5 Tips for Setting Up Your Own