Times are changin’ friends.

Airdna just released a report saying that although national demand rose for short-term rentals, overall occupancy is down. The translation is very simple. While demand is strong, competition is on the rise.

Hosting on Airbnb will get more competitive as time goes on. This reminds me very much of the Amazon landscape. Back in 2015 when I first started selling, the competition was quite tough but not as fierce as it is today. Unless you are a brand that people CARE about, you are up against the Chinese game of who can get away with review manipulation and low-quality items.

Fortunately, Airbnb does not have the same weak points as Amazon does. The cost of real estate is the same, no matter where you come from. Neither can the competition engage in review manipulation on Airbnb the same way you can on Amazon.

No one will be giving away free nights at their place. Neither can one post reviews on a listing if they did not stay there.

However, there is still fierce competition as more hosts come online. Take a cursory view on Airbnb in any neighborhood, and you will see a fair amount of NEW listings.

The takeaway from this article is:

If you want an A class listing, then aim for Amenities. For a B class listing, aim for Beauty.

People want experiences. Yes, your place must look inviting and clean. However don’t go over the top on decor and design, stay focused on experiences by affording your guests amenities and experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise have back home.

Leave the decor for the hotel industry.

Agree or disagree? Please comment.