Top Tips to Increase Host Co Sales
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
Want to learn how our top-selling hosts are making up to $120k per listing every year?
We hear requests quite frequently to share what our top-selling hosts are doing to skyrocket their sales. So we took the time to compile the top three tips we heard the most from our top-selling hosts:
1. Share Your Store Link in Your Automated Messaging
The first key tip - share your store link with guests wherever you message them! Wherever you message guests - your Property Management System (PMS), Airbnb, email, or anywhere else - add your store. You can do this easily from the “Share Store” button in your Host Dashboard, where you can travel directly to the automated messaging page in your platform:
But of course, it’s not just a matter of where, but when you share your link. Here is when our top-selling guests reach out:
At booking
One week before check-in
At check-in
Remember, many services in your Host Co store - like booking a massage or requesting a late checkout - require some lead time, usually up to a week. So give your guests a chance to book in advance.
And thanks to our “Request and Approve” feature, you're always in control, needing to approve any requests before transactions are finalized, ensuring no surprises.
2. Mention Your Unique Offerings in Your Messaging
One key tip we heard from our hosts was to give guests more reasons to click on your store. Don’t just say “we have a store” - personalize your automated messages by highlighting specific experiences or services you have available.
Whether it's a private chef, meditation sessions, or axe throwing adventures in your area, mentioning these unique offerings sparks interest.
Another tip is to mention your top-sellers. For many hosts, that’s a late check-out or early check-in. But whatever you mention, make sure you send the message early enough for them to book it.
3. Add Your Guidebook or Other External Links
Finally, add your guidebook to your Host Co store and pin it to the top. Give your guests a good mix of sales and helpful information in your store. Don’t have a guidebook? Easily make one with our free custom guidebook template.
(Please note: adding external links as products is available on the Pro Plan only.)
By incorporating your guidebook or welcome book, you streamline the guest experience by just sending them one link to everything: your Host Co store link! For instance, try a message at booking like:
Thanks for booking the home! We’ll reach out a day in advance with the door code, but in the meantime, check out our welcome guide below with driving directions, etc:
{enter store link here}
You can also use this link to add extra guests, get an early check-in / late check-out, or request local services like a massage or sound bath during your stay.
Thanks and please reach out with any questions!
This approach reduces the number of links you need to share, enabling guests to access house rules, local recommendations, and book additional amenities like late checkouts or spa services through a single Host Co store link. This strategy effectively guides your guests "through the gift shop" as they access your welcome book, increasing their engagement with your store:
You can also add links to local businesses you trust (photographers, etc) or affiliate partners like West Elm or Cats.com. Remember, join our Pro Plan to access adding these external links to your store.
BONUS: Ensure your item prices (and offerings) match your listing price
Make sure to match your pricing to what you charge nightly for booking, both in what your store comes pre-loaded with and what you add yourself.
One set of products to check pricing on is your alterations. Your store comes pre-loaded with alterations (like a late check-out, pet fee, etc), pre-set to a default price of $50. Make sure to match this to your listing price. For example, if you’re charging less than $100 per night, consider lowering the price of alterations to the $20-$30 range.
And on the other side of the scale, if you have a more pricey rental, ensure you have luxury amenities to match the experience you’re providing on-site that cost a little extra. Guests on a fancy vacation are much more willing to spend on a helicopter tour ride over the Grand Canyon or a pontoon boat.
Optimize your Host Co store today
Leveraging these strategies can help you increase the sales and traffic to your store. By integrating your store link into communications, customizing your message to highlight what you’re offering, and enriching your store with valuable resources and links, you're setting the stage for increased guest engagement and sales.
Have you implemented any strategies that have worked well for you? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help others grow their success.
Mikel Hubbard
is the co-founder of the Host Company. He's run a property management company in California’s high desert and has owned three Airbnb since 2013 in Lake Tahoe, Joshua Tree and Death Valley.