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How local businesses can make money with Airbnb Services

4-minute read

Hair stylist straightening a blonde woman's hair at home
Image credit: Detkov D/stock.adobe.com

There’s a new way to make money on Airbnb – and you don’t need to own a property. 

The online marketplace for holiday homes has launched a service that connects businesses with people travelling and booking stays through Airbnb. Now chefs, massage therapists, and other service-based businesses can reach potential customers by listing on the platform.  

With Airbnb Services, businesses can advertise a personal service that people can book to enhance their stays. Now anything from hair styling services for wedding guests to personal training for those who love to keep up their fitness can be listed on the Airbnb app. 

Interested in seeing if your business can find new customers and make money through Airbnb? Keep reading for how to get started with Airbnb Services. We also have guides on how to create Airbnb Experiences and run a holiday let.

What can you offer with Airbnb Services? 

Airbnb Services is all about enhancing the experience of people travelling. If your small business offers any of these services, then you could unlock extra income by offering a personalised service on Airbnb: 

  • photography
  • private chef
  • catering 
  • prepared meals
  • massage
  • personal trainer 
  • make-up 
  • hair styling
  • spa treatments
  • nails

Depending on you and your business, you can visit people at their Airbnb property or have them come to you. 

Check out the competition and find out more about Airbnb Services already available in your area.

How to list your business on Airbnb

You’ll need an Airbnb account to start hosting. Once you’re signed in, navigate to ‘Become a host’ and select ‘Service’. 

To create your listing you’ll need to:

  • write an overview – describe you, your expertise, and the service you’re offering
  • add photos – these should show the activity and real people 
  • set pricing – consider different prices for 121 versus small group bookings 
  • submit for review – Airbnb will review your listing and may suggest changes, ask you to upload licences, or show proof of insurance

Airbnb says it reviews businesses to check for reputation, certifications, and experience.

Once your listing’s approved, you can publish it and start reaching customers. 

Should I advertise my business on Airbnb Services? 

Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of using Airbnb Services as a small business to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Pros

  • reach new customers
  • you can charge more for offering a personal service
  • free marketing (you’ll get promoted in Airbnb emails to guests and in the app when they’re planning their stay and during their trip) 
  • you can choose your availability 
  • helpful in-app metrics and guest reviews 
  • it’s free to list your service

Cons

  • it’s a new offering, so might not be as popular with guests yet
  • relies on a location that’s already got lots of Airbnb properties (although in time people might simply search Experiences even if they haven’t booked accommodation through Airbnb)
  • Airbnb takes a 15 per cent service fee from the payout of every service booked 

Ultimately, whether you choose to list your service with Airbnb is up to you. But if you think you’d enjoy creating a personalised experience for people travelling in your local area, then it could be an exciting new opportunity to explore. 

Airbnb Services doesn’t require you to have a business set up already, so it could provide a way to test an idea as a side hustle. Or it could help you reach more customers as part of a wider marketing plan. 

Whatever stage your business is at, it’s essential to make sure you have the licences you need and meet any other regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, business insurance will protect you if anyone gets ill or is injured as a result of your business. 

You’ll also need to register as self-employed and pay taxes to HMRC, so make sure you’re clued up on how to report your income.

Read more guides for small businesses

Written by

Catriona Fuller

Catriona Fuller is a content and marketing professional with 12 years’ experience across the financial services, higher education, and insurance sectors. She’s also a trained NCTJ Gold Standard journalist. As a Senior Copywriter at Simply Business, Catriona has in-depth knowledge of small business concerns and specialises in tax, marketing, and business operations. Catriona lives in the seaside city of Brighton where she’s also a freelance yoga teacher.

This content is for general, informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Please obtain expert advice from industry-specific professionals who may better understand your business’s needs. Read our full disclaimer