Want to join the Airbnb gold rush?
Turn an unused space into a steady income?
Sounds great, right?
But if it were as easy as space + listing = income, everyone would be earning $10,000 a month.
And that’s a real figure; some Airbnb hosts do earn it, they’re known as super hosts!
However, the Airbnb average income is $924 a month; and many hosts earn far less.
Why so?
There are 5.6 million active listings worldwide, so there is competition.
However, many hosts don’t understand how the business model works and fail to take full of the opportunity.
And that’s good because I’m going to tell you how.
Plus, give you essential tips on how to start an Airbnb business, so you go from side hustle to a full-time booming success.
You could even become a super host!
But before you learn how to start an Airbnb business that tops the listings, let’s look at what not to do.
Mistakes to avoid when starting your Airbnb
The quickest way to create a high-ranking listing, maximize your bookings, get glowing reviews, and earn top dollar is to avoid the 10 Airbnb hosts’ most common mistakes.
“We learn from failure, not from success” – Bram Stoker
But it’s far cheaper and less painful to learn from others.
A rundown of what not to do when starting your Airbnb business:
Top 10 mistakes Airbnb hosts make
- Failing to abide by local laws and STR (short term rentals) Regulations
- Not identifying your target audience
- Not implementing a pricing strategy
- Inaccurate listing information
- Uploading low-quality pictures
- Not taking advantage of guest reviews
- Not communicating with guests
- Inadequate insurance
- Not using Airbnb arbitrage to scale your business
- Relying Solely on Airbnb
We’ll cover all of those and look at proven strategies to create your Airbnb empire.
Beginning with how it works and what’s in it for you:
How does Airbnb work for owners?
It starts with your property listing, nothing is more important, and its design can determine your success from day one.
A successful listing jumps from the page and grabs the viewer’s attention, drawing them in, ensuring they book your property.
It does it with an engaging title and tightly scripted content that captures the reader’s imagination.
And beautiful photographs fit for a glossy magazine that showcases its space and quality. Highlighting the finer details that emphasize why your property is unique and desirable.
Your Rates:
Your listing’s also where you’ll show your rates based on times of the year and days of the week.
And you use clever pricing strategies to increase your bookings, such as seasonal demand, local events, and the Airbnb Smart Pricing Tool, which automatically updates your rates based on those demands.
Bookings and fees:
Guests can book with you directly via your chosen communication channel or using the Airbnb app.
Posting your listing is free, and once a reservation’s confirmed, Airbnb charges a 3-5% service fee automatically subtracted from the reservation subtotal.
Of course, there’s more to it than that.
But first, let’s look at the costs of opening your Airbnb business and what profit you could make.
What are the costs involved in opening an Airbnb business?
Costs are relatively low in comparison to other business ventures.
Your business outgoings could include:
Upgrades to your property to ensure it’s in excellent condition. Modern appliances and the comfiest furniture (especially beds and bedding) you can afford.
Once your property’s ready, subsequent costs include any extras you provide, such as mini welcome hampers, a bottle of bubbly for special occasions, freshly baked products, and toiletries.
But to make money, you’ve got to spend it; I’ll explain next:
Insurance:
Airbnb offers two types of cover.
Host Protection insurance and Host Guarantee Program, both provided at no additional cost to you.
Here’s how Airbnb word their cover:
Host Protection Insurance –
“In the rare event someone gets hurt, or their property is damaged during a covered stay at your place, you may be protected with up to $1,000,000 primary liability insurance.”
Airbnb’s Host Guarantee states –
“If a guest damages your place or belongings during a stay and doesn’t reimburse you, you may be protected with up to $1,000,000 property damage protection”.
However, Airbnb’s second plan, the Host Guarantee, isn’t an insurance policy, nor is all property damage caused by guests within its terms.
And similar to their host protection coverage, the Host Guarantee’s full of holes and exclusions that could leave you out of pocket should something go wrong.
