When I started my Airbnb Cozy Chattel House, I knew it would be a fun opportunity to put on my marketing hat. I also knew that in order for it to succeed it had to feel different for guests right away in the app. Not just a nice place to stay—but a space where couples or digital nomads could relax, work, and feel at home. I didn’t have fancy extras like a pool or a beach within walking distance, so I focused on what I could offer.
Result: In just three months (felt longer tbh), my listing made it into the Top 10% of homes on Airbnb. Here’s how I did it—step by step with niche marketing.
Identify the Right Opportunity
Before I set anything up, I did some digging. I researched Airbnb listings in my area using free versions of tools like AirDNA and Airbitics to figure out which types of homes were doing the best. I noticed that 2-bedroom listings were a revenue and bookings sweet spot. That made my decision easy.
I decided to narrow my targeting to couples, small groups, or digital nomads. These travellers wanted quiet, comfort, and a space to work. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, I focused on this audience type—and planned everything else around their needs. That choice made the next steps much easier.
Design It Just for Them
Once I knew who I was designing for, I made every decision with them in mind. I wanted the space to feel like a home away from home. I didn’t just want guests to think of the space as just a place to sleep—I wanted them to feel as comfortable in our Airbnb as they felt in their own homes.
To attract remote workers, I added a fully equipped dedicated office space with a desk and good lighting, full kitchen and bathroom and a colour theme that was easy on the eye but not too overwhelming or too quirky. I mixed in modern details with some traditional island charm so the space felt both updated but tropical and authentic.
I spent time researching what amenities were offered by super hosts in the top-rated homes on Airbnb so I added those too. How did I do? One guest said:
“The place was beautifully designed and had all the right amenities… I will without a doubt try to book this place on my next trip to Barbados.”
Differentiate with Experience
Since I didn’t have a beach in walking distance or a pool on the premises, I knew I had to stand out in other ways. I focused on taking away the stress of finding a taxi at the airport, trying to find the listing for the first time and checking in without a hitch, giving guests the best first impression possible. From the moment they booked to the day they checked out, I wanted everything to feel smooth, easy, and personal and comfortable reaching out to me.
Here are a few more things I did to make their stay special:
- A welcome gift with local snacks and drinks
- A coffee and tea station so they could hydrate and unwind after a long flight
- 2 air conditioners and a fan to keep them cool
- Personal touches like a whiteboard and felt board with their names on it as they enter for the first time
These little things made a big difference:
“The best part of our stay was the host… picking us up from the airport, taking us to the beach, and sharing great recommendations.”
By focusing on hospitality and comfort, I was able to turn a simple space into something memorable.
The Result?
All of this work paid off. In just 3 months, my Airbnb was ranked in the Top 10% of listings on the platform. All of my reviews were five stars. But more than that, I got guests who were truly happy and excited to come back.
They didn’t care that I didn’t have a pool. They didn’t mind not being near the beach. Because what I offered made up for it—and more. Guests felt safe, comfortable, and cared for. Some came for a few days and wished they could stay longer. Others said it felt just like home.
I believe that’s what made the biggest difference. I didn’t try to be the best at everything. I just focused on the few things I could do really well:
- A warm, cozy design
- A great place to work and relax
- An experience that felt personal and easy
That’s what helped me build a top-performing Airbnb—and it’s how I plan to keep improving, one stay at a time.