Airbnb Superhost Requirements: Is Superhost Status Worth It in 2024?

ByAmylee Silva Updated on:

Attention all Airbnb hosts! Do you know what it takes to become an Airbnb Superhost?

Becoming a Superhost isn’t just about bragging rights — it can mean more revenue for your business. But how much more are we talking about, and is it still worth it in 2024?

The Airbnb Superhost Program Explained

A quick Google search of “how to become a top Superhost on airbnb” will inevitably lead you to the Airbnb Help Centre, where they make it very clear how to earn that coveted Superhost badge.

Airbnb Superhost Requirements 2024

In order to become an Airbnb Superhost, a host must:

  • Maintain a cancellation rate below 1%, with some exceptions for major disruptive events

  • Have a response rate of 90% or higher

  • Achieve a guest rating of 4.8 stars or higher

  • Host a minimum of 10 stays or 3 bookings totaling 100 nights

And they must do so all within the evaluation period by the set assessment dates, which are the following criteria:

  • January 1st

  • April 1st

  • July 1st

  • October 1st

Meaning that at the time of writing you have one last assessment period in 2024 left to qualify.

But now it begs the question—is Airbnb Superhost status worth it? I mean, sure, it sounds fancy and all, but is it really the golden ticket to hosting success that it used to be? With so many hosts stressing over five-star reviews and that privileged status, does it make a difference to your bottom line? The answer may surprise you because it sure as hell did me.

Airbnb Superhost Stats 2023 vs 2024

I’m a professional Googler, aka an SEO Expert and Strategist. It’s what I do full-time over and above my side hustles, which included being a trifecta Airbnb host up until recently. The now-defunct Online Experiences rendered me one less.

When I started researching this article, the stats were very clear. Airbnb Superhosts made more, significantly more. They booked more guests, had higher occupancy rates, and earned more money in lieu of pricing their nightly rates 11% less than other standard hosts.

  • The average occupancy rate of an Airbnb Superhost is 47%, compared to just 27% for standard Airbnb hosts. Found on Tokeet, Source AirDNA

  • Superhosts earn 60% more revenue per day than standard hosts. Found on Tokeet, Source AirDNA

These exact stats were also quoted on an Airbnb Community page citing AirDNA as the source.

However, Hospitable quoted that Superhosts have an average occupancy rate of 58.2%, compared to 53.6% for standard hosts, and mentioned AirDNA as the source. Hospitable also mentioned that:

But when I dug even further into the statistics, I found that, as of April 2024, data shows that Superhosts enjoy approximately a 5% higher occupancy rate than non-Superhosts. The source, you probably guessed it, AirDNA.

So, what gives? What’s changed?

The answer is everything—especially the Airbnb Algorithm.

In the Winter 2023 update, Airbnb added Guest Favourites and revamped its ratings and reviews page. In Spring of 2024, Airbnb added a trophy icon for the top 1% and introduced verified listings. Home listings were also organized into categories like “cabins,” “beachfront,” “OMG” and “trending.” Finally, in the Summer of 2024, Airbnb introduced “Icons” featuring top names from film, music, TV, and Once-in-a-lifetime limited experiences.

Understanding Airbnb Superhost Status

The Airbnb superhost program is, or was, a sort of badge of honor for hosts who consistently provide exceptional guest experiences. But it’s been confirmed that this exclusive filter has now been replaced by the newly coined “Guest Favourites.”

Airbnb guests can still view whether their Host is a Superhost on the listing page but it’s no longer a filter option when searching for potential properties.

But for those still striving for an uptick in bookings, it’s still worth it to act like an Airbnb Superhost, so let’s start with the basics of how to become one.

“Superhost” Requirements

Regardless of the changes to the Airbnb Superhost program, providing exceptional hosting is never a lost cause.

So, what makes a great Airbnb host? Hospitality! This is where you can set yourself apart from the competition.

First and foremost, focus on creating a welcoming and comfortable space.

This goes beyond just having a clean apartment or house. Think about the little touches that make a space feel like home. Maybe it’s a cozy reading nook, a well-stocked kitchen, or a beautifully arranged outdoor area. Exceptional hospitality can attract more guests, as they will be drawn to your inviting and relaxing atmosphere.

Speaking of little touches, let’s talk about Airbnb amenities.

Of course, you must provide the essential Airbnb amenities – clean linens, towels, toilet paper, etc. But why stop there? Consider what extras might delight your guests.

A coffee maker with local beans, a selection of teas, or even a welcome basket with snacks can make a big impression. Remember, it’s often the small things that guests remember and mention in their reviews.

Communication is key in the world of Airbnb hosting.