Don’t take a risk!
Hosts who want adequate protection should consider purchasing personal insurance to cover property damage not protected by Airbnb.
Some insurers provide specialized policies for short-term rentals. Always check with your insurance company before hosting to ensure you’re covered!
What to invest in:
You know the saying, “it costs money to make money.”
Well, it also applies to becoming a professional Airbnb host. And while you don’t have to completely renovate or refurbish (unless required) your apartment or house to attract guests, it pays to invest in a range of ‘wow’ factors that’ll ensure they enjoy their stay and leave a positive review.
Invest with your target audience in mind and purchase durable versions of the most basic amenities your property should have.
For instance:
If families are your target audience, you’ll require space for kids to play and some games, a fully working kitchen, and a reliable washer.
If business guests are your audience, speedy internet access, quiet areas, and a quality coffee maker are essential.
Ongoing expenses:
Ongoing expenses include re-stocking amenities, regularly updating linen and towels, any repairs, ongoing maintenance, and cleaning supplies.
And if you’re running your Airbnb business remotely (I’ll tell you how later in the post), cleaners.
Now let’s talk about making money
How much can you make owning an Airbnb?
Your Airbnb profit depends on the number of customer rentals you generate. And those are dependent upon your location, listing, and customer reviews.
Airbnb’s statistics show the average Airbnb host earns $924 a month. But many hosts make far more.
For example:
Let’s say you average three nights rental per week at $120 per night; you’d generate $18,720 net per annum.
That’s a low average, and income varies considerably from one host to another.
So, is Airbnb profitable for hosts?
It sure can be.
Check out your local comparable rates and availability at peak times to estimate your income.
I used $120 as an average nightly rate, but can you charge that much?
Or can you charge more??
How much can you charge customers?
That’s up to you; it’s your listing.
Obviously, your rates depend on your location, property type, style, size, and comparable local rates.
And it’s not only other Airbnb hosts; comparable rates also include hotels and guest houses.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re locked into a fixed price, well, not if you’re smart about it!
Remember the Airbnb optional Smart Pricing tool that automatically adjusts your rates according to demand in your area?
It’s an excellent way to ensure you’re not underselling yourself at peak times.
And you can use other strategies that’ll enable you to charge more than your direct competitors and sell out every time!
Stick with me, and I’ll tell you how to make your Airbnb business more profitable in just a minute.
But before I do:
Is Airbnb worth it?
Yep, Airbnb can be “worth it” – but only for those who know how to get the most out of the platform.
An interesting fact:
According to research into the leading gig economy platforms by Priceonomics, Airbnb’s the most profitable side gig.
Better than Uber, Doordash, Lyft, and a bunch of other hustles.
And while Airbnb’s regularly touted as an easy way to make money, and that’s relatively true, it’s not a way to get rich quickly.
However, suppose you’re a savvy host with an entrepreneurial spirit and an eye for an opportunity. In that case, you can become what’s called “a super host” and generate tens of thousands of dollars.
But only with the right strategy.
That said, get comfortable, as you’re about to learn it:
How to start an Airbnb business – 4 essential Tips
Before diving into the deep end of Airbnb hosting, first, ensure you’re not doing anything illegal.
It’s now that Airbnb rules for hosts and local laws and regulations come into play:
1. Study the Local Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Airbnb’s a disruptive platform, meaning it’s a new technology that disrupts the traditional way of doing things.
Because of this, many cities have implemented new laws around short-term letting.
And you can get into a heap of legal trouble if you don’t comply with the regulations in your area. And pleading ignorance won’t get you off the hook.
Sure, Airbnb makes everything look easy on their platform, but the burden of compliance is on you.
You’ve got a lot to learn, and if you don’t, the cost of non-compliance can be high!
Some laws to look out for include:
- City’s zoning laws – First up, make sure your property complies within cities and states limits for the number of days you’re allowed rent per year.
