After you make a request to a host's listing, the host will check out your profile page. So your profile page will be the host's first impression of you.

Take a moment to think from the host's perspective. They are taking a step out of their comfort zone to open up their home to people from other countries that they haven't yet met. For first time hosts, it can especially be a big step.

If you were opening up your home to someone you don't yet know, what sort of things would you like to know about that person?Additionally, we have some suggestions for what to include in your profile's about section:

• A brief self-introduction of yourself
• Why you are or will be in Japan, and/or what you are or will be doing in Japan
• A few interests or hobbies of yours
• Why Japan?
• Something you like about Japan

Have fun with it! Your profile doesn't need to be long, but the more you let the host know about yourself, the better chance they’ll be interested.

Hosts especially like to see pictures, so feel free to add a link to your Facebook profile or other SNS if you have them.Here's an example based on myself:

Hello, my name is Marcus. I'm from the US. I’ve been living in Japan for two and a half years now.I used to be an English teacher in Tottori Prefecture, but last year I joined a startup in Tokyo. I work in Ebisu.I enjoy walking, hiking, and anything outdoors or in nature. I also enjoy reading and playing video games too.I came to Japan because I've always been interested in Japan since I was child.I like Japan a lot especially Japanese music and Japanese food. I love taiyaki.I'm looking forward to meeting you.