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Are you a first time Airbnb host wondering the best way to set your listing up for success? I have compiled my best 12 tips for new hosts getting started on Airbnb.
I will show you all the ways I have set up my listings for success and average a 4.95 star review across all 7 listings.
This post is all about first time Airbnb host tips.
12 First Time Airbnb Host Tips
1. Research to understand your market
The key to winning with Airbnb is to understanding your target guest and why they are traveling. If you know who is coming to your market and why, you can cater every aspect of your listing to that key person. This will dictate the amenities you provide down to the way you curate your listing. The best way to do this research is to go to Airdna and Airbnb.
On Airdna, you can get revenue projections, occupancy rates, operating cost estimates and then a break down of how guests book by platform. On Airbnb, you will be able to do enemy method research. I always look at other listings in my area and read their reviews. It gives such great insights into how guests are using the property. I highly recommend taking the time to do this research!
2. Add any amenities that your guests will expect
After doing the research I recommend above, add any amenities your guests will expect. This can be as small as having a pac n’ play for families coming with their kids and as large as a game room feature. The amenities that are expected by guests vary by market and what attractions are close. If you open your doors and you don’t have these baseline amenities, your likelihood of booking over your competition is super low.
3. Set up your listing like a Superhost
I dive into this one deep in this article here, you have to check it out. It’s the most comprehensive guide I have ever written on how to set up your listing for success. The keys here are to take your guest on a virtual and written tour of your listing. Room by room detailing the features and amenities so the potential guest can picture their stay!
I always call out the Key Features first. This portion is what you want your guest to know first about your listing. Highlight what makes you different than any other listing in your market! And at the bottom of the listing, call out anything guests should be aware of. You do not want your guests showing up and complaining about something that should have been disclosed. Surprise and delight in a good way, not a bad way.
Want to dive in deep on my listing strategy? Check it out here!
4. Disclose everything in your listing
Like I discussed above, you want to disclose everything to your potential guest about your listing. I always think through quirks, location questions and past guest complaints and update my listing description accordingly. If guests complain about something you want to make sure you can point back to the fact that you disclosed that in your listing description and it was their fault for not understanding but all details are put upfront.
5. Anticipate any and all questions
You have to role play being the guest in your property and walk through with a fresh set of eyes. Leverage these 4×6 acrylic signs to help your guests turn anything from confusing to intuitive. This will limit any questions your guests may have during their stay and be so convenient for them to be able to help themselves when they come across a 3 way switch or gas fireplace.
6. Professional photos are a must
Long gone are the days of iPhone photos being anywhere acceptable for 5 star listings. You need to bite the bullet on professional photography. There are so many ways you can save money on this and Airbnb even has a program for new listings to be able to purchase professional photos leveraging their future guest revenues. Your listing will stand out with professional photos and in some more competitive markets this is a must to even get bookings.
7. Nail your guest communication
Guest communication is crucial! I always have the following messages on auto reply:
- Booking confirmation message
- Check in instructions 48 hours prior to check in
- House Manual is auto sent 1 hour after check in
- Check out instructions sent at 12pm the day before check out
I’ve found this to be the perfect sweet spot for messaging and helps set the expectations that they will be receiving information from me. Leverage my tempo to put your own messaging stream together. To me, the key is to gently push the guest to have a 5 star experience independent of me, the host, being present. So how do I set up my listing and messaging so they don’t feel annoyed by the amount of communication but feel like they’re getting just enough communication to get everything they need from me.
8. Spend the money on quality, durable furnishings
Furniture gets used and abused in Airbnb properties. The good thing is your cleaners should be on top of keeping all the furniture clean or let you know when something needs to be addressed. I personally like to spend on the feature pieces (i.e. West Elm couch) and save on the items that won’t be used as often or are decor. Better quality pieces that are used a lot are going to last longer and really come back to life after a good deep clean.
9. Find the best cleaner and pay them well
I’m in a lot of different Airbnb groups and had the chance to learn under someone who hit 2,000 reviews on his Airbnb account and maintained an overall 4.95 star rating. He said the number one thing he’s learned is that cleanliness matters more than anything else. So, do not try to find a good deal on a cleaner. Find a good cleaner and then pay them really really well. Tip them when they go above and beyond and celebrate the good reviews they receive.
10. Have a handyman on speed dial
Issues with your listing will come up so are you prepared with a reliable handyman when it does? Also, a handyman can be your auditor for your cleaning team and your cleaning team can be an auditor for your handyman. They are the dream team and the ones that keep your listing going stay after stay.
11. You are a host, act like one!
Repeat after me, your guests are not privileged to stay at your house, you’re privileged to be able to host them as your guests. Please make sure you communicate with them accordingly! There’s no faster way to a 3 star review than to get in a fight with your guest over something that truly isn’t that big of a deal.
12. Don’t stress about the small things
Towels will get stained and sheets will need to be replaced. Eat the cost and stop nickel and dimming your guests. Charge enough so you can cover all your costs and save enough to replace these items as needed.
What tips would you give first time Airbnb hosts? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was all about first time Airbnb host tips.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosures for more info.