- Multi-family building – Carefully check the rules for any housing associations.
- Subletting – It’s against the law to sublet any property without the owner’s permission.
- Licenses and permits – Research what’s required and comply.
- Taxes – Understand which taxes you need to pay and get your affairs in order before you begin trading.
Legalities out of the way, it’s time to assess your competition:
2. Check out your competitors
To become a perfect Airbnb host, you first have to be a guest.
So, if you’ve never stayed in an Airbnb property in your locality, now’s the time to start.
Choose ones similar to your own, book on a cheap day, and make a checklist.
What to look for:
- What’s the most common style of the property leading local rankings?
- Do unique features come into play?
- Have any of them sunlit terraces or lush gardens guests can use?
- Are they fitted out with new bathrooms fittings and a state-of-the-art kitchen?
- What extras are there, if any?
Don’t worry; we’ll cover the extras you can offer that’ll ensure guests are blown away and leave great reviews later.
What about the host?
You’re not only assessing the property; the host’s quality is equally important because the better host you are, the better the reviews.
And that’s the first step to creating an Airbnb listing that ranks higher than its competitors.
Consider the following:
- Was the host friendly and welcoming upon your arrival?
- Did they go out of their way to accommodate your needs?
- What did the host do right, and more importantly, wrong?
- Did they add stress to the experience or relieve it?
Don’t skip this step; trust me because I’ve done it, and within three months of opening, I had the number one listing!
By understanding your competitors, you gain an advantage over them. And that’s how you rise to the top.
But your target audience is equally important!
3. Know who your customers are
What do Airbnb, Uber, and Tony Robbins all have in common?
They all have a target audience that dictates how they market their business. For you, it’s your property type and location that determine your strategy.
I’ll explain:
If you create a listing on Airbnb without knowing your customer, it’ll be generic and fail to connect with their emotions and needs.
Why?
Your business is location-specific. While that might sound negative, it can become your greatest asset if you play it right!
Because those looking for Airbnb accommodation in your location are of a particular demographic with specific needs, that’s to your advantage because once you know who and what they are, you can fulfill them.
What to do next:
Research your location and the reasons travelers choose it because people look for various kinds of experiences.
- If you’re a seasonal holiday destination?
Families and couples are your target audience.
- Perhaps you’re located in a major city center?
Then business people and groups of friends wanting the very best and are willing to pay top dollar.
- Maybe you’re close to an airport!
If so, one-night stays with a need for airport transfer come into play.
- What about remote locations?
In that case, your target audience looks for a quiet getaway, peace of mind, and tranquillity.
The result:
Now you can create a listing that appeals to that type of customer, add extras they’ll appreciate, and services that can increase your income. Ultimately, you’re meeting their needs, and that’s the second step to becoming a successful Airbnb host.
I mentioned location; let’s look at how to use it to increase your bookings:
4. Make the most out of your location
With Airbnb, your location’s also vital because people travel for a reason, including entertainment and experience.
Use it to increase the lure of your listing by highlighting what’s available in your location to match the experiences your potential guests seek.
Start by researching key attractions and services within your proximity, such as major transport hubs, public transport, any unique amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and museums.
Also, research the best restaurants, bars, nightlife, and any other urban experiences guests might require or find interesting.
Research complete, it’s time to prepare your Airbnb listing:
How to create the perfect Airbnb listing
Your listing has one chance to make a great first impression.
And it must instantly engage your target audience’s attention. Fail to do so, and potential guests scroll on by, get it right, and they’ll click through every time.
You make this impression by promoting what your target audience looks for in a property and location on your listing.
Starting with images:
1. Quality photographs make a difference:
Beautifully taken and perfectly lit photos of your property’s best features are an absolute must.
It amazes me how often Airbnb hosts get this wrong.
Airbnb allows up to 100 photos per listing; use no more the 10-12.
Why?
