Introducing Wonderful Houfies: Get the Special Badge

Are you a dedicated host seeking more visibility for your vacation rentals? At Houfy, we're thrilled to introduce "Wonderful Houfies", a new badge as a special recognition to our most engaged community members.

In today's competitive vacation rental industry, standing out from the crowd can make all the difference. The Wonderful Houfies badge not only highlights your commitment to our direct booking platform but also distinguishes you as a trusted host in the eyes of potential guests.

This ultimately boosts your listings on the top of search results and catches the attention of travelers looking for a reliable service. But what exactly does it mean to be a Wonderful Houfy, and how can you earn it? In this guide, we'll delve deeper into everything you need to know for Houfy's host recognition.

What is "Wonderful Houfies"?

"Wonderful Houfies" is a badge awarded to Houfy hosts who actively contribute to the platform's growth and success. These are property owners who have demonstrated a commitment to providing stellar guest experiences and maintaining high standards with their listings. The badge serves as a mark of quality services, boosting hosts' efforts to attract more guests and increase their bookings.

How to Become a Wonderful Houfy?

The process to become a Wonderful Houfy is straightforward and requires your active participation in the Houfy community. Here are the steps to achieve it:

1. Have at least 2 completed stays from Houfy within the last calendar year: this demonstrates your experience and reliability as a host and your track record of successful stays. It also shows your commitment to the platform and your active participation in its growth.
2. Ensure you're connected with Stripe and Square for payment processing: this guarantees secure and smooth transactions for both you and your guests. Stripe and Square are reliable payment processors trusted by millions of users worldwide, facilitating transactions quickly and efficiently.
3. Maintain updated listings: keeping your listings current is vital. Here's what you need to do:
• Complete listing information, including description, location, photos, and nightly rates
• Specify room details and sleeping arrangements
• List your amenities so guests have a clear picture of what they can expect
• Mention any suitability criteria, such as pet-friendly or wheelchair-accessibility
• Upload a minimum of 5 professional photos showcasing your Houfy property
• Keep your pricing updated for different seasons, weekends, or special dates
• Ensure your calendars are synced across multiple channels to avoid double bookings
4. Update your profile information: guests want to receive a personalized service. Completing your hosting profile will help them know there's a real person behind their reservation, ready to cater to their accommodation needs. Here's what you need to do:
• Fill in your first and last name (at Houfy, we hide last names)
• Verify your contact information (email and phone number) to provide credibility (you can later hide this information from Settings)
• Upload a clear and friendly profile picture to help guests connect with you
• Upload a valid government-issued ID
• Write a brief bio about yourself to give guests an idea of who you are and what they can expect from their stay.

Increase direct bookings for real estate properties with Houfy

Why Become a Wonderful Houfy?

Becoming a Wonderful Houfy comes with significant advantages:

1. Increased visibility in search results: Houfy boosts Wonderful Houfies' listings on top of search results, making them more visible to potential guests. As a result, you're likely to receive more views and booking inquiries compared to other hosts.
2. Enhanced credibility and trust: the Houfy badge is a credit to hosts who earn it, proving their quality service and trustworthiness. Guests usually prefer to book with hosts who have a history of successful stays and are active members of the community.
3. Attractive vacation rental listings: Houfy is a prominent direct booking site that receives thousands of visitors monthly. If you want to stand out from the competition, the Houfy badge can help you. This distinction can be the deciding factor why someone books with you and not a competitor.
4. Community recognition: being recognized as a Wonderful Houfy places you among the distinguished hosts of our community. The badge is a testament to your hard work and dedication to providing exceptional guest stays.
5. Regular status updates: Houfy runs programs daily to add or remove the Wonderful Houfy status for hosts automatically. This means your badge is always up-to-date, reflecting your current standing and performance.

Houfy vacation homes without booking fees

Tips for Maintaining Your Wonderful Houfy Status

Once you've earned the Wonderful Houfy status, it's essential to continue maintaining high standards to retain that recognition. Here are some tips for you:

• Update your listings regularly: update your photos and prices based on seasonality and special occasions, and periodically review your amenities and listing descriptions.
• Provide outstanding guest experiences: go above and beyond to give guests a stellar stay and make them feel welcome and comfortable. Strive to know your visitors with their first names to build rapport and add personalization.
• Encourage guest reviews: satisfied guests will be happy to leave positive reviews. After every stay, request visitors' feedback to help maintain your status and attract more bookings.
• Spread the word about Houfy: use your social media, blog, email, or word of mouth to promote Houfy as a direct booking platform with zero commissions. Educate new and past guests about booking your vacation rental properties without service fees, and become an active Houfy advocate.

Houfy booking process for different rental property types

Elevate Your Hosting with the Wonderful Houfy Badge

The new Houfy badge is more than just a symbol; it's a powerful tool that helps you enhance your hosting journey. By meeting the outlined requirements and actively participating in the platform, you can enjoy increased visibility and enhanced credibility as a top host. At Houfy, we'd like to thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you earn and display your badge proudly!