Reviews are a vitally important part of a user’s profile on Airbnb, but what do you do when you’re new to Airbnb and don’t have reviews yet? First, you should make sure you have a complete and robust user profile. Then you can ask for a Reference from an existing/established Airbnb user. In today’s post, I’ll show you the start-to-finish process of getting a reference.

What is the difference between Reviews and References?

Reviews are basically feedback – they are written after a guest has stayed with a host. The host writes a review for the guest, and the guest writes a review for the host. Of course, a brand new Airbnb user won’t have any reviews yet.

References are endorsements from other Airbnb users, without a reservation/stay taking place.

It’s a three-step process to get a Reference:

1. You send a reference request to a friend who is an existing Airbnb user.
2. Your friend completes the reference request.
3. You approve the reference from your friend, after which it is displayed on your user profile.

Step 1: Send a Reference Request To a Friend

1. In the main/top menu, click on your name, then Edit Profile. Once on the Edit Profile page, click on References in the left column.
   
   There are a number of ways to request a reference, but I’ll be showing you my two preferred methods. Option A – Email your friends, and Option B – Request from Facebook Friends.
2. Option A – Email your friends. 
   • Enter the email address that your friend uses for their Airbnb account. See Airbnb Tutorial: Building Trust Through Your User Profile for more info.
   • Click the Send Request Emails button
     
   • Your friend will be sent a reference request email.
3. Option B – Request from Facebook Friends.
   • This requires that you have already linked your Airbnb and Facebook accounts.
   • Click  the Request button under your friend’s photo.
   • Your friend will be sent a reference request email.

Step 2: Your friend writes you a reference

1. Your friend will receive an email from Airbnb, as well as notification:
2. Your friend will also see the request on the References By You tab of Edit Profile | References
3. Your friend will then be able to write up your reference and submit it to you for approval.

Step 3: You approve the reference from your friend

1. You’ll receive an email from Airbnb when your friend has written the reference.
2. You’ll also be notified on your Host Dashboard / Notifications
3. Your will also see the request on the References About You tab of Edit Profile | References
4. Once you click Accept, the reference will now appear on your user profile page.