Navigating Airbnb’s Journey to Build a Robust MVP For App Success

It’s simple to look back on the beginnings of famous brands and sense an air of predictability. However, the environment in the beginning stages of development for many companies was quite different from what it is today. Disrupters, in essence, change the market they’re entering. They all have to agree that they will place a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) into the hands of customers in the shortest time possible. They then compare their ideas against actual data and keep iterating.

It’s sometimes difficult for those in the industry to accept that starting from something so small is the most effective method to build something that can eventually benefit millions of customers. However, these examples demonstrate that. At Techugo, the best mobile app development company, the best way to create an effective product is to begin with an MVP. The series we’re discussing will look at Startup success stories to understand how to build the next great thing.

What Is Airbnb?

Airbnb, also known as “Air Bed and Breakfast,” is a website that allows property owners to rent their properties to people seeking a stay. It is possible to rent a room for a group of people to share or a shared space with individual rooms. Owners can also rent the whole property to guests.

Founded in 2008, Airbnb was created by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, two designers who had recently moved from San Francisco. In a position of not being able to pay the rent for their apartment, the couple thought of making the funds they required by renting their house to people who could not find accommodation in hotels while attending trade shows nearby.

They put air mattresses in their living room for guests to lie on. They also prepared a homemade breakfast each morning. Since then, Airbnb has become one of the pioneers of peer–to–peer property rental.

Also Read – Developing Your Own Self-Check-In Hotel Booking App: A Comprehensive Guide

Airbnb Features That You Must Check When Building an App Like Airbnb

The primary thing you should incorporate into your minimum viable product is features. There are indeed Airbnb functions you can’t miss in your app for renting homes you plan to build.

1. Search for Last-Minute Accommodation

Last-minute accommodations can be a major hassle, but not with Airbnb. If you plan to make a copy of the app, you must add this function. What is the procedure? The homeowners have agreed to accommodate for bookings on the same day. Therefore, only those who have decided will be listed if you search for bookings on the same day through the app. Based on the location of your home and other factors, you can decide to book the house which best meets your needs.

Naturally, if you accept same-day bookings from homeowners, ensure you meet strict standards. This will ensure that you have genuine homeowners and can provide some value to customers when they submit their applications.

If you select the same-day booking, you will be asked how many nights you plan to spend at the property. The host will have a period to approve or deny your reservation. If you are accepted, you will have a host waiting to welcome you, as well as a room that will be able to accommodate you for the duration of your stay.

Incorporating this function in your business application will boost the appointments and remove the problems individuals encounter when their meetings are extended or canceled when they are away from the city. This feature can assist people in dealing with emergency accommodation requirements.

2. Save Favorite Rental Homes and Places

Have you visited a specific homestay or viewed something beautiful on the app, and are you sure you’d like to see the place soon? You can save these locations on the app and then return to them as you finalize the location. This way, you don’t need to look for the area again, and booking it will be easy.

If you’re creating an app like Airbnb, It is essential to incorporate the Save Your Most-loved Places feature. So, guests can browse different locations and save their top choices or those they believe can be feasible and suitable specifically for them. When they are prepared to book their reservations or use a renting-a-house app, they can go to the home, and the save function will allow them to keep track of these homestays or homes.

This is an excellent feature as it can save time when repeatedly searching for a house.

3. Invite friends using one Click to Plan a Trip Together

Thanks to this feature, planning a trip for friends is easy. Like Airbnb, you can add the one-click invite feature on your app. You can also allow your guests to view the places you plan to book, making planning easier. If you’re contemplating an excursion to Paris and considering the same accommodations, you can pick the one that best fits your budget and preferences.

This feature eliminates the stress of chatting, submitting images, and talking until you’re exhausted and bored with bookings. It offers your customers a means to make bookings simple and easy.

If you want to become an Airbnb imitation, one of the first things you should offer is the ability to make reservations quickly. This aims to make bookings through the mobile app simple and easy. The app should let you select a date and time with a single click. The bare essentials must be provided to complete the reservations.

Your app should allow users to use information already in the app to complete bookings. Making the booking app simple for users will improve their experience and increase sales on your app for mobile devices.

4. In-app Messaging

You can’t avoid this feature when you build an Airbnb-like replica. It is the sole source of communication with your customers, which also makes their lives easier. If they need assistance booking or are experiencing issues regarding bookings or payments, the in-app messaging feature can help them quickly. It lets the user contact support immediately and let them know what steps must be implemented immediately.

You could use chatbots to assist customers and then have real people help with the support within the app or have resources available to provide in-app support. Whatever you choose, you can connect to more customers and improve the user experience and interaction.

