Airbnb host tips: Expert advice for beginners

What are Airbnb tips for hosts?

Despite being established way back in 2008, Airbnb remains an entirely unique platform. It has managed to carve out a niche of amateur hosts and boutique hotels, and in the process it has captured a selection of the world’s most interesting stays.

Just as the platform is unique, so too are the relevant Airbnb host tips and tricks. 

In this guide, we’ll provide you with the best Airbnb host tips for those who make their living as accommodation providers. If you run a hotel, a hostel, a homestead or B&B, read on to find a selection of the very best Airbnb guidance.

Why are first time Airbnb host tips important?

Airbnb is different. In a way it can be thought of as more a community than a booking channel.

Unlike hotel booking sites like Booking.com and Expedia, Airbnb requires every user to create a profile and provide identification. The platform is selective about the accommodation it offers; hotels are only given the green light if they are unique or boutique, so you won’t find any multinational chains. Finally, both hosts and guests are actively encouraged to leave reviews for one another, further establishing that sense of community.

The distinctiveness of the platform highlights the value of first time Airbnb host tips. If you’re looking to fully capitalise on the opportunity that the platform offers, you should work to gain an understanding of the techniques and strategies that work.

Our top Airbnb host tips for beginners

Let’s begin by looking at the best Airbnb host tips for beginners – the things you need to know when first using the platform, or the things that can increase bookings if you have been on Airbnb for a while, but perhaps haven’t maximised your presence.

Detailed listings 

People use Airbnb to find unique experiences. As such this platform rewards detailed listings more than most. You want to describe, in detail, the one-of-a-kind experiences that you offer your guests. Include all of your best Airbnb amenities, host tips and local advice are always appreciated, and don’t be afraid to show a bit of personality. (While you’re at it, take the chance to update your website too.)

Use high-quality photos

Does your hotel look as alluring as it could? Professional photography is an investment that pays itself back in quick time on Airbnb, as it makes your listing stand out from the crowd.

Set competitive yet reasonable pricing

Price is as important on Airbnb as it is on any booking channel (including the direct bookings you earn through your own site), so the next of our Airbnb tips? Save money. Hosts need to find a sweet spot between enticing guests with value and charging your worth. While Airbnb Smart Pricing can help, Little Hotelier Insights looks beyond Airbnb to compare your prices against the wider market.

Be responsive

Guest communication is critical on Airbnb, particularly with the introduction of read receipts. Work to bring your response time – which you can check on your hosting dashboard – down to below an hour.

Ensure a clean space

Every guest will rate the cleanliness of their stay out of five, so it’s an important area of focus. In search of Airbnb cleaning tips, hosts could do worse than those below. 

Airbnb cleaning tips for hosts

• Build an efficient and comprehensive routine.
• Put a particular focus on high traffic areas.
• Look under beds and on top of shelves.
• Periodically clean blinds, lights, walls, etc.

Personalise the experience

How will you differentiate yourself on a platform known for unique offerings? There are any number of personalised touches you could add, but consider things like a folder with local recommendations, a welcome basket or drink, or a personalised sign that greets every guest.

Ensure safety

It’s your job to ensure the safety of workers and guests. Clearly mark fire extinguishers and emergency assembly points. Leave emergency instructions in your room. Train workers on what to do in different emergency situations.

Top five tips to protect yourself as an Airbnb host

You want your guests to have an amazing time, but not at your expense. Here are five tips to protect yourself as an Airbnb host.

1. Screen guests

Airbnb offers a number of ways to screen guests. You can disable instant booking and manually check requests, or you can choose to only accept guests with a ‘good track record’.

2. Install security cameras

Security cameras in shared areas of your property can give both you and your guests peace of mind, while acting as a deterrent to troublemakers and providing the evidence you may need if an incident were to occur.

3. Communicate expectations

Knowing that their own rating is on the line, most Airbnb guests are happy to play by your rules. You simply need to clearly outline your expectations.

4. Stay proactive and responsive

Speaking of communication, you should do all that you can to be at your guest’s beck and call throughout their stay, as ‘Communication’ is another area that they will mark out of five during their review.

5. Read up on Airbnb policies

As a platform that is slightly different from other booking channels and OTAs, a hotelier should familiarise themselves with Airbnb’s terms of service, cancellation policies and guarantees, so they know what their responsibilities and rights are as a host. For example, Airbnb doesn’t allow hotels to charge a security deposit – it instead covers all bookings with its ‘AirCover’ insurance, which a hotel needs to be familiar with.