Airbnb is a popular online platform that allows people to rent out their homes or apartments to travelers looking for accommodation. If you are considering becoming an Airbnb host, there are a few things that you need to know in order to be successful. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to become an Airbnb host and how to make your listing stand out.
1. Assess your space and decide if it's suitable for renting out
Before you start the process of becoming an Airbnb host, it's important to assess your space and decide if it's suitable for renting out. Consider the size of your home, the number of rooms you have, and the type of guests you want to attract. If you have a spare room or an entire apartment, you could be a good candidate for hosting on Airbnb. However, if your home is not in a safe or desirable location, or if it requires significant repairs or renovations, you may want to reconsider renting it out.
2. Register for an Airbnb account
Once you have decided that your home is suitable for renting out on Airbnb, the next step is to register for an Airbnb account. You can sign up using your email address or Facebook account. Once you have registered, you will need to provide some basic information about yourself and your property.
3. Create a listing
Creating a listing is one of the most important steps in becoming an Airbnb host. Your listing should provide guests with all the information they need to know about your home, including the number of rooms, the location, the amenities, and the price. Be sure to include photos of your space, as well as a detailed description of your home and what guests can expect during their stay.
4. Set your price
When it comes to setting your price, it's so important to do your research. Consider the location, the amenities you offer, and the demand for similar listings in your area. What are your neighbors charging? How occupied do they appear? We would not recommend using Airbnb's "Smart Pricing" tool as we feel it almost always has undercut nightly rates. If Airbnb could rent all the listings on their platform at 100%, they would. However, that's not necessarily the goal with maximizing profits of your short term rental.
You get what you pay for -- the same is true for guests. If you go under a certain pricing, you're sure to get unsavory guests that may not treat your space with respect.
We recommend using a Pricing software to help with the customization on your nightly rates. You'll also be able to set minimum pricing, so your place never gets booked for less than you're comfortable with. We use Pricelabs and we love it. If you're interested in giving them a try, click HERE for $10 off your first month.
5. Decide on your availability
One of the benefits of hosting on Airbnb is that you have control over when and how often you rent out your space. Decide on the dates that you will make your home available for rent, and be sure to update your calendar regularly to avoid any confusion.
6. Prepare your home for guests
Before your first guests arrive, it's important to prepare your home for their stay. Clean your home thoroughly, provide fresh linens and towels, and make sure that all of the amenities are in good working order. Consider leaving a welcome package for your guests, which could include a map of the area, a list of local restaurants, and any other information that might be helpful during their stay.
7. Communicate with your guests
Communication is key to being a successful Airbnb host. Be sure to respond to guest inquiries and requests in a timely manner, and provide them with all the information they need to have a great stay. During their stay, check in with your guests to make sure that everything is going well, and be available to answer any questions they may have.
8. Follow Airbnb's rules and regulations
As an Airbnb host, it's important to follow Airbnb's rules and regulations. This includes being honest about your listing, providing a safe and clean environment for your guests, and respecting their privacy. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Airbnb's policies and guidelines, and follow them carefully to ensure a positive experience for both you and your guests. This is vital! We promise, you do not want to get kicked off the platform. And this happens more than you would think.
9. Get reviews and feedback
Reviews and feedback are important for building your reputation as an Airbnb host. Encourage your guests to leave a review after their stay, and use their feedback to improve your hosting skills. You can also ask guests for private feedback to get a better understanding of what they liked and what they didn't without it being part of their public review. We communicate with our guest throughout their stay, so we can sense when they have had a good experience and we could potentially ask for a 5 star review. Remember, anything less than 5 stars will hurt you when it comes to ranking in search results!
Need more help or tips? Reach out to us and we'd be glad to help you list your property. We host spaces across the world and know all the best practices. Happy hosting !