Too many photographs dilute your property’s best attributes and confuse viewers, resulting in an information overload that negatively impacts their decision-making.
So, be picky and make each photo count. Include your street, an entrance photo, main living area, bedrooms, bathrooms, patio/garden/terrace if available, and your property’s main features to convey its character and quality.
And Airbnb provides a free photography instruction service, so check that out and these Airbnb photography tips.
If you’re unable to take a high-quality photo pay a professional. You’ll get the images you need, and it’s tax-deductible.
Once engaged using photography, you convert viewers into paying guests through the use of words.
2. Write an engaging description:
Write your description for your target audience in mind.
The title should pop from the screen and engage their attention. Brief but uniquely descriptive content and your words must reflect your photos.
Structure your description, so it’s easily read. While you should be creative to capture attention, don’t oversell your space or use meaningless words like nice, great, or lovely.
How to write the perfect description:
- Brief introduction – Your property’s best-selling points.
- Room by room description – Short descriptive paragraphs detailing what’s in each room. Mention any smart technology, feature furniture or art, number of beds, windows with views, and types of appliances.
- Outdoor spaces – Garden, pool, patio, or balcony, describe whatever you’ve got, including furniture and kid’s play equipment.
- Location – Only include what’s relevant to your target market, such as popular restaurants, walking, cycling trails, etc.
Check out this fantastic introduction:
Luxury city center loft on a traffic-free street
“Take an early morning stroll and enjoy the Trevi fountain without the tourists.
Wander around the historic streets while the city sleeps.
Then head back for a morning coffee at this urban-chic studio with a suspended loft bedroom”.
Why this Airbnb listing rocks:
The title says all that needs to be communicated to attract its target audience “city center loft,” and mentioning “traffic-free” is marketing genius. Because most traveling to Rome want to enjoy the locality without the infamous congestion and noise.
The description’s infused with romance, “Wander around the historic streets while the city sleeps,” and the “Trevi fountain without the tourists” captures your imagination while highlighting the convenience of the location.
It describes the property uniqueness in eight words “urban-chic studio with a suspended loft bedroom.”
If you’re not a natural writer, consider hiring a professional freelance copywriter, it’s worth every word, and the investment will pay you back ten-fold.
3. Set a competitive pricing strategy:
Regardless of how beautiful your rental space is, price always plays a significant role for guests when choosing an Airbnb property.
And if you’re priced higher than other comparable listings in your area, odds are you’ll miss out on bookings.
Successful Airbnb hosts use savvy pricing strategies to achieve their earning goals, but it’s a balancing act.
At first, you’ve got to be competitive and consider changing variables such as day-to-day, week to week, and seasonal demand.
The proven following strategies will help find the right price:
Why you should set a lower price for a new listing:
When you’re new on Airbnb, it’s a chicken and egg scenario.
Guests choose properties based on their reviews; you’re new, so you don’t have any; what do you do?
You set your price a little lower than your competitors.
While you’ll earn less initially, you’ll attract more guests who’ll leave positive reviews.
Here’s why this strategy kicks ass.
Reviews that say “great value” will always be on your listing, even when you raise your price to match your competitors!
How to stay competitive by adjusting your pricing:
You remain competitive and increase your income by adjusting your listing price on weekends, holidays, special events, and seasonally.
Use your competitor research to establish the going rate in your area for these dates.
Here’s a quick reminder of how to do it.
Search Airbnb for similar listings in your area, and look for the following:
- Your property type (entire home, apartment, private room, etc.)
- The number of bedrooms/beds you provide
- The number of guests your property can accommodate
- All extra and available amenities
And think ahead to learn how your competitors adjust for seasonal pricing, holidays, weekends, and special events. And don’t make the mistake of matching other listings that are still available close to these dates because if they haven’t sold, they’re probably overpriced.
Why not automate the process?
I’ll explain next.
