People are hungry to live something for the first time, they crave new experiences. Even when traveling, the hungry tourist looks for unique experiences to bring back home, something off the beaten path. This is a Strategy Plan made for people who wish to offer such experience at home.
1. Industrial Analysis
While there are many tour operators, currently the unique experience offer is mostly found under Airbnb Experiences. This is the best way to start research on what is currently offered in your city, before you open your doors to the world.
You should start by conducting a small PESTEL analysis, to factor in the political, economic, social, technological and legal factors in your home country or state. In general, your SWOT analysis will look something like this:
Strengths: The uniqueness of your home and your fellow hosts. Adaptability of costs.
Weakness: You might not be a professional chef, and might need to work in a short menu that works.
Opportunity: Meet new people. Make a business right at home. With the COVID situation, many people are looking for more intimate experiences. Your home might be just what they are looking for.
Threats: Some restaurants and hotels are looking to replicate this small boutique experience. You must stay informed of local restrictions regarding health and safety.
2. Decide your USP
Your unique selling points are easy: no one will have a home like yours. This is a small gathering for friends or family, and a great opportunity to share your local insights.
3. Target audience
You are looking for people who search for non-commercial experiences. Original first dates, private dinner, local experiences are some of the keywords they can be using.
4. Your vision and mission
You will be sharing your home with the world, by opening your doors to a small group who will share your table and enjoy a meal prepared by you. This business exists because you have the spare time, space and wish to make extra money while sharing your culinary knowledge and local insights.
5. Goals
If you wish to have your experience in Airbnb, it’s not a bad idea. If you want to go solo, Instagram will be the preferred media to announce this experience. For this you will need nice photos of your home, your table with nice set-up and some of your dishes! Your goal will be to book one meal a week in the next 3 months.
Brand awareness: Build a posting strategy with no less than 3 posts a week.
Consideration: Make polls on Instagram and always respond to comments
Purchase: Make your space available to be booked online and include this call to action in every post.
Post purchase: Encourage leaving reviews for past guests!