The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting (2024)

The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting (1)

The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting (2)

So many people that live in or around tourist traps sit on potential treasure chests, unaware that they only need to get up and lift the lid to take a peek at what’s inside. And the contents of this treasure chest are things that usually appear so mundane – four walls, a bed, a desk, something bland and uninspired. However, if you only make a small effort to give these objects a new breath of life and spruce them up with a touch of purpose, you can develop the most coveted rental on the online market. If you see a potential in such a move, here’s the beginner’s guide to Airbnb hosting.

Don’t be too quick with those typing fingers

Airbnb has become quite an affluent global company, so it’s quite natural that a number of programmers have made the online registration as easy and streamlined as possible. And indeed, it is truly easy to create your free listing and you won’t need more than a few minutes to do it. However, you should refrain from doing this until you are absolutely certain that everything you can offer is top notch.

The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting (3)

Do your own marketing

Think of it as your “mission statement” – a carefully crafted product that serves a particular purpose and all the philosophy which surrounds it, the goal and vision of what it represents. In other words, you are doing your own marketing. Create an appealing headline which is short and to the point. Grab the attention of the potential client with this headline and then go into details in the description below. Be honest and, if English is not your forte, find someone who will proofread and tidy up the text for you. Remember – presentation is everything, and this includes photos too.

Photos will sell it

Pretty much every experienced host will tell you that photographs are the most important part of your preparation – so take all the time you need to take snapshots of every corner of your accommodation and do it from every conceivable angle. Sift through the shots you have and find the best ones for the upload. Of course, Airbnb may offer to send a professional photographer for free, which is an opportunity you should definitely utilize to the fullest extent.

The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting (4)

Approach it like a true landlord

If you wantto get the best reviews, you’ll need to maintain the rental and play the role of the housekeeper and the landlord. You may be able to find the necessary help once you begin to earn enough money, but bear in mind that nobody will take care of the space with as much affection and attention as you would.

Make sure that goods such as toilet paper, towels, soap and shampoo are accessible to the guests as soon as they arrive. Find the necessary repairmen that work 24/7 and keep them on speed dial, in the case of emergency. The price range of these services will vary depending on how good a research you’ve done. Highly efficient andaffordable Sydney electricianwill always keep a finger firmly pressed on the pulse of the local market and offer you the most reasonable prices whilst being available 24/7, which is crucial for someone who runs an Airbnb business.

A matter of pricing

If you are just a beginner, you should also do thorough research of the marketplace before you decide on the pricing option you’re about to put out there. Whatever the average market rate turns out to be, always charge less at first and see where that takes you. Raise your rates slowly and carefully, according to the customer reviews and your average rating.

There is a flipside to this – don’t go too modest with your price as you probably won’t get a healthy return on your investment, and it would be a pity not to make as much money as you could if the accommodation is charming and comfortable. The price should also be dictated by the position of your rental in relation to the biggest highlights your city or your region has to offer.

Hotels are not cheap. They can empty your pocket before you can say “bed and breakfast” and they’re mostly franchised, uninspired husks that are all about traffic. Airbnb offers something else – a soulful experience and an endless range of inspiring styles. However, if you plan to become a host, you should know that this is not for everyone. First and foremost, developed social skills, patience and a will to meet new people all the time are absolute musts. If these traits come naturally to you, you might have just found the vocation of a lifetime.

Grab your free customizable hosting print outs like a wifi sign and so much more!

*thanks to the Zebra

The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting (7)

TAGS:airbnbAirbnb Hostinghomehome rentalrenting homerenting your home

The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting (8)

Diana Smith

Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls and a passionate traveler. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.