From the moment a guest books, make sure you’re available and responsive. Send a welcome message with check-in details, local recommendations, and any house rules. During their stay, make yourself available to answer questions or address concerns by reaching out FIRST. Don’t wait for problems and issues to surprise you; check in during their stay to see if everything is alright.

After they leave, a quick thank you message can leave a lasting positive impression.

Here’s where you can really shine – go above and beyond guest expectations. This doesn’t mean you need to break the bank or bend over backward. It could be as simple as leaving a handwritten welcome note, providing a guide to your favorite local spots, or offering a late check-out when possible.

The goal is to create memorable experiences that guests will rave about in their reviews. Exceeding guests’ expectations is crucial for receiving positive reviews from satisfied guests, which significantly improves your overall ratings.

Lastly, let’s talk about handling difficult situations.

No matter how great a host you are, sometimes things go wrong. Maybe the Wi-Fi goes out, or a guest is unhappy with something in your space. The key is to handle these situations gracefully. Respond quickly, show empathy, and focus on finding solutions.

How you handle problems can often leave a stronger impression than when everything goes smoothly.

Optimizing Your Airbnb Listing for Success

Your Airbnb listing is your storefront in the digital world. It’s often the first impression potential guests have of your space, so make it count.

Your listing’s title and description

Your title needs to grab attention in a sea of other listings. Use descriptive, enticing language that highlights what makes your place unique and don’t forget to include SEO rich keywords. Avoid cliches words like “Cozy,” unless your listing is truly “cosy” (an alternative spelling for our UK English hosts) and make sure to include UPS like “Spacious Family Home Near Theme Parks.” Whatever it is, make sure it stands out.

In your description, paint a picture of the experience guests will have. I like to call this “a day in the life of your Airbnb listing.” Don’t just list features – describe how guests will feel in your space. Will they be able to enjoy their morning coffee on a sunny balcony? Can they snuggle up by a fireplace after a day of sightseeing? Be specific and evocative.

Photos

In the world of Airbnb, photos can make or break your listing. Investing in professional, high-quality, well-lit photos that showcase your space at its best is never a lost cause. Include shots of all the main areas—bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and living areas—as well as any special features or views, and make it flow!

Pro tip: Watch how you upload your photos!

I once came across a listing that featured all four photos of the bathroom on the main grid because of how the images were added. Your grid should be reserved for the top five jaw-dropping photos that you have. And don’t forget to include Airbnb SEO keywords in your images and add captions to every photo to highlight key features.

Pricing your Airbnb Listing

Pricing can be tricky, but it’s a critical element of your listing’s success and that of top-performing hosts.

Research similar listings in your area to ensure your prices are competitive. Consider using Airbnb’s Smart Pricing tool *the jury is out on this one, which automatically adjusts your rates based on demand, local events, and other factors.

Being a bit cheaper than similar listings can help you get those initial bookings and reviews, but you have to be profitable.

Hosting Performance Tools

Airbnb suggests a variety of tools and features to help hosts succeed, and most of them are essential for ranking higher with the Airbnb Algorithm. Use the ones that make the most sense to you.

  • Enable Instant Book if you’re comfortable with it – many guests prefer this option.

  • Keep your calendar up-to-date. Use the calendar to set your availability well in advance and block unavailable dates.

  • Set up a guidebook with local recommendations.

  • And reduce the minimum night requirement to the lowest level *one-night minimum, if you were wondering.

The more you utilize these features, the higher your listing will rank.

Remember, your listing is a living thing on the internet. Don’t be afraid to tweak and improve it based on guest feedback and your own observations. A well-optimized listing is your ticket to more bookings, better reviews, and, ultimately, more money.

Maintaining a High Overall Rating

Your overall review rating is the lifeblood of your Airbnb “Superhost” status.

Airbnb’s review system is * designed * to be fair and transparent. After each stay, both the host and the guest have 14 days to leave a review. These reviews are only made public once both parties have submitted their reviews or after the 14-day period ends. This system encourages honest feedback from both sides. Let’s not get into scams, blackmail, or fraudulent reviews. We’ll leave that for another post.

So, how do you encourage those glowing 5-star reviews?

Besides providing excellent hospitality and an exceptional guest experience – ask! Your online reputation relies on it. Don’t leave it up to Airbnb.

Take the time to craft a custom message asking for a review. Here, you can address any last-minute concerns or issues before leaving it up to the review gods to see how you did.

Now, let’s talk about how to handle those reviews once they come in.

Always! – respond to reviews, both positive and negative. For positive reviews, a simple thank you and an invitation to return can reinforce the good experience.

For negative reviews, stay professional and constructive. Address the issues raised, explain any misunderstandings, and detail how you’ve fixed or plan to fix any problems.