5. Real-time Alerts and Booking Notifications

Imagine you’re thinking of booking a homestay but decide to reserve it later. Then you notice a dramatic decrease in the cost of the homestay. How do you find out? With the real-time alerts issued by the application. Also, when your booking is confirmed or if there are slight modifications regarding your booking, the push notifications will be in real-time to help you.

This is why it’s essential to include these notifications within the app you’re developing for your company. The app must send customized messages and alerts based on the user’s browsing behavior and the reservations made by the final client. In this way, the user’s app use will rise, eventually resulting in increased bookings.

6. Ratings and Reviews to Share Experiences

It is essential to let people know that your homestays are good in addition to the significant aspects of the homestay for those who plan to reserve it. What can you do to tell them? Refer to the reviews and ratings you’ve gathered from clients who previously booked these stays via your app.

Be sure to include this feature. Make it user-friendly so mobile app users can write ratings and reviews.

Impact of Airbnb’s Global Strategy

Airbnb’s global strategy’s efficiency could be measured using various metrics that provide helpful information about its international expansion and user acceptance. Here are a few of the most important ones:

1. Hosting Listings, Active and Internal Hosts 

The number of places you can remain on Airbnb is incredible, and that’s one of the main reasons they’ve been so successful worldwide. In 2023, they had 7 million listings and unique accommodations in various places. 

The vast range of listings means you can find something to suit everyone’s needs, whether you’re a backpacker with the tightest budget or looking for a luxurious holiday home. However, not only the sheer quantity but also the quality and variety of listings prove that Airbnb’s approach of creating an environment that is welcoming for hosts across the globe is working.

2. User Growth and Engagement

Another method to gauge the effectiveness of Airbnb’s global plan is to examine the number of people using the site. The number of active users is growing worldwide, which suggests that Airbnb is now a well-known option for booking travel. However, it’s not only about the numbers; how users use the platform is also important.

Through tracking things like the frequency with which users seek out rentals, how often they book, as well as how they use the site generally, Airbnb can get an idea of how satisfied users are and if they’re coming to return to book more. The high user engagement shows that people aren’t just searching for accommodation on Airbnb; they’re actively using it to organize and plan their vacations. This is a massive victory for Airbnb and also confirms that their strategy is making their platform more user-friendly and accessible to travelers from all over the world.

3. Guest Reviews and Ratings

Positive reviews from guests and eminent ratings are vital to building trust and attracting new customers on Airbnb. A well-designed global strategy ensures the best user experience across cultures and languages. By providing a seamless booking process, transparent communications between hosts and guests, and offering a variety of top-quality listings, Airbnb can cultivate a customer base much more inclined to provide favorable reviews, accelerating its expansion and establishing a good reputation.

Also Read – Mobile Apps and the UK Property Market: A New Way to Buy and Rent Homes

Reviews with high ratings are a source of social evidence for Airbnb, ensuring future travelers can count on an enjoyable experience no matter where they decide to stay.

Early Challenges of Airbnb

Here are a few of the difficulties Airbnb faced in the beginning. Check out the following list.

1. Impact on Local Housing Market

One of the significant issues with Airbnb is its potential impact on local housing markets, specifically in urban areas with little housing stock. Some critics argue that the growth of short-term rentals may result in housing shortages and the rise in rents for long-term residents since the properties are turned into profitable short-term rentals instead of being accessible to residents.

2. Regulatory and Legal Issues

The rapid expansion of Airbnb has brought about legal and regulatory issues in numerous regions. Local governments have had to develop appropriate regulations to tackle concerns over guest safety, zoning regulations, taxation, and compliance with existing hospitality laws. Finding a balance between encouraging creativity and safeguarding communities’ rights is a huge issue.

3. Disruptive Effects on Traditional Hospitality Industry

Airbnb has revolutionized the hotel industry by providing competitors with fewer regulations and a lower overhead cost. Hotels could claim that this disparity creates an unfair playing field that is detrimental to their business. Furthermore, the temporary nature of Airbnb’s accommodation could affect the dynamics of neighborhoods along with social cohesion.

Also Read – Tap Into Success: Mobile Apps Revolutionize Hotels

4. Quality and Safety Concerns

Some critics of Airbnb express concern over the lack of consistency in quality standards and safety rules compared with established hotels. Although Airbnb has taken steps to improve safety measures, for example, introducing host verifications along with guest review reviews, instances related to property loss, theft, or insufficient accommodation continue to occur, posing a risk for guests and hosts.

Key Factors Behind the Rise of Airbnb

Airbnb has grown into an international brand and is a game changer within the hotel industry in less than ten years. Through its website platform, Airbnb has changed how people travel and stay, allowing individuals to lease their homes, apartments, or even rooms to tourists. 

