Dear Hosts: When You Try to Talk to Everyone, You’re Talking to No One

There’s something really beautiful about watching a host step into their vision, when they know exactly who their space is for and build every detail around that.

Whether it’s a peaceful couples’ retreat or a joyful family getaway, guests feel it.

It’s in the little things: the welcome note tone, the throw pillows, the guidebook suggestions, even the way the home is photographed.

But here’s the part not enough people talk about:

Clarity matters not just for your guests, but for the creatives you hire to bring your vision to life. (Hi, that’s me!)

I’ve worked with all kinds of hosts, some who wanted to lean into romance, others who made space for every kind of traveler.

Recently, I helped stage and photograph a space that was shifting into a couples’ retreat. That was the story I was told, so I showed up with soft linens, cozy coffee-for-two setups, date night guides, and those slow, romantic moments that make a couple say, “Let’s book this place.”

But somewhere along the way, that story shifted. Suddenly, the space was being promoted as family-focused. And here’s the thing, it’s absolutely okay for your vision to evolve.

But when you’re not upfront with your collaborators or clear with your guests you’re not building trust. 

You’re blurring the message.

You don’t need to be everything to everyone, you just need to be the right thing to the right guest.

Guests can feel when a space is trying to be too many things at once. 

And as a photographer, I can tell you: it makes it hard to create images that actually convert.

͢ If you're calling it a couples' retreat, but there are bunk beds and toys in half the photos, the message gets muddy.

͢ If you're a family haven but your listing only shows wine glasses and bathrobes, you're missing the mark.

What works?

Clarity.

Alignment.

Being honest about who you want to welcome.

That doesn’t mean your space has to be rigid.

There are homes, like the one I worked with in Marco Island, that do genuinely offer something for everyone. But those homes own that identity.

They’re built to flex and communicate that clearly. 

They don’t just shift tone based on what’s trendy or which photographer happens to be involved.

Here’s what I’ve learned, and what I hope more Airbnb hosts will embrace:

• If you're building a romantic escape for two, lean all the way in.

• If you want to welcome big, joyful families, let’s make that visible and vibrant.

• If your space can flex to different groups, let’s tell that story intentionally, not as an afterthought.

I believe Airbnb photography isn’t just about making a home look good, it’s about making the right people feel like it’s for them.

So, dear host: be clear. Be real. Not just with your guests, but with the creatives helping you bring your space to life. That’s where the magic happens. And that’s when bookings follow.

Quick Gut Check for Airbnb Hosts:

Are You Clear on Who You're Speaking To?

Before you book a photographer, update your listing, or share another social post, take a moment to reflect:

✅ Who is this space really for?

Couples? Families with young kids? Multi-gen travelers? Friend groups? Be honest, who do you love hosting?

✅ Does your home show that?

Do the furnishings, layout, and little details align with that guest experience?

At this Marco Island home, a night in might mean popcorn and a card game with the kids… or cocktails for two after sunset. The beauty is, it works for both and the photos tell that story with intention.

✅ Do your photos tell that story?

Are you showing the cozy corners, the spacious areas, or the kid-friendly setups your ideal guests are looking for?

✅ Do your captions and guidebook match the vibe?

You can't post “romantic retreat” and then hand them a guidebook full of toddler-friendly hikes (unless that’s your brand!). Consistency is key.

✅ Have you clearly communicated your vision to your photographer?

Your photos should be working with your brand, not against it. Be transparent about who you want to attract, that’s how you get the kind of content that books.

If you answered “I’m not sure” to any of the above, that’s okay. You don’t need a total overhaul. You just need some clarity. And maybe a collaborator who can help you find it.

Let’s build a brand story your guests can actually see.

If you're planning a refresh or want to re-align your Airbnb listing to match your dream guest, I’d love to help. 

Need a Hand This Season?

We know you’re busy wearing all the hats as host, marketer, cleaner, guest concierge… and that’s before you’ve had your morning coffee.

This video was created to showcase the entire golf cart experience, but the hosts also received individual clips highlighting each feature. That way, guests can easily learn how to use the amenities and make the most of their stay.

If updating your photos, rewriting your captions, making instruction vides or finally finishing that guidebook has been sitting on the back burner, I’m here to help lighten the load.

I offer a variety of services to help you with your airbnb marketing:

📸 Seasonal lifestyle photography

🗺 Custom Google Maps + guest guidebooks

✍️ Storytelling captions and content support

So you can keep doing what you do best, hosting an unforgettable stay and I’ll make sure your listing looks, sounds, and feels just as amazing online.

Whether you need a quick mini session or a full refresh, let’s make your space shine this fall both online and in person.

🍂 My fall travel schedule is already filling up fast, so be sure to reach out soon to secure your spot.