Speaking of negative feedback, don’t panic if you get a less-than-stellar review. Use it as an opportunity to improve. Maybe a guest mentioned that the kitchen could use more utensils or that the Wi-Fi was spotty in certain areas. These are actionable items you can address to improve future guests’ experiences.

Maintaining a high rating is an ongoing process. Continuously seek feedback from your guests, both through reviews and in person, if possible. Stay open to constructive criticism and always look for ways to improve your space and your hosting skills.

Boosting Your Response Rate and Acceptance Rate

When it comes to achieving and maintaining the former Superhost status, your response rate and acceptance rate are vital signals for the Airbnb Algorithm.

Notifications and Your Response Rate

First, let’s talk about notifications. If you haven’t, for some crazy reason, set up an automated response message – pause from reading this post and do it now. This is the easiest way to ensure a high response rate.

Then, make sure you have push notifications set up for new inquiries and bookings. Whether through the Airbnb app on your phone, email notifications, or both, you want to be alerted as soon as a potential guest reaches out. The quicker you respond, the better your chances of securing the booking and maintaining that all-important high response rate.

Now, we all know that crafting personalized responses for every inquiry can be time-consuming and that’s where templates come in handy.

Create a set of response templates for common inquiries—things like check-in procedures, house rules, or local recommendations. Better yet, set up an automated response message *do you see a trend here?

When you can, though, always personalize these templates before sending them. Add the guest’s name, reference specific details from their message, and throw in a personal touch. This way, you’re efficient while providing a warm, personalized response.

Acceptance Rate

Flexibility can go a long way in boosting your acceptance rate. To help ward off scams and prevent fake accounts from booking, set your booking requirements to have a verified ID, previous positive reviews, or a minimum number of prior bookings.

Special Requests

Guests might ask for early check-in, late check-out, or have questions about bringing pets or children. Always respond to these requests professionally, even if you can’t accommodate them. Explain your policies clearly and offer alternatives if possible. For example, if you can’t offer early check-in, you might suggest a nearby café where they can wait comfortably.

Your response rate and acceptance rate are more than just numbers – they are about providing customer service.

Minimizing Cancellations and Maintaining Reliability

Reliability is a cornerstone of being a successful Airbnb host. To become a successful host, you must first understand Airbnb’s cancellation policies.

Airbnb offers several options, from flexible to strict. Choose a policy that works for you, but remember that stricter policies might deter some guests. Whatever policy you choose, make sure it’s clearly communicated in your listing.

Avoiding Host-initiated Cancellations

Airbnb Superhost status aside – host-initiate cancellations can seriously impact your ranking with the algorithm, so they should be avoided as best as possible. The key is to communicate and be proactive.

  • If you manage multiple properties, consider using a property management system to avoid double bookings.

  • Make sure your plugins and calendars are up to date.

  • Set your booking filters accordingly.

  • Watch your discounts and ensure that your math is sound.

But what about those unavoidable situations?

Emergencies happen, and sometimes cancellations are necessary. If you find yourself in this situation:

  • Communicate sooner rather than later.

  • Build in buffer days on your calendar if repairs are needed. Take your contractor’s estimate with a slight grain of salt.

  • Contact your guests and Airbnb support as soon as possible. Explain the situation honestly and offer to help your Airbnb Guests find alternative accommodations.

Speaking of communication, it’s literally crucial to communicate when any changes occur. Maybe you need to adjust check-in times, unexpected maintenance is needed or the previous guest broke something.

Whatever it is, inform your guests promptly and clearly. Offer solutions or alternatives when possible. Guests usually understand if you’re upfront and do your best to minimize inconvenience.

Lastly, always have a backup plan.

What if your cleaner cancels at the last minute?

What if an appliance breaks down?

Having a network of reliable service providers – cleaners, handymen, plumbers – can be a lifesaver. Consider having a friend or family member who can step in to handle check-ins if you’re unexpectedly unavailable.

Being a reliable host isn’t just about avoiding cancellations. It’s about being someone guests can count on throughout their entire experience. From accurate listing descriptions to prompt communication to delivering on promises, reliability is what turns one-time guests into repeat customers and glowing reviews. And in the competitive world of Airbnb, that trust is gold.

Congratulations! You’re now armed with all the knowledge you need to become a Superhost in 2024 and beyond.

Remember, achieving Superhost status isn’t what it used to be, but acting like an Airbnb Superhost is still important. Providing exceptional experiences will keep guests returning for more, and perhaps – booking directly?

By focusing on hospitality, maintaining high standards, and consistently delivering value, you’ll be well on your way to joining the elite ranks of top-earning Airbnb hosts.

May your calendar be full, your reviews glowing, and your listing shining bright!

Sincerely,
Amylee Silva, the mama-bear of Airbnb Hosts worldwide!

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