What are the most critical factors that have led to the phenomenal success of Airbnb? Let’s examine the most essential elements that have contributed to the rapid rise of Airbnb.

1. Innovative Business Model

Airbnb’s innovative business model is the secret to its success. Using the idea of the sharing economy, Airbnb built an application that allows users to earn money from the space they have left. This innovative approach allows guests and hosts to choose a cheaper alternative than standard hotel rooms.

2. Airbnb’s top Priority was Offering a Seamless and User-Friendly Experience

The site allows users to locate a suitable lodging option through an easy user interface, a fast booking process, and numerous search options. Airbnb has also developed a comprehensive evaluation system, which boosts customer confidence and allows them to base their decisions on reviews of previous guests.

3. Security and trust Building trust was Crucial for Airbnb’s Growth

Airbnb has taken various steps to safeguard the safety of hosts and guests. Secure user profiles, verified user profile payments, and an extensive review system are just a few of the security measures. By placing security and trust first, Airbnb created a reliable and secure system that has attracted customers from all over the globe.

4. Expanding Globally and Localizing Airbnb’s Success

Airbnb’s success is directly linked to its plans for growth internationally. Airbnb made a significant investment in adapting its platform to local conditions, meeting the needs and preferences of users in various countries and regions. The localization strategy was instrumental in helping Airbnb gain traction in many areas and helped create an atmosphere of global community. Innovative marketing strategies supported this.

5. Accepting Technology and the Power of Technology

Airbnb used technology to enhance customer experience and improve business processes. Airbnb’s platform allows safe payment transactions, instant communication between hosts and guests, and powerful algorithms to connect guests with the right accommodation. Through the latest technology available, Airbnb automated several processes, increasing efficiency and reducing friction.

6. Unique and Authentic Experiences

Apart from offering accommodation, Airbnb tapped into the increasing demand for unique and authentic vacation experiences. The company launched “Experiences,” which allows hosts to host visitors’ experiences, excursions, or workshops. The platform benefited from this variety, allowing hosts to show their talents and passions while providing visitors with unforgettable and unique experiences.

7. Rapid and Adaptive Response

Airbnb displayed an adaptable and flexible response to evolving customer needs and market trends. Based on market trends and user feedback, Airbnb continuously redesigned its platform by adding additional features and services. Due to its commitment to continuous development and innovation, Airbnb was capable of staying ahead of the pack and competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Key Takeaways and Learnings

The phenomenal growth of Airbnb worldwide provides abundant information for companies looking to duplicate its success on the global stage. Here’s a look at the most critical factors that have led to Airbnb’s success:

1. Community is at the Core

Airbnb prioritizes fostering a robust and active worldwide community of travelers and hosts. The human connection is the key to the company’s success. User-generated content, which includes photos and reviews from actual travelers, creates confidence and trust. It’s a sharp contrast to the dull experiences of traditional hotels and resonates with modern-day travelers who are seeking unique and engaging experiences.

2. Localization to be Relevant

Airbnb understands that more than a simple translation of their platform will be required. They carelessly localize their products to connect with diverse languages and cultures. This goes beyond translating content. Imagine looking for the perfect vacation home in Italy and finding ads in English with prices listed in USD. 

Airbnb solves this problem by offering properties and experiences that cater to the specific preferences of each region. It could be a case of showing vacation rentals that are popular with families from Japan or arranging tours and activities that are aligned with the cultural and tourist interests of Morocco. In addition, Airbnb ensures prices are shown in local currency and can accommodate local payment methods, eliminating friction during the booking process.

3. Data-driven Decision Making

Airbnb doesn’t operate on intuition on its own. They rely on data to constantly improve their strategies and ensure the platform is functional and globally user-friendly. The most critical metrics, such as the number of listings acts, five users, and guest reviews, give helpful information. 

Monitoring metrics for user engagement, such as search volume and booking night availability, allows them to assess users’ satisfaction and determine areas that could be improved. This approach, based on data, will ensure that Airbnb constantly adapts to the ever-changing demands of its global public.

3. A Hallmark of Adaptability

A traveler’s experience is an evolving ecosystem, so Airbnb recognizes the necessity of flexibility. From navigating complicated rules in emerging markets to keeping ahead of fierce competition, the ability to change strategies is vital. Airbnb exhibits this flexibility by working with local governments to develop guidelines for short-term rentals in particular areas. They also closely monitor competitor offerings and adjust their value proposition to stand out in the market. Ultimately, they are active in empowering travelers with flexibility.