You May Also Like

Remember To Do These 5 Things When Traveling In England

December 3, 2017

9 Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

April 18, 2021

Best Dining In The Florida Keys

June 9, 2023

The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting (2024)

FAQs

The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb Hosting? ›

An Airbnb costs, on average, $6k to start — assuming you already own the property. Putting everything together, Airbnb costs include: Cleaning and maintenance (e.g., supplies, cleaner fees) Amenities (e.g., purchasing workspace items)

How to host an Airbnb for beginners? ›

Here's what you need to do to begin hosting.
  1. Assess if your space is a good fit.
  2. Get your space ready for guests.
  3. List your space.
  4. Decide how you'll host.
  5. Set your price and get paid.
  6. Where to find support and resources.
Nov 16, 2022

How to do air b and b for beginners? ›

How to start an Airbnb business
  1. Find out if you need permission. ...
  2. Prepare your Airbnb rental. ...
  3. Set your price. ...
  4. List your Airbnb property. ...
  5. Hire or enlist some help (a co-host) ...
  6. Host an Airbnb experience.
Feb 27, 2024

How much does it cost to start hosting an Airbnb? ›

An Airbnb costs, on average, $6k to start — assuming you already own the property. Putting everything together, Airbnb costs include: Cleaning and maintenance (e.g., supplies, cleaner fees) Amenities (e.g., purchasing workspace items)

What is the first thing to do at Airbnb? ›

Booking a trip: what to do if you're new
  • Welcome to Airbnb! From here, you can go anywhere—but first, a little help to get you on your way.
  • Introduce yourself to Hosts. ...
  • Find the right place for you. ...
  • Stay tuned for invites and special offers. ...
  • Split stay booking.

What is the downside of owning an Airbnb? ›

More maintenance. Being an Airbnb host also means that you need to take care of all the maintenance tasks related to your rental investment property. This includes making repairs when necessary, restocking amenities when needed, and keeping the place clean between each guest's stay.

What percentage does Airbnb take? ›

How much does Airbnb charge hosts? Airbnb charges hosts a service fee for each booking. What percentage Airbnb takes can vary, but it's typically around 3% for most hosts. However, Airbnb's commission can go up to 14% or more for hosts who have a Super Strict cancellation policy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month? ›

What Is the Average Airbnb Host Salary by State
StateAnnual SalaryMonthly Pay
California$37,509$3,125
North Carolina$37,432$3,119
Massachusetts$37,405$3,117
Oklahoma$37,372$3,114
46 more rows

How hard is it to be an Airbnb host? ›

Airbnb hosting takes a lot of hard work — and homework and prep work and … you get the picture. It takes work. What you put into it affects what you get out of it, so if you want to be successful, you've got to put in some literal and figurative elbow grease.

How do I get my first guest on Airbnb? ›

Our experts at GuestReady shared a few best practice tips:
  1. Put together a great welcome pack.
  2. Be responsive to guest questions.
  3. Ensure check-in and check-out goes smoothly.
  4. Consider hiring professional cleaners so that your place is spotless when your first guest arrives.
Jan 2, 2024

Is starting an Airbnb risky? ›

Hosts are paid out based on guest stays. Guests often find Airbnb is cheaper, has more character, and is homier than hotels. Risks of hosting include renting your place to rude guests, theft or damaged property, complaints from neighbors, and potential regulatory violations depending on your location.

What should be your first picture in Airbnb? ›

The photos you're choosing are a guest's first tour of your space and should give them the feel of each room—and inspire them enough to want to book your place. The cover photo is displayed in search results and is also a part of the grid of five photos on your listing page.

Is it smart to start an Airbnb? ›

Running an Airbnb property can provide extra income on the side for hosts, and it could even generate five or six figures in annual revenue for those who have multiple listings. Although it's not suited for everyone, Airbnb offers a number of ways for homeowners or renters to benefit from its extensive platform.

Is it worth it to start an Airbnb? ›

An Airbnb short-term rental that has a steady queue of occupants may be more profitable than leasing the same property to someone on a long-term basis. The reason is that Airbnb nightly rates are usually higher. For example, according to a recent analysis, Airbnb hosts have an average monthly income of $924.

What are the requirements to host on Airbnb? ›

According to Airbnb, the basic requirements to become a host are the following:
  • Respond to inquiries. Airbnb values hosts who are responsive, attentive, and considerate. ...
  • Accept requests. ...
  • Avoid cancellations. ...
  • Maintain a high overall rating.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 6526

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.