EP147: Airbnb Experiences

Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe it’s surfing, or nature photography, or even burlesque? It can be intimidating to seek out experiences like that on your own if you don’t know anyone in the scene.Airbnb Experiences is designed to give guests an opportunity to try something extraordinary – with a welcoming expert host who can’t wait to share their city with you. Cat LaCohie, otherwise known as Vixen DeVille, is an Airbnb Experience host in Los Angeles who shares the world of burlesque with guests who are curious about the art form.Today Cat shares the process of developing an experience with Airbnb, the specifics of what’s involved in her one- and three-day experiences, and the advantages the program provides to travelers. And if you’re interested in becoming a host yourself, Cat offers invaluable advice regarding how to create a unique experience. Topics CoveredThe qualities the company is looking for in Airbnb Experience hosts•Welcoming•Willingness to meet and spend time with guestsWhy Airbnb approached Cat to serve as host•Her niche in burlesque fit the wide spectrum of interests Airbnb was going for•Cat’s Yelp reviews spoke to her approach in working with othersAirbnb’s initial approach in developing experiences•Provide a range of activities•Select interesting and fun hostsHow Airbnb provided support in developing each distinct experience•Marketing copy•Promotional photos, videos•Hosts paid for time during beta testing (though experiences offered for free)•Provided retainer for hosts to ensure availability during testing phase•Airbnb employees did experiences themselves to provide feedbackCat’s one-day experience•‘Pregame’ dress up and selfies•Burlesque showCat’s three-day immersion•Day One – attend burlesque show•Day Two – class with Cat to learn burlesque technique•Day Three – photo shoot with costumesThe benefits of Airbnb Experiences vs. a typical tourist experience•Extraordinary activities•Expert guidance•Part of a group – instantlyThe diverse guests Cat has hosted•Groups with genuine interest in pursuing burlesque•Individuals moving to LA and looking to make interesting friends•Older women looking to get a new lease on lifeCat’s advice to potential Airbnb Experience hosts•Develop an experience that is linked to your passion•Be sure you have an ‘in’ (share your world/network)•Be flexible and adapt to your guests’ requests•Interact and show interest in your guests•Choose activities that a visitor would NOT know about (rather than what’s ‘popular’)The financial aspects of hosting an experience•Cat’s one-day experience costs $99 for four hours•Airbnb receives 20%•Cat’s expenses include show tickets, drinks, photographer/makeup artist fees•The more people participating, the more lucrative•One person doing one-day experience, only $30 profit•Six people, as much as $500 profit in one nightResources Airbnb Experiences Hosting Info Connect with CatCat’s Airbnb Burlesque Experience‘Vixen DeVille’ WebsiteConnect with JasperEmail: [email protected]: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.