Tips for Running a Successful Airbnb Property

In addition to 5.6 million listings across more than 220 nations and areas in September 2020, Airbnb has achieved unparalleled growth in its market since its launch. Although it’s been the subject of some controversy, Airbnb’s success is based on the capability of anyone who wants to advertise an additional space on their website. If you’re thinking about renting your residence, apartment, or other property through Airbnb, here are ten tips to run an efficient Airbnb business.

1. Quality Photographs Make a Difference

The time you spend taking professional-quality photos is worth it. Ten photographs of your home are a good number. Photographs should show your property’s uniqueness, surroundings, and facilities. Hiring professional photographers since the quality of photos has dramatically improved on the Airbnb website in the past. Professional photos can help make your listing stand out from the crowd. One owner reported exchanging the night’s stay at his house for professional photography, which increased reservations.

2. Time

Renting out a house through Airbnb is a significant time commitment if you wish to succeed. Prepare to commit a part of your day to the job. One benefit traditional hotels provide is the time since booking a room in a hotel requires one contact. In contrast, obtaining an Airbnb space Airbnb requires several interactions with hosts. To reduce the wait time, guests must be attentive to messages and ready to reply at any moment.

3. First Impressions

Although it’s not as easy as it could seem, a warm and friendly attitude is an important factor in determining Airbnb hosts. The most successful hosts are people who can imagine themselves as guests. Responding quickly and courteously to guest inquiries can result in more trust and a stronger connection, increasing the chance that guests will choose your services over someone else.

4. Individualized Experience

To be different on Airbnb, Think about the kind of experience you’ll provide to potential guests. With the plethora of listings available on the site, hosts who emphasize the amenities of their home, including nearby activities or the kind of experiences a guest might enjoy there, will get more attention than hosts who just list the information about the property.

5. Price

One of the main reasons people opt to lease Airbnb properties is that it’s cheaper than staying in a hotel. A reasonable price for the listing will increase the chance of guests leaving a favorable review. This, in turn, generates a multiplier effect, which is essential to a property’s success. Furthermore, hosts can use Airdna, an online platform designed for hosts, to determine how they can make revenue by utilizing analytics.

6. Response Time

Rapid response is vital to providing the best possible experience for your guests. It can help reduce the chance of guests interested in booking other than your establishment. Preparing responses will help you reduce the time needed to respond to questions from potential guests.

7. Installing a Lockbox

If guests are late or experiencing delays in their travel, one way to cut down on time is to install an electronic lockbox or smart lock. This way, hosts don’t need to stay up to hand out guests the keys all night. Instead, guests can check themselves into their Airbnb accommodation.

8. Legalities

The laws governing renting out properties through Airbnb differ from city to city. For example, San Francisco, Portland, and Paris recently enacted laws requiring Airbnb hosts to pay taxes. For New York, the Multiple Dwelling Law makes it illegal to lease a home for less than a month if the owner isn’t present. You must know the laws that apply to your particular city.

9. Cleaning Service

Cleaning your home yourself instead of hiring a professional cleaning service is a way to save money. Some hosts prefer to contract out this task and charge a cleaning cost for short-term rentals.

10. Detail

Successful hosts focus on the details. Apart from supplying your kitchen with essentials, it is also advisable to have books, board games, films, and entertainment alternatives for your guests. Also, ensure that your kitchen is equipped with the right equipment and appliances to use, is in good working order, and is readily available. The pantry should be stocked with coffee, condiments, and tea. Some hosts even bring an alcoholic beverage for guests to drink when they first arrive. Others offer welcome gifts.

Conclusion 

Ultimately, Airbnb’s marketing strategy was critical to the company’s success. Airbnb used social media to grow its following and partnered with well-known travelers and travel writers to spread the word about the service. They also developed captivating content, such as the “Live There” campaign, which encouraged travelers to “live like a local” in their travel destinations. Airbnb’s overall success is due to several factors, including an innovative business model, innovative use of technology, and intelligent marketing. By disrupting the traditional hospitality industry and delivering a more authentic experience for travelers, Airbnb has changed the perception of traveling.

Techugo, a leading mobile app development company, understands the intricacies of building a platform like Airbnb. Our expertise lies in creating robust, scalable, and user-friendly applications that can handle the demands of a global marketplace. We can help you build a platform that connects hosts and guests seamlessly, ensuring secure transactions and exceptional user experiences.

From developing intuitive search and booking functionalities to implementing advanced payment gateways and robust security measures, our team can deliver a world-class solution tailored to your needs. We can also assist in crafting compelling marketing strategies to attract users and drive growth, just like Airbnb did.

Partnering with Techugo can be the first step in your journey to revolutionize the hospitality industry and create a platform that resonates with travelers worldwide. So wait no more and get in touch with us today to discuss your minimum viable product.