Airbnb optional Smart Pricing tool:
Airbnb provides a Smart Pricing tool that analyzes relevant factors and data for property listings.
However, the built-in tool automatically updates your listing price based on market demand, only within your pre-set minimum and maximum price range.
Airbnb’s Smart pricing tool considers 70 different factors to determine the optimum price for every available night on your calendar — plus controls you’ve pre-set. Your listing price’s automation depends on things like:
- Lead time – As a check-in date approaches.
- Local popularity: The number of people searching for property in your area.
- Seasonality: Predictable seasonal demand for rentals in your locality.
- Listing popularity: The number of views and bookings your listing receives.
- Review history: The number of positive reviews you receive from successful stays.
And remember, the final price you set isn’t the final price your guests will pay. To find the right price point, you must also factor in any additional/guest service fees you may need to charge, such as cleaning and local taxes
When to raise your price:
The tell-tale sign to when you can raise your price is an increase in bookings. And that happens due to positive reviews and a higher ranking.
Play to your strengths when Pricing:
Look for positive repetition in your reviews; what are your guests saying that you can use to charge a higher price?
Perhaps it’s exceptional hospitality and complimentary continental breakfast or the welcome hamper and those wow factor extras you provide, and how you go the extra mile for your guests.
Whatever yours, promote it in your listing and photos.
Competitive Pricing pays:
Of course, having a higher price improves your income; however, lower-priced rentals rank higher in the Airbnb search algorithm.
And it’s a snowball scenario because the more competitive your price point, the higher you’ll rank, resulting in increased bookings.
And the more bookings you get, the more reviews you’ll receive, meaning you can charge more!
Pricing is a game that’s always in play; the better you are at it, the more bookings you’ll get, the higher you’ll rank, and the more you’ll earn.
Now put your rules where guests can see them:
4. Highlight your Airbnb rules for guests:
The clearer your house rules, the fewer problems you’ll have running your Airbnb business.
Keep your rules simple to avoid confusion and have them on your app listing and in your property in the form of a binder.
Rules could be no smoking, quiet hours, cleaning procedures, pets and animals, parties, and off-limit areas.
But your rule book should also contain helpful property information such as using electronics, showers, foldout beds, any tricky locks, and how to contact you.
Remember, the more information you provide, the less often guests will need to contact you.
If you follow those four steps, you’ll have a high converting listing, but becoming a super host requires more than creating a listing!
Optimize your Airbnb listing from day one
You can’t create a listing, sit back and forget about it, hoping somehow by magic you’ll rise to the top and guests will come knocking.
To keep guests coming and reviews flowing, you must continuously update your listing using better images and optimized content marketing.
And reply to past guests reviews and future guest queries, as well as using social media to promote your property and expand your reach off Airbnb (more on that in a minute) to connect with a broader audience.
Aristotle once said – “Give me a child until he’s 7, and I will show you the man”.
Your listing is that child, and it has three months to become what you need it to be.
Why the first three months are the most important?
Your first three months are imperative because Airbnb’s algorithm’s programmed to favor new listings to keep the wheels of industry turning.
Meaning you have a brief window of opportunity to land your first guests and get those glowing reviews.
If you take full advantage and get it right, the Airbnb gods will favor you going forward.
Don’t, and your listing could sink like a stone.
So, what’s the secret to getting your listing to the top and keeping it there?
You apply everything we’ve told you up to this word, then infuse it with proven strategies.
And those strategies involve going the extra mile for your guests:
How to top Airbnb listings and stay there
Three months, that’s all you’ve got, and it’s all you need if you time your opening to perfection and impress the first guests to stay in your new Airbnb business.
Timing’s the easy part.
You open at the busiest time of the year.
I opened my doors on May 14th, 2018, by June 25th, I’d sold out for the summer vacation. Resulting in102 five-star positive reviews. By October, my listing claimed the top spot and never looked back.
But I still had to ensure every guest left a 5-star review to raise my rates and match my competition.
