How to target and win over your ideal guests
Discover StyQR's tips for targeting and winning over your ideal guests, so you can increase bookings for your Airbnb rental.
Stand outfrom the competitionYou rent out your property on Airbnb or a similar platform, but you're not getting as many bookings as you'd like? Your property has its own strengths, so why not stand out from the competition by targeting only certain guest profiles?
To fill up your booking calendar, your listing needs to be appealing, both in terms of the photos and the description of your property.
We've identified the different guest profiles for you, along with their search criteria, and we're sharing our tips and tricks for winning them over!
BusinesstravellersThey travel for work, on short stays. Price isn't their priority (their expenses are usually covered by their company), but they are demanding when it comes to the practical side of your property. They're looking for efficiency and the ability to concentrate during their stay.
Their main criteria are:
Their criteria barely change from one trip to the next: a city-centre location or somewhere a few minutes from the meeting venue, a parking space for getting around or, failing that, public transport within walking distance, a wifi connection that is genuinely fast and reliable, and flexible check-in and check-out times.
Our tips for winning them over:
- Get the iron out of the cupboard
- Provide hangers for suits and jackets
- Leave out tea and coffee
- Free up a workspace (a desk or a suitable table)
Would you like to see an example of a property suited to this audience?
Inspire me!
CouplesShort breaks, weekends, holidays: their availability varies enormously.
They want to spend time together, just the two of them, which means they're looking for privacy.
Your winning card here is romance!
Their main criteria are:
What they look at comes down to three things: a peaceful, idyllic property with a cosy atmosphere, attractive surroundings such as a lovely view or a romantic town, and a spacious, comfortable double bed.
Our tips for winning them over:
- Decorate your rooms with plants and flowers
- Leave a welcome bottle and/or some chocolates
- Provide toiletries (bath bomb, moisturiser, etc.)
- Leave out candles and everything needed for a candlelit dinner
- Give the address of your local bakery for breakfast in bed
Would you like to see an example of a property suited to this audience?
Inspire me!
FamiliesFamilies with children travel mainly during the school holidays, usually for longer stays. Their aim is to enjoy quality time together, make the most of outdoor activities and get a little rest! These guests have to plan well in advance, and their trip leaves no room for surprises!
Their main criteria are:
A family looks first for a safe property that suits every member, from the youngest to the oldest, with equipment for children such as a cot and a high chair. Then it looks at the living space, a large kitchen and a dining room where everyone fits, and at the things to do in the surrounding area.
Our tips for winning them over:
- Set out your property's availability well in advance
- List all your amenities (parking, washing machine, dishwasher, children's equipment, etc.)
- Provide indoor and outdoor games (footballs, board games, etc.)
- Invest in a television (so parents can enjoy a peaceful nap!)
- Recommend things to do in your area to your guests
Would you like to see an example of a property suited to this audience?
Inspire me!
Groups of friendsThey travel for all sorts of occasions, for weekends or longer stays. If you're worried they might be a bit boisterous, some sites such as Airbnb include insurance covering any damage. Read up on it beforehand and hand over your keys without worry!
Their main criteria are:
A group of friends asks for flexibility above all, because juggling everyone’s diaries and wishes is never simple. Then comes entertainment, sports or thrill-seeking activities, nightlife, a pool or the sea nearby in summer, followed by convenient access with a town centre close by, public transport or parking for the car, and a large living space for spending time together.
Our tips for winning them over:
To win them over, allow last-minute bookings or free cancellation, and highlight what your town has to offer. And if your neighbours don’t mind, nothing stops you from allowing parties in your property. That last option is decided before you tick the box, not after.
Would you like to see an example of a property suited to this audience?
Inspire me!
Get yourwelcome rightYou now have everything you need to target, interest and delight your guests.
To support them during their stay, remember to write your welcome book with all the information they'll need (wifi code, local recommendations, door code, useful numbers, things to do, etc.).
To do that, you can use StyQR and create your digital welcome book free of charge. All your guests have to do is scan the QR code displayed in a decorative frame. StyQR lets you match the style of your welcome book to your audience thanks to the range of backgrounds on offer.
And finally, don't forget: a happy guest is a guest who will recommend you, and who may well come back!
Create your welcome book
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which traveler profile to prioritize? Start by analyzing the bookings you already receive and the reviews left by your guests. Identify the profile that appears most often, creates the fewest issues, and helps you fill your calendar. This is the profile you should nurture by adapting your amenities and listing description.
Do business travelers accept higher prices? Yes, typically. Price is not among their priorities because their expenses are often covered by their company. They prioritize convenience, reliable wifi, parking or transit access, and flexible check-in times. These are the aspects you should emphasize in your listing, not cost.
Can I refuse a group of friends booking due to damage concerns? Technically yes, but you'd be missing out. Insurance policies offered by Airbnb and similar platforms already protect you from damage claims. These policies cover losses, allowing you to rent with confidence. If you want to attract this profitable clientele, accept bookings and highlight the entertaining activities in your area.
Should I offer different amenities depending on the traveler profile? You're not required to change everything, but gradually adapting your amenities to match your target profile's expectations helps fill your calendar. For couples, focus on comfort and intimacy ; for families, invest in safety and child-friendly equipment ; for groups, provide games and shared spaces.
How do I inform my guests of everything they need to know on arrival? Write a comprehensive welcome guide with essential information : wifi code, local recommendations, building codes, useful numbers, recommended activities. You can create a digital welcome guide for free with StyQR, which your guests will discover by simply scanning a QR code. StyQR also lets you customize the style for your target clientele.
Why is a satisfied guest important for my business? A satisfied guest is likely to recommend you to friends and return for future stays. Both effects help fill your calendar sustainably without increasing your marketing budget. That's why caring for your hospitality and adapting your amenities to guest expectations is a profitable investment.
Each traveller profile has specific criteria and pressure points. Here's what genuinely attracts them.
| Profile | Priority criteria | Your seduction tactics |
|---|---|---|
| Business travellers | Central location, high-speed wifi, parking, flexible check-in times | Iron and ironing board, hangers for suits, workspace, coffee and tea |
| Couples | Peaceful setting, beautiful view, spacious comfortable double bed | Plants and flowers, welcome bottle and chocolates, candles, premium toiletries |
| Families with children | Safety, child equipment (cot, high chair), living space, local activities | List all amenities, indoor and outdoor games, TV, local activity recommendations |
| Friend groups | Flexibility, entertainment, proximity to town centre, large shared space | Allow last-minute bookings, free cancellation, highlight activities and nightlife |
