It may appear that there are numerous competitors in the vacation rental market, however, big players app like Airbnb only operate in 10-15% of the market. It is possible to localize a market and create an application such as Airbnb, which could become a big player in the market.  

In this blog, we would like to simplify the procedure of constructing the travel application. we feel you have probably worked with many start-ups and appreciate that setting up a business that is based on technology can always be demanding.

The goal of this article is to alleviate those difficulties and provide you with the information to create an application that targets your users’ needs and appeals to their preferences. 

If you’re interested in starting the process or would like to see how 1storeapp can assist you in bringing your application idea to life, deepen our application development services, or contact our advisors. 

An app like Airbnb allows its hosts to offer their homes for rent and the clients to look for accommodations, make bookings, and pay online.

In addition to the mentioned basic features, it is useful to add another feature that relates to correspondence within the application and the possibility of rating both the host and the guest to significantly enhance the user experience. Now, it is time to discuss the major factors that are of crucial importance when defining the app’s MVP. 

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What is Airbnb?

Airbnb is a service that was launched in 2008 and connects travelers with hosts and with available accommodations for tourism or traveling purposes or any other end. 

It accommodates apartments, houses, and many more categories to special accommodation types such as treehouses and castles. Airbnb does not operate as a conventional hotel company where the company owns properties for letting; rather, Airbnb facilitates the letting of properties by hosting and guests’ booking for a commission fee. 

An app like Airbnb which is a website that provides a variety of accommodation services it is possible to perform a search for the availability of a particular type of accommodation depending on various factors such as location, price, number, and the like.

It also allows the guests and the host to communicate directly on the application to discuss the specifics and confirm the bookings. 

Airbnb came into existence in 2008 and is one of the most used online marketplace platforms for homestays with over 150 million users from different parts of the world, and more than 4 million hosts, and is established in over 100,000 cities in 167 different countries.

This service is compelling and usually cheaper than traditional accommodation, with the ability to create and offer unique and highly customized travel experiences. 

That is why, utilizing this new concept, Airbnb has become one of the leading market players within the travel and accommodation industry. 

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How does Airbnb work?

Airbnb is the platform where people can book accommodation which can be apartments, houses, or more peculiar locations such as tree houses.

It is an app that brings together people seeking a place to stay with those who have an additional room for rent similar to an app like Airbnb. The process is straightforward! it allows travelers to search for available listings, select what they would prefer, and book for themselves from hosts. Airbnb is an online platform where, hosts can list their spaces, handle bookings, and interact with the guests.

This helps people to identify suitable and cheap rooms to live in which in turn enhances a friendly atmosphere during traveling.

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Airbnb Business Model (How does Airbnb make a profit?)

The key to the Airbnb company idea is very basic but at the same time, it is ingenious and involves the facilitation of bringing together travelers with amazing spaces in which they can stay in any part of the world. 

It functions by enabling people referred to as ‘hosts’ to advertise homes, apartments or rooms they have available for use on the Airbnb site. 

Thus, it can involve such information as what it is and where it is, how much it costs, and when it is free. 

Hosts need to sign up, which creates listings of available accommodations, and then travelers, or “guests”, can look for something that meets their needs, and rent it from the platform. 

Essentially, Airbnb is an intermediary that ensures the safety of the transaction since hosts and guests do not directly interact with each other. 

This setup also assists property owners in earning money from the spaces they own while offering travelers options other than booking a hotel.

How Airbnb Works for Hosts

Registration: Hosts sign up on Airbnb using their phone number, email, or social media accounts.

Creating a Profile: They create a profile, including their details and information about their place.

Listing Details: Hosts provide details about their property, like the location, type of accommodation, amenities, the maximum number of guests, and available dates.

Photos: They upload professional photos of the property to show potential guests what it looks like.

Communicating with Guests: Hosts communicate directly with guests and respond to booking requests quickly.

Receiving Payment: Hosts get paid 24 hours after the guest checks in.

Insurance and Protection: Airbnb offers insurance and damage protection to cover costs in case of any issues.

Learn more: Choose the Right AI Model for Your Business

How Airbnb Works for Guests

Registration and Login: Guests first come and sign up with the site using their phone number, email, or social media accounts. 

