How to Build a Website Like Airbnb: Step-by-Step Guide

#ruby #rails #tutorial #webdev

This article was originally published on Codica blog.

During the last decade, Airbnb has grown into one of the most well-known and thriving rental marketplaces.

However, what are the main factors for its uniqueness and success? What monetization strategy the website follows to get profit? Is there any efficient method to create a similar platform?

At Codica, we have published an article on how to build a website like Airbnb where we provide the answers to these questions and offer you a step-by-step guide.

In this post, we want to cover the core technical aspects like choosing a tech stack, required functionality and key MVP features.

Technology stack

The technology stack is crucial for a project for several reasons. Firstly, it has a large bearing upon the budget as all the programming tools differ by complexity. Secondly, it affects the further platform scalability and time required for the development.

Let’s take a look at the tech stack options for your marketplace development:

Programming languages — Ruby, JavaScript
Application Framework — Ruby on Rails
JavaScript Framework — React.js
Automation Frameworks — RSpec, Capybara
SQL data storage — PostgreSQL
Data storage — Redis
Web server — Nginx
Web application server — Puma
Hosting — Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Core functionality

Let’s now take a look at the key features you need to implement to build a similar website to Airbnb. It includes a set of features for both travelers and hosts so you cover the demands of all the parties.

Authorization and roles

On one hand, this feature allows hosts to post their property and specify its details. On the flip side, it gives travelers an opportunity to monitor the existing and available options, read the description, book lodging or contact the homeowner.

Furthermore, authorization allows platform users to swap their roles at each point of time.

Personal profile data

You need to allow clients to manage their settings easily and quickly. For example, they may need to modify their account settings like phone number, password, or email.

Listing

Both travelers and homeowners fill out a lot of important information. Thus, suppliers specify the description of provided property like facilities, number of beds, accommodation type, and pricing.

Booking system

When guests look for lodging, they want to book it for a specific date. Thus, a seller gets a notification and decides whether to confirm or decline the customer’s request.

Apart from the functionality mentioned above, here are some additional features that will be useful and will boost the user experience:

Messaging
Online maps
Notification system
Online payments
Community support.

Let’s take a look at the following table that compares the required features for all Airbnb parties.

MVP features

When building an MVP version of your marketplace, you should implement only the basic functionality. In the long run, you will grow the website including additional features.

Here is the list of the core functionality for your Airbnb-like marketplace MVP:

Sign up/Sign in
Guest and Host roles
Search option
Filters
Search results
Property page
A host contact form
Communication channels
Relevant recommendations.

Conclusion

In this post, we have discussed important technical aspects of the marketplace development process, namely the technology stack, core functionality, and MVP features.

In case you want to learn other aspects of the Airbnb-like website development, read the full version of our article here: How to Build a Website Like Airbnb: Step-by-Step Guide.