Live There
Airbnb have just launched a new marketing campaign – and it looks set to establish them as a main player in the industry.
I only heard about Airbnb last year and I almost booked my summer holiday through the site, but in the end I opted for a slightly more traditional website. But, I was impressed with the service and surprised a the number of properties already available. What seemed to start out as a way to find a bed to crash on has quickly evolved into a major “hotel” booking company.
Airbnb has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years, and is now one of the main websites that travellers use to find somewhere to stay during their trip. So it’s no surprise that they’re just unveiled their biggest marketing campaign ever. It’s set to cement their place in the short-term holiday rentals industry, and change the way we think about holidaying.
Offering Domething Different
Part of Airbnb’s appeal is that staying in their properties offers a home away from home experience in a way that a hotel does not. This idea is the heart of their “Live There” campaign.
If you’re not quite sure how it works, here’s a quick reminder. Those looking to let their property list it on Airbnb’s website, while those wanting somewhere to stay simply state their preference of when and where they want to travel. The real difference though, is that Airbnb offers tourists a far richer experience then they would get staying somewhere else. You can stay with a local, learn all about their way of life and pick up some insider knowledge about your destination.
A Pioneering Campaign
It’s this experience that Airbnb are referring to in their latest ad campaign, in which they say that travellers shouldn’t just ‘go somewhere’ – they should ‘live’ there. “The number one reason people chose to travel on Airbnb is they want to live like a local,” says Airbnb founder Brian Chesky. “They don’t want to be tourists stuck in long lines, fighting with the crowds to see the same thing as everyone else.” It’s this talk of cultural immersion that runs through the campaign – which also involves a new tailored search engine for potential travellers. This will be based on each person’s unique preferences – and Airbnb are hoping to roll it out across 700 neighbourhoods in over two dozen cities across the globe.
A Dpecial Connection
It’s not just advertising and search engine development that Airbnb are focusing on though. The connection between host and guest is something that they really like to promote, and they’re hoping that their latest venture will build on that further. They’re asking hosts to help them to compile online guidebooks full of tips for their guests. They’re going to launch this for over three dozen cities, and travellers will be able to access millions of pieces of local know-how.
It’s Easier Than Ever To Find The Perfect Place To Stay
There are Airbnb properties all over the world – I recently found myself looking at some lovely cottages in southern France. The company’s success doesn’t look set to slow down any time soon – and that’s down to two things. Airbnb properties are a lot cheaper than hotels, and allow travellers to see some of the most famous destinations in the world in a whole new light. Thanks to their new marketing campaign, it’s easier than ever for people to find the perfect property for them.
So would you take the plunge and immerse yourself into a new way of life? Whether it’s for a weekend or a month, Airbnb means that you can shake off the tourist tag and simply live like a local. There’s never been a more rewarding way to travel.
