Part 7 - The Importance of Dog Fooding

I come from a software product background, and one of the biggest sayings in that industry is "Eat your own dog food" or Dog Fooding. What does that actually mean? Investopedia says:

"Eat your own dog food" is a colloquial expression that describes a company using its own products or services for its internal operations.

Basically, use the product and be a customer of your product. I think this is vital to the success of Airbnb hosts, and I contribute dozens of stays across the country I did while traveling as a big reason for my own success now as a host.

If you've never gone somewhere and stayed at an Airbnb, you need to do so. Know how the app works from a guest perspective. See what you like and dislike about other places too. It will give you a lot of ideas and insights into the guest experience. If you've set up a business entity, this could be a right off as well. You don't even have to go anywhere special, it can be a local stay or maybe stay somewhere that's a little closer to work one night so you have a short commute in the morning. If you're going to visit family, instead of staying with them every night do at least one night at an Airbnb.

Along with knowing Airbnb's app as a guest, stay in your own listing. You don't have to actually book it on Airbnb, you can just block off the date if you're already up and running (preferably during a slower season or day of the week so you don't miss out on a real booking). Even if it's a bedroom in your home, you still want to stay there. Pack a small bag and don't go into your own bedroom after your check-in time. Take a shower, sleep, watch tv, use the microwave and fridge, get ready for work. Granted you'll have owner access to shared spaces, but the important factors of the listing you will experience.

You might find things like "I don't have a hairdryer, and I would expect any place I stay to have one". Or you might find that the TV isn't working correctly anymore and no one has said anything (yep, that happens), or that there's a noise coming from the fridge. You never know what you might find.

So eat your own dog food. Test your listing. Make sure that you'd be happy staying there and that things are still working.

← Part 6

 Part 8 →

Interested in becoming an Airbnb host?

If you'd like to get started hosting, the first thing to do is sign up as a host. Use our referral code for extra earnings on your first reservation, and get started today.

Setup Your Airbnb Host Account Here

Shop From Our Airbnb Host Supplies Collection

We've created a collection of supplies for Airbnb Hosts that link to Amazon product pages. It makes it easier to find what you need for your Airbnb.

Shop the Collection Here.

Setup Your Airbnb Guest Account Today

Not even tried Airbnb as a guest yet? Use our referral code to setup your Airbnb guest and you'll get $40 off your first booking, and $15 off your first Airbnb experience.Total of $55 off your first adventure

Setup Your Airbnb Guest Account Here

Back to blog

2 comments

Leave a comment