Airbnb virtual assistant, as the name suggests, is a person who assists or helps Airbnb hosts in completing day-to-day hosting tasks to improve guests’ experience.
A virtual assistant can be a single person or a team hired to run a short-term rental business. They make it easy for hosts to save time and focus on future growth, rather than checking off the same repetitive tasks they have been doing for so long.
The number of short-term rentals is increasing, so the demand for virtual assistants is growing. If you are a host with multiple listings, you should have a VA in your team.
But do you really need one? How can you hire one? Read on to learn this!
What Do Airbnb Virtual Assistants Do?
The responsibilities of a virtual assistant vary as per their agreement with the host. However, some typical hosting-related tasks a VA performs are the following:
- Book Guests
- Answer Guest Queries
- Coordinate Cleaning and Laundry
- Maintain the Property
- Calendar Management
- Manage Listings
- Handle Social Media Platforms
1. Book Guests
One of the main yet most obvious tasks a VA handles is booking guests.
They handle incoming booking reservation requests, check availability, and confirm bookings. If a guest has specific requirements when booking a stay, a VA also ensures they get what they want (if offered) before they finalize the stay.
They also ensure that bookings comply with the host’s rules, such as minimum stay requirements.
It is also the duty of the assistant to screen guests and do their best not to confirm a reservation with squatters. They review profiles, reviews, and ask questions to confirm this.
2. Answer Guest Queries
Guests have any questions before, during, or after their stay. A virtual assistant is always available to answer any of their queries.
They provide details about everything—the property, availability, house rules, amenities, the neighborhood, and much more.
If a guest has any concerns during the stay, VA addresses them. For example, they can resolve Wi-Fi issues, provide directions to nearby attractions, process special requests, etc.
Their replies are fast and accurate to make guests comfortable.
3. Coordinate Cleaning and Laundry
Once a guest leaves, the first thing that happens on a property is cleaning and preparing it for the next guests. A VA handles this part of the process.
If you have hired a VA from your neighborhood, they can do the cleaning themselves.
However, virtual Airbnb assistants coordinate with nearby cleaning teams to clean up the premises and do the laundry for bed linens, towels, and other items.
They schedule cleaning services, remind cleaners about special requirements, and verify completed work. They ensure the property is spotless before each guest arrives.
Why is a consistent cleaning routine so important? Because it ensures the property remains in top shape and meets guest expectations.
4. Maintain the Property
Along with cleaning, a VA can also contact local vendors to complete maintenance tasks.
If there is an issue with plumbing, electricity, or pest control, the VA contacts the right people to fix it. They can also manage regular care tasks (gardening, landscaping, or trash collection).
A VA keeps the property in top condition to provide great guest experiences.
5. Calendar Management
Proper calendar management is key to avoid any confusion or double booking. Right?
Hosts delegate this task to assistants as well.
Virtual assistants make necessary availability changes and mark reserved dates. If hosts have listed their properties across multiple platforms or websites, they sync their calendars across all to avoid double bookings.
The goal of calendar management is to ensure no reservations overlap.
6. Manage Listings
The key to attracting guests and booking is to have an attractive listing.
If the primary host doesn’t have the time to do so, their virtual assistant can help with it.
A VA can write a property description, upload high-quality photos, set the right price, and make other necessary changes to rank the listing higher.
If changes in local regulations or Airbnb policies require updates, the VA ensures compliance. They also handle reviews to ensure a 5-star rating.
7. Handle Social Media Platforms
Do you market your short-term rentals on social media platforms? If so, an assistant can help.
Virtual assistants create and manage content across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to promote the rental.
They create and schedule posts, reply to comments or messages, and share guest reviews. They can also run ad campaigns to reach more potential guests.
If the host runs paid promotions, the VA monitors campaigns to ensure effective results.
How Can You Hire a Virtual Assistant for Airbnb?
According to us, there are three best ways to hire a VA for Airbnb:
Train a family member or friend you trust and train them step-by-step until they acquire the necessary expertise.
Ask an existing host for connections. If you hire someone via a reference, they would most likely already have the necessary expertise.
Work with a team of professional co-hosts. They offer the virtual assistant service to help the primary host perform well.
Out of the three methods, we recommend opting for a well-trained, professional team. And if you don’t know any, DOSbnb is a perfect fit for you.
DOSbnb is a reputable name that provides Airbnb-specific virtual assistants. All our assistants are trained and experienced in handling short-term rental tasks.
They know how Airbnb works and are ready to help from day one.
Qualities and Traits Your VA Should Have
A few must-have skills for Airbnb virtual assistants are:
- Communication skills, especially in written English, to respond quickly, politely, and clearly.
- Enough tech knowledge to use Airbnb, booking sites, and tools like Google Drive.
- Good time management and problem-solving ability to handle issues calmly and stay organized.
- Experience in the short-term rental industry is a big plus.
Do You Really Need to Hire an Airbnb VA?
Whether you should hire a virtual assistant for Airbnb or not depends on three things:
- You are managing multiple listings
- You have no time to manage them all together
- You have enough budget to pay VA
If the answer to all the questions is yes simultaneously, you definitely need an assistant.
Most of the time, STR hosts are wearing all the hats—they are doing all the tasks themselves, which leaves them with no time to think about the future.
In such cases, it becomes necessary to have an STR assistant to delegate all repetitive tasks. This gives you enough time to think about the growth.
Conclusion
Airbnb virtual assistant is a big help if you’re too busy handling everything on your own.
They handle daily tasks such as booking guests, responding to messages, and maintaining the cleanliness of the place. They also help manage your calendar, listings, and even social media.
This saves you time and lets you focus on growing your business.
If you have more than one property and don’t have enough time, hiring a VA is a smart move.
FAQs
Can I Hire Someone to Manage My Airbnb?
Yes, you can hire a virtual assistant to manage your Airbnb. It is a common practice, especially for owners who don't live near the property or want to reduce their workload.
Are Airbnb Assistants Available on Freelance Platforms?
Yes, Airbnb assistants, also known as virtual assistants for Airbnb, offer their services on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
Can an Airbnb VA Handle Multiple Properties?
If you find an experienced virtual assistant, they can handle multiple properties. The exact number depends on their experience and the complexities of your properties.
Even if a VA can handle multiple properties, it is best to start with handling one or two. Once you assess their skills and they get used to it, gradually increase their workload.
Is Hiring a Virtual Assistant Tax-Deductible?
The amount you pay to a virtual assistant is considered a business expense. So, yes, you can deduct the VA cost from the taxable amount to save some bucks.
Can Airbnb VA Help with Legal and Tax Compliance?
They can if they have the knowledge of local laws related to tax and short-term rentals. Still, it is best to hire a certified accountant for detailed tax filings.
