How To Start an Airbnb Business in Nigeria: a Complete Guide

There are continually increasing methods through which money can be made or one could make a living, and in the world today, those who have interest in making money should take a hold of great opportunities that present themselves. One of the numerous money making methods is through Airbnb. Surely, there are questions that are sure to arise on the subject of venturing into running an Airbnb business, especially in Nigeria. This article seeks to answer potential questions regarding the start and operation of Airbnb business in Nigeria.

What is Airbnb?

Airbnb is a popular online marketplace that enables property owners to list their homes, apartments, or rooms for short-term rentals. These visitors could be travelling visitors, visitors on a short visit, stranded visitors, visitors on vacation or even people in the same city who just need a place to relax away from home. Whichever way, the idea is just to have a cool environment away from home.

In Nigeria, the demand for comfort and affordability when it comes to accommodation is rising, and this offers a great opportunity to entrepreneurs that want to start an Airbnb business. There are Nigerians who’ve asked if Airbnb works in Nigeria and the answer to that is yes!. 

How Does Airbnb Work in Nigeria?

The same as every other country where this service is being offered, there are standard procedures and processes regarding the workings of Airbnb. 

A HOST who is usually the owner of the apartment lists their property on the Airbnb website. The listing is usually followed by the details of the apartment and the services offered. They could decide to promote it on social media or leave it to be discovered organically by people who visit the website.

Visitors, on the other hand, after finding an apartment that appeals to them, they can ask the agent questions about the facility. If they are convinced enough, the next step is to go ahead to book the apartment. It is just as seamless as making a hotel reservation.

While the prospect of generating high income can be tempting, it is important to consider if certain factors or reasons apply to you when thinking of starting an Airbnb business. Some of these factors include :

•Flexible working hours

•Interest in Real Estate

•The lucrativeness of Airbnb in Nigeria

•Exposure to International Markets

•Additional source of income

 All of the mentioned factors could be important determinants for venturing into the Airbnb business. The big question that needs to be answered now is how to go about this business.

How To Start an Airbnb Business In Nigeria?

After much consideration and the decision has been made to start an Airbnb business, it is wise to inquire how to go about the process. The procedures to follow have been outlined below:

•Getting An Apartment

This is the very first step and most vital when considering starting this business. Getting an apartment can be done either by building or renting. If you have enough money, building or buying an apartment is highly recommended. Renting an apartment can come with certain restrictions. But if an understanding exists between you and your landlord, all should go pretty well.

•Location

This is one factor that has the potential to affect the success or failure of your business. Just as in other countries, Airbnb in Nigeria will thrive based on the location choice. The location should be central and close to either the airport in the city or the heart of the city. The reasons for these are not hard to conceive.

People who travel into the city by air may want to use that place as a lodge. Also, those who have things to do in the city and stay for a while or those coming for vacation would prefer to stay in the heart of the city – this helps with navigation and proximity.

•Setting Up The Apartment

Apart from buying, building, or renting an apartment, setting up the apartment is an expensive process that just might take a large chunk of money out of your bank account. It is important to note that you want to ensure your visitors will have the best experience which could in turn give space for good reviews and more referrals. From ensuring the building is neat and well painted to furnishing, power generation, super-fast internet, security, cleaner, and other necessary services.

This process should be well thought through. If need be, get a professional to help set up so you don’t get overwhelmed by the process. 

•Register And List Your Property On Airbnb

After you handling the above steps, the next thing to do is register an account and list your apartment on Airbnb, do a few verifications and you are set . Once your listing is approved, you’ll begin to get impressions via the Airbnb search box.

Note that, when uploading images of your apartment, ensure you have the best quality images, and also make sure you display all the amenities you believe your potential visitors will love. This is not a place to be modest, Show it off! Your potential visitors will judge you by what they see on the website listing.

Lastly, maintenance culture has always been the bane of most visitors when they visit facilities. Ensure you maintain and keep it at an optimal level at all times. If you do these, you will be on top of your game and your business will thrive.

In a similar situation, you don't have to rely on Airbnb's algorithm to suggest your product, as many others are competing for that spot. Instead, you can use these tactics to gain an advantage.

1.Use social media: The world is largely digital, consequently, a smart strategy to adopt is marketing and advertising to a target audience on social media. There are thousands of people who spend hours on end on social media. Without a doubt, some of these people are sure to come across your services.

2.Blog about your business: Although having a website could be more practical in content and straightforward in tone, a blog offers more flexibility in terms of connecting directly with customers and sharing updates in a way that shows who you are, and what problem you intend to solve.

3.Host your guests: Actively serve as a good host once you have guests booked. This simply includes being available to attend to the needs of customers or guests and providing a clean, comfortable environment for them.

4.Manage your business: The importance of record keeping should never be understated when it comes to handling a business. To build a successful Airbnb business, it is important to manage your business effectively

5.Ensure the best quality of experience for guests: this is quite self explanatory. Asides the primary objective of generating income, the next best interest of any Airbnb business operator/owner should to provide top quality experience for guests. 

Overall, starting any business comes with its own struggles and the best way to navigate through is to have sound knowledge of whatever field of business you’re venturing into. There are Airbnb services operating in Nigeria and with the right knowledge of all the procedures involved, anyone who has interest can easily venture into this business and become an Airbnb operator or owner.