Now going the extra mile comes into play.
And you only get one chance to do it:
1. Make an excellent first impression
First impressions on Airbnb start from the moment a guest looks at your listing to when you meet and greet them at your property and everything in between.
As the great Will Rogers once said – “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”
Here’s how to slam dunk yours every time:
2. Respond quickly to inquiries
Your response time affects your rankings and shows in the listings because guests don’t like to be left waiting, and Airbnb knows it.
Simply put, the faster you respond, the higher you’ll show in the rankings, ensuring people find, book, and stay with you.
How to respond quickly every time
- Create pre-prepared responses to save time when responding to inquiries.
- Use an automated guest communication tool like Hospitable to respond for you.
Successful hosts are those who can imagine themselves as the guest, then provide what they’d like to receive.
3. Send your guests a short welcome video
What better way to create a positive first impression and personal connection than a friendly welcome video?
As simple as it may seem, friendliness is a proven distinguishing factor for an Airbnb host, and a friendly greeting is always appreciated.
4. Send them a guidebook
When a guest makes a reservation, forward them a customized guidebook highlighting the very best your location has to offer. It’s a simple touch that helps create a fantastic experience from the get-go.
5. Do in-person check-ins
Guests love being greeted by a friendly, smiling host. It sets the scene for their stay and creates a personal connection, often resulting in return stays booked directly with the host!
6. Leave a personalized welcome gift
Proposals, birthdays, anniversaries, you’ll get them all.
Leave a welcome hamper with some treats and essentials and a bottle of bubbly for those special occasions. You’ll make your guests feel special and appreciated, often resulting in a 5-star review.
7. Touch base with your guests often:
As an Airbnb host, you can outdo your competitors, especially hotels, by being attentive and ensuring guests enjoy their stay.
And stay in communication to create an open channel for feedback. That way, you’ll know if something’s wrong and fix it before it becomes a negative review.
Be very proactive in fixing issues.
Don’t let minor problems cause significant negative reviews.
Be available and enthusiastic to help guests regardless of the problem or complaint.
8. Set the highest standards and keep them
You’re competing with 4 and 5-star hotels; while you might not have their facilities, you can beat them with standards.
Make every guest feel special. Keep your property spotlessly clean. Ensure all linen and towels are fresh and mark-free. And all furniture’s in good condition. Also include free extras such as Netflix, kid’s channels, hairdryers, ironing facilities, and whatever else you’d find in a 5-star hotel.
9. The devils in the detail
Often, it’s the minor things that make the most significant difference.
I always have fresh flowers in each room, sure it costs a few bucks, but the complimentary remarks and reviews make it worth it.
Also, provide up-to-date magazines, books, movies, and entertainment options like board games and a pack of cards.
Have quality tea and coffee available, including fruit and de-café.
PRO-TIP
Ask your guests in advance if they’re celebrating a special occasion during their stay. Then leave a celebratory card or hang up a congratulatory banner; trust me, guests love and appreciate these personal touches.
Wow, you now know how to start an Airbnb business, create the perfect listing, take advantage of Airbnb’s 3-month algorithm, top the rankings, and stay there.
It’s time to get those bookings:2.
Now focus on getting bookings
Remember the chicken and the egg scenario?
You need reviews to get bookings and bookings to get reviews!
Well, if you implement the advice so far, you’ll increase your chances by 90%.
But you can make it 100% by removing any objections to booking, here’s what I mean.
Make it easy to book:
No one likes difficulty when booking, and most people bounce (leave) listings if they’re complicated and frustrating.
Online booking platforms know this and spend big bucks on creating seamless checkout experiences.
While you don’t need a vast budget, you have to make it easy for guests to book.
Here’s how:
Have several channels of communication:
Guests come in all shapes and sizes, as do their preferences for communicating.
Use as many platforms as possible, such as a social media page, email, WhatsApp, Messenger, and of course, your phone.
