Are you new to the short-term rental industry and wondering where to start? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. This post will cover all of the things to know before listing your home on Airbnb. From writing your listing description to earning that coveted Super Host status, we got you.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
A quick note
First, you need to understand that this business is more than just renting out a room in your house. It truly is a hospitality lifestyle. Whether you’re a first-time host or considering adding another property to your portfolio, these steps will set you on the path to becoming an Airbnb Superhost.
Getting your home ready for guests
Let’s start at the very beginning (it’s a very good place to start!). Consider the following:
- Make sure your space is clean and uncluttered.
- Have basics like fresh linens, comfy towels, shower supplies, and more.
- Install smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors.
- If you were traveling, what would you want? Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, smart locks to avoid a key exchange. If you want it, your guests probably want it to.
How to make a good listing
The reality is that people will judge a book by its cover. You need to have a good, strong listing. Do you have a cool view? Talk about it. What about a cedar-barrel sauna? You’d better put up some amazing photos of it! Additionally, think about keywords. What are people searching for in your area? Things like “5 minutes from national park entrance” or “Airbnb with great views” are important to consider. Think about how you Google things and write your listing based on that. Furthermore, you need GREAT photos. The Airbnb Pro Photography program can help with that, too.
Thoughts on house rules
With house rules, you just want to make sure things are communicated well. Be sure to highlight important rules in your communications and make it clear where guests can find your house rules. You’ll want to cover things like quiet hours, policies on smoking, and anything to know about any shared spaces, etc. Just be kind and be clear to avoid miscommunications.
Setting your fees
The price is right! Or…is it? You need to research your market to understand how you should be pricing your home. Alternatively, Host Tools integration with PriceLabs can help you manage pricing. Furthermore, think about things like cleaning fees. Be clear and upfront about this cost from the get-go and price it thoughtfully. Nobody likes to be surprised by a last-minute fee or something they don’t feel like they got value out of.
How to better manage your reviews
After your guest checks out, be sure to send an automated message that asks them to leave a review of your property. Reviews are the lifeblood of this industry, so you want to collect as many good reviews as you can. If they leave a less-than-stellar review, be sure to still respond to it so future guests know that you care about the guest’s experience and want to improve upon it. Lastly, many guests filter their search by Super Host status. Always strive to be a Super Host.
Investing in your community
One of the best ways to learn and connect with other hosts is through the Airbnb Community Center. Here you can chat with other hosts who either have the same questions as you or have already been through it and can provide valuable advice.
Work with Host Tools
If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming, that’s where Host Tools comes in. Our platform is designed to take the tedious out of hosting and open up time in your life. Between automated messaging, managing cleaners, and managing your calendar, integrating your listing with Host Tools is going to elevate your entire experience.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are a lot of little details that add up fast when running a short-term rental. You’ll get the hang of it, we promise. Follow the tips and tricks outlined in this post and you’ll be just fine! Also, be sure to sign up for a free trial of Host Tools. Our platforms take the hassle out of hosting by helping you automate the day-to-day tasks, so you have more time to focus on your life outside of hosting!
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
