Airbnb is one of the quickest growing companies in the world. Created to serve a need of those renting spaces day to day, Airbnb has completely shaken up the hotel industry. Founded in 2008, the company’s number of users has absolutely skyrocketed. Here are 4 ways Airbnb has grown via marketing.

1. Creative Design

When Airbnb was just getting started, they needed some start-up capital to establish themselves. The two founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, were designers by trade with a knack for unique and laugh-worthy design. In 2008, Brian and Joe created Obama and McCain cereal boxes, which they sold at convention parties in the fall and made around $30,000 dollars. These boxes had nothing to do with Airbnb, but they were creative and unique and demonstrated Brian and Joe’s pure hustle.

2. Craigslist Integration

When Airbnb was created, it clearly distinguished itself from other platforms by being personal and less fraud filled. Airbnb knew these strengths, but also realized that Craigslist had an advantage they did not:  A gigantic user base. Through complex web engineering, Airbnb somehow created a way for Craigslist customers to post their same listing on Airbnb and vice versa. This introduced a completely new audience to Airbnb who stayed because of the obvious advantages. Airbnb was more modern, personable, and less sketchy feeling than Craigslist. Craigslist integration is possibly the number one reason for Airbnb’s quick and explosive growth.

3. Professional Photography

Like any good company, Airbnb constantly evaluates what is working for them,
and what is not. Airbnb noticed a lag in New York City revenue. After hands on research, the company realized it was because of the low quality photos being used that mirrored those usually found on Craigslist. Airbnb introduced a photographer program that gave listers the option to automatically schedule an appointment with a professional photographer. The result was listings that were two and a half times more likely to be booked and lots more revenue. Airbnb now employs thousands of freelance photographers.

4. Content Marketing

If there is one strategy that Airbnb uses which other brands should pay attention to, its content marketing. Airbnb creates fluid branded content pretty much everywhere. In 2014, Airbnb created a 128-page magazine called Pineapple, which featured stories and experiences of Airbnb users. Another piece of content, Airbnb Neighborhoods, features neighborhoods across the world and details places to see and highlights of each. Airbnb also created a short film made entirely from Vines, which demonstrated a story of travel and adventure across the world. The company also created economic impact reports showing the benefits Airbnb has on local economies. The amount of branded content that Airbnb pushes out is huge and users love it.

Check out Positive Health Wellness’s article on “8 Reasons Why Traveling Is Good for Your Health”