Use Request to Book:
Your listing has a request to book link; guests follow this link to whichever communication channel you use to take bookings.
However, you can increase your bookings by removing this step using Instant book.
Why you should use Instant Book?
Airbnb recently implemented Instant book to improve the user experience of its platform.
It enables guests to book a property in a few clicks without having to contact the host.
And Airbnb gives preference to listings using Instant book, meaning you’ll rank better in the listings. And hosts report receiving double the bookings when using Instant book.
That’s a significant return for using a free booking tool!
Have a flexible cancellation policy:
Flexible cancellation policies also attract more guests as it allows for a full refund when canceling within a pre-set time.
You’ve five cancellation policies to choose from:
- Flexible – Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before arrival and receive a full refund.
- Moderate – Guests can cancel up to 5 days before check-in and receive a full refund.
- Firm – Guests can cancel 30 days before check-in and receive a full refund, and between 7 – 30 days, a 50% refund. In less than seven days, you get paid the total amount.
- Strict – Guests must cancel within 48 hours of making the booking and 14 days before check-in to receive a full refund.
- Long term – Applies to stays over 28 days, and guests must cancel within 48 hours of making the booking and 14 days before check-in.UE
How to scale up using Airbnb arbitrage
Want to know how to make your Airbnb business more profitable?
Airbnb rental arbitrage is the practice of renting a property long-term then subletting short-term on Airbnb.
You require a property that’s legal to sublet, in good condition, and can earn more than the rental cost and other business expenses combined.
It’s a strategy that the top 10% of Airbnb earners use; they’re known as super-hosts.
Most start with one Airbnb property, then use that profit to fund the following listing. Of course, it’s a bit of a gamble, but if you follow our steps and do your research, you could become an Airbnb super host and turn your side hustle into a $10,000 plus a month business!
How to run an Airbnb business remotely
Running one successful Airbnb property can be a lot of work, let alone several.
Between guest inquires, check-ins, turnovers/cleaning, being on call, maintenance, and diligently adjusting your rates according to market demand, you’ll have your hands full.
But what if you want to work remotely?
You automate and delegate by employing a local cleaning and maintenance company or a national let property manager.
Cleaning Service:
Once you open your business, you’ll quickly learn how much cleaning is required to keep a property at the highest level and come to appreciate the value of a good cleaner.
While cleaning companies serve a purpose, you might not get the same cleaner every time; standards could drop.
A better approach, hire a part-time maid/employee. Someone you can build a relationship with and who knows your property and standards.
This person could also provide the all-important on-call service should a guest need assistance.
PRO-TIP
Minimalistic properties are far quicker to clean, reducing your annual costs. If something’s not required, remove it.
Installing a Lockbox:
You can avoid having to be on-site by installing a lockbox, enabling guests to check themselves in.
The only negative is you’re not available to meet and greet and set an excellent first impression.
However, if you’ve sent a welcome video, provided a small welcome hamper, and are contactable, it isn’t a deal-breaker.
But what if your rental properties are in a different location?
Here’s how you solve that problem:
Outsource to a short/medium let property manager:
If your ideal business scenario’s to have someone else do all the work, a property management company could be for you.
Companies such as Guest-Ready provide a complete service from guest check-in, communications, cleaning, and property management.
But that’s not all!
They’ll also create your listing, take professional-grade photographs and write compelling property descriptions.
Then use modern technology and list your property on multiple short- and medium-term booking channels.
Enabling you to run your business from your smart device while sipping a margarita, just imagine!
Now It's Time You Opened Your Doors
Opening an Airbnb is a fantastic way to make some money. Even a lot of money if done at scale!
If your interested in getting started, use this guide to help you get set-up and running the right way.
As the saying goes – “Where focus goes, energy flows.”
That’s it for now, we hope you enjoyed the guide. And we hope that you will soon be opening your doors to some traveling guests as an Airbnb host.
