How to become a Superhost on Airbnb

From best practices to Airbnb's criteria, we share everything you need to know to get recognized as a Superhost by Airbnb.
By
Minut
in
Hosting Advice
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June 7, 2024
4
min read
How to become a Superhost on Airbnb

Did you know that Airbnb Superhosts are 10% more likely to be booked out than those without the status?

However, becoming a successful Airbnb host requires more than just listing your property; it demands continuous effort to provide exceptional guest experiences. 

In this blog, we'll take a look at how Airbnb assesses your hosting performance, the specific criteria required to become a Superhost, and the exclusive rewards you can earn. We’ll also arm you with the best practices to help you deliver that all-important guest experience, maintain high property standards, and streamline your hosting operations. 

So, whether you're a new host aiming for Superhost status or a seasoned one looking to maintain it, we’re here to equip you with the knowledge and tools to thrive on Airbnb.

What are the benefits of becoming an Airbnb Superhost?

Becoming an Airbnb Superhost comes with a range of benefits that can boost your property's performance on the platform.

Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Increased visibility and bokings

Superhosts enjoy increased visibility in Airbnb search results. This heightened exposure means your listing is more likely to be seen by potential guests, leading to higher booking rates.

2. Higher earnings

With the increased bookings and the ability to potentially charge higher rates, Superhosts often see a notable increase in their earnings. Guests are often willing to pay a premium for the assurance of staying with a highly-rated host, knowing they are more likely to have a positive experience.

3. Priority customer support

Superhosts receive priority customer support from Airbnb, ensuring that any issues or questions you may have are addressed promptly and effectively. This can be particularly beneficial in resolving disputes or handling complex situations, providing peace of mind and a smoother hosting experience.

4. Exclusive rewards and incentives

Airbnb offers exclusive rewards and incentives to Superhosts, including travel coupons, promotional credits, and invitations to special events. These perks not only add value to your hosting journey but also provide opportunities to connect with other Superhosts and share best practices.

5. Enhanced credibility and trust

The Superhost badge signals to guests that you are a dedicated and experienced host who consistently provides exceptional service. This enhanced credibility can lead to more repeat guests and positive reviews, further solidifying your reputation on the platform.

6. Improved cancellation policies

Superhosts often benefit from more flexible cancellation policies, which can be an advantage in attracting bookings. Guests appreciate the peace of mind that comes with booking with a Superhost who has a proven track record of reliability and excellent service.

7. Access to exclusive community resources

Superhosts gain access to exclusive community resources and forums where they can network with other top hosts. This community provides valuable insights, support, and tips on how to continually improve your hosting practices and maximize your success on Airbnb.

8. Early access to new features

Airbnb frequently tests and rolls out new features and improvements. As a Superhost, you often get early access to these new tools, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve and continually enhance your hosting experience and property management.

Airbnb Superhost criteria and assessment process

Becoming an Airbnb Superhost is a mark of distinction that shows your commitment to exceptional hosting.  The badge itself boosts your credibility with browsers, while also offering you exclusive benefits from Airbnb.

Let's jump into how Airbnb evaluates your hosting performance and the criteria you need to meet to attain Superhost status.

How Airbnb assesses your hosting performance

Airbnb conducts quarterly evaluations of your hosting performance over the past 12 months for all listings on your account. 

These assessments occur during 7-day periods beginning on:

  • January 1st
  • April 1st
  • July 1st
  • October 1st

If you fulfill the program requirements by the assessment date, you'll automatically become a Superhost—no application necessary. Airbnb will notify you of your status at the end of each assessment period. It may take up to one week for your Superhost badge to appear on your listing.

Airbnb’s criteria for becoming a Superhost

To qualify for Superhost status, you must be a listing owner with an account in good standing and meet the following criteria:

  • Completed at least 10 trips or 3 reservations totaling at least 100 nights
  • Maintained a response rate of 90% or higher
  • Maintained a cancellation rate of less than 1%, with exceptions made for extenuating circumstances
  • Maintained an overall rating of 4.8 or higher

Attaining and maintaining Airbnb Superhost status: Best practices

1. Deliver on guest expectations

If you want to achieve and maintain Superhost status on Airbnb,  you need to prioritize guest satisfaction. 

Start with ensuring your listing is accurate and detailed: Include high-quality photos and honest descriptions of your space, amenities, and neighborhood. This transparency sets realistic expectations and avoids disappointing your guests.

Streamline arrival with keyless access: Simplify the check-in process by offering keyless access. This not only enhances convenience for guests but also reduces the chances of delays or miscommunications. Use smart locks or keypad entry systems to provide guests with a seamless arrival experience.

'Customer delight': Consider welcoming guests with a thoughtfully curated welcome basket containing local goodies or personalized touches. Tailor these extras to the preferences or interests of your guests, whether it's providing recommendations for nearby attractions or offering amenities tailored to specific guest types, such as families or business travelers.

2. Be proactive and responsive

Being proactive and responsive will not only improve the guest experience but also reduce the volume of questions you receive—something busy hosts will be very thankful for.

Anticipate commonly asked questions, especially those regarding arrival procedures, by using scheduled messaging and message templates. Automated messages can provide guests with all the necessary details, from parking instructions to Wi-Fi passwords, before they even think to ask.

Digital guidebooks are another excellent tool. These can be customized to include everything from local restaurant recommendations to appliance manuals. Having this information readily available enhances the guest experience and minimizes repetitive inquiries.

3. Implement great cleaning, maintenance, and inspection ops

Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and property upkeep should be the bare minimum for a Superhost. Cleanliness directly impacts guest experience and the risk of cancellations.

Help yourself out by developing a rigorous cleaning schedule that includes deep cleaning between bookings and regular maintenance checks. You can also use automated scheduling tools can help ensure that cleaning and maintenance tasks are never missed. This reduces the likelihood of any downtime due to a missed clean or maintenance issue, keeping your property in prime condition for each new guest.

Increase your Airbnb occupancy rates with Superhost status 

Achieving and maintaining Superhost status on Airbnb is a testament to your dedication and excellence as a host. Although it’s not always easy, the rewards of becoming a Superhost—such as increased visibility, exclusive perks, and a strong reputation—are well worth the effort.

Remember, the key to success lies in consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences, being proactive and responsive, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and maintenance. Using solutions like Minut to remotely monitor your property ensures you can focus on what matters most: providing exceptional hospitality.

Ready to discover why Superhosts around the world trust Minut to look after their property? Simply book a demo to speak to one of our team, we’d love to discuss how we can help you.