-proof, and I avoid advertising amenities like cribs or high chairs. This intentional approach allows me to focus on serving guests who align with my property’s strengths.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling to attract bookings, targeting your amenities can make all the difference. By understanding who your ideal guest is and tailoring your offerings to meet their needs, you’ll create a listing that resonates, stands out, and converts views into bookings. At Smart Hosting Hub, we believe every host and property deserves a chance to shine. Let us help you tell your property’s story in a way that connects deeply with your ideal guests—and keeps your calendar full.

Visit www.smarthostinghub.com to see how we can help tell your story to resonate with your ideal guest.