If you're an Airbnb host looking to free up your time and improve your service, hiring a virtual assistant could be the best way to get some work off your plate while delivering an amazing guest experience. Getting the extra help you need will allow you to provide better experiences to your customers and dedicate your time to other aspects of the operation or to expanding the business. At A Team Overseas, we have extensive experience hiring remote executive assistants for a variety of industries and niches, and we’ve gotten to see first-hand the value an EA can bring to Airbnb owners. That’s why, in this article, we'll show you how a virtual assistant for Airbnb,  Keep reading to learn more about how a virtual assistant for Airbnb can be the key to growing your hosting success!

What Does a Virtual Assistant Do for Airbnb Hosts?

According to a survey by Hostfully, 67% of Airbnb hosts believe that outsourcing tasks like guest communication and property management improves their hosting experience. This shows just how relevant the role of an Airbnb EA (remote executive assistant) can be if leveraged correctly. A virtual assistant for Airbnb hosts takes on various tasks to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. These tasks can include managing guest inquiries, handling booking requests, coordinating check-ins and check-outs, scheduling cleaning services, and maintaining listings. They can also assist with marketing efforts, such as optimizing listings for search visibility and managing social media accounts.

In fact, in a recent survey by Guesty, 64% of property management companies indicated they believe that hiring a virtual assistant has helped them save time and improve guest experiences. 

By delegating certain tasks to an experienced EA they were able to focus on providing exceptional guest experiences and growing their Airbnb businesses. Now, the efficacy of your experience working with an Airbnb virtual assistant will vary significantly depending on which tasks you can delegate to the newest member of your team. The more meaningful tasks you can pass on, the better. 

The Most Common Tasks Outsourced to Airbnb Virtual Assistants

1. Guest Communication:

Responding to guest inquiries, messages, and booking requests in a timely manner to ensure excellent customer service will most likely be the primary task of your Airbnb assistant. These customer-facing tasks can just seem like quick things to do at first, but in reality every message, inquiry, and booking confirmation piles up and you’ll be glad to have someone who handles those operations. 

2. Booking Management: 

Once everything is settled, your EA will take care of coordinating reservations, managing calendars, and handling booking modifications or cancellations. They’d be responsible for all interactions with the guests as well as their booking management, whether it’s requests, itinerary changes, or housing questions. 

3. Check-in and Check-out Coordination:

It’s usually a VA’s responsibility to provide guests with check-in instructions, arrange key exchanges, and ensure smooth transitions for guests both in and out of your property. Now, the level of involvement will vary depending on whether they’re anywhere near your rental, but at the very least an Airbnb virtual assistant will be in charge of coordinating these factors. 

4. Cleaning and Maintenance Scheduling: 

Coordinating cleaning services between guest stays and managing any maintenance or repair needs is a key task that can often go unnoticed. Everyone loves arriving at a clean place and your assistant will surely parter with a reliable agency to ensure same-day cleaning and be able to offer some guests the possibility of an early check-in.

5. Listing Optimization:

The work isn’t done while you or your EA set up your listing for the first time. In fact, sometimes can take a month to really deem a strategy suggestion or si updating listing details, photos, and descriptions to improve search visibility and attract more guests.

6. Price and Availability Management:

Monitoring pricing trends and adjusting rates based on demand and availability to maximize revenue is quite the energ-draining task that a remote executive assistant can do for you. Whether you could save money by upping your prices due to a local holiday or because of Christmas weekend, having an assistant to do the necessary research and listing updates is invaluable. 

7. Reviews and Feedback: 

Encouraging guests to leave reviews and managing responses to reviews to maintain a positive online reputation, as well as assessing the validity of all responses and any claims, will be your EA’s task once you onboard them into your operations. The idea for this task is for them to be the first and last point of contact guests have, and make requesting a review a little less awkward thanks to the continued familiarity between the two parties.

How To Hire a Virtual Assistant for Aibnb:

When looking for potential virtual assistants for your Airbnb business, it’s best to consider the following strategies to find the right candidates:

1. Online Freelance Platforms: 

Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are popular platforms where you can find virtual assistants with experience in Airbnb management. You can browse profiles, read reviews, and hire freelancers based on your specific needs all within the same platform.

2. Specialized Virtual Assistants: 

Some freelance EAs specialize in providing services for Airbnb hosts, making this niche their particular area of expertise. Here, you should look for candidates with relevant experience in hospitality and Airbnb assistance/management to ensure you’re interviewing the right professionals.

3. Networking:

Networking can help you find recommendations for virtual assistants who have worked well for other hosts. This is an easy way to find someone trusted to interview, so don’t hesitate to reach out to other Airbnb hosts or join online communities and forums where hosts share tips and resources. 

4. Social Media and Job Boards: 

You can try to post your job requirements on social media platforms like LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and industry-specific job boards. This can be a good way find qualified candidates who are actively seeking virtual assistant roles and have an active presence in social media - which can really help for the role of VA. 

5. VA Agencies: 

Depending on the region you want to hire from, you may find local agencies that specialize in providing virtual assistant services and hiring these professionals themselves. These VA agencies can help you find candidates who are familiar with the Airbnb business by taking the weight of the recruitment work off your shoulders yet still providing clear, regular communication. 

Consider Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Airbnb? We Can help! 

As you decide on hiring a virtual assistant for your Airbnb business, remember that effective integration and productivity are key to maximizing their impact. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can know what to expect when hiring an Airbnb EA to streamline your operations, enhance guest experiences, and ultimately, grow your business. If you're looking for an experienced to help you in finding and hiring a virtual assistant, we’d be happy to help. At a Team Overseas, we dedicate ourselves to helping busy entrepreneurs like you connect with qualified virtual assistants who can meet your specific needs and contribute to your Airbnb success. Contact us today to learn more about our services!