Setting Up a Profile: After personal identification, they create a profile with their information and data. 

Searching for Accommodations: Users can select the location, the date from, and to which the search is being done, and other factors like the price and category of the hotel. 

Viewing Properties: They can see properties on the map, and the prices and available options are listed. 

Property Information: Selecting a listing expands it with the address, photos, host, and reviews by other guests of their stay. 

Booking: Users can call and ask to hold a place and get a notification or an SMS that a place has been reserved for them. 

Making Payment: They use the payment of their choice to effect payment for the booking. 

Enjoying the Stay: People arrive at the specified date and spend time in the selected hotel.

Who are the Significant Associates of Airbnb?

we explore the key partnerships that have contributed to Airbnb’s success. These partnerships include hosts who provide unique accommodations, guests who seek distinctive travel experiences, and local communities that benefit from increased tourism.

If you’re looking to build an app like Airbnb, understanding these vital relationships is essential for creating a thriving platform.

Guests

Airbnb’s guests are travelers seeking unique and affordable accommodations. They range from solo adventurers and families to business travelers, all looking for quality rental properties that suit their needs and budgets.

Hosts

The hosts are property owners who list their homes, apartments, or rooms on Airbnb. They play a crucial role by providing the actual accommodations. Hosts can be individuals renting out a spare room or entire property owners looking to generate additional income.

Freelance Photographers 

To ensure high-quality listings, Airbnb collaborates with freelance photographers who can professionally capture the properties. High-resolution photos help attract potential guests by showcasing the property’s best features.

Target Audience of Airbnb

Travelers and Tourists: Those looking for comfortable and affordable accommodations during vacations or business trips.

Budget-Conscious Adventurers: Individuals who enjoy exploring new places without spending a fortune on lodging.

Property Owners: People are interested in earning extra income by renting out their spaces for short-term stays.

Cost Structure of Airbnb

Platform Development and Maintenance: This includes costs related to updating and maintaining the Airbnb app and website.

Payment Processing Fees: Expenses associated with using online payment platforms like PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard.

Operational Costs: Salaries and wages for staff involved in customer support, technical development, and other essential functions.

Marketing and Promotions: Investments in advertising, promotional activities, and partnerships to attract both guests and hosts.

Insurance: Covering liability and property damage to protect both hosts and guests.

Building an App Like Airbnb: 7-Step Guide

Developing a travel app like Airbnb can be a successful and rewarding venture. It involves a clear and organized approach to create a functional and appealing app. Here are the essential steps you should follow to build your travel app:

Step 1: Create a Business Plan

Start by making a clear plan. This plan should explain what your app will do, who it’s for, and how it will make money. It should also include your goals and a strategy for development.

Step 2: Choose the Right Platform

Decide whether to launch your app on iOS, Android, or both. It’s often better to start with one platform, so you can focus on getting it right and gathering feedback from users.

Step 3: Design a User-Friendly Interface

Design an easy-to-use interface. Begin with sketches or basic models to show how the app will look and work. Make sure it’s simple for users to navigate and find what they need.

Step 4: Develop Core Features

Start with the most important features, like user profiles, booking systems, and payment options. This first version of your app is called an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). It lets you test your idea and improve it based on user feedback.

Step 5: Build a Strong Backend

The backend is the part of the app that handles data and keeps everything running smoothly. You can use a service to help with this or build your own. Make sure it’s secure and can grow as your app gets more users.

Step 6: Test the App Thoroughly

Test your app carefully to find and fix any problems. This includes checking if all features work, if the app is easy to use, and if it runs smoothly. Testing helps make sure users have a good experience.

Step 7: Launch and Plan for Future Updates

Once the app is ready and tested, launch it in the app store. Collect feedback from users to see what can be improved. Regularly update the app with new features and improvements to keep users interested and engaged.

Key Takeaway

If you’re looking to create an app like Airbnb, following these steps will help you build a robust and user-friendly platform. For expert guidance and Mobile App Development Services, consider reaching out to Inexture. Their team specializes in building high-quality apps and can help turn your vision into a reality, just like Airbnb. Contact Inexture today to start your journey towards creating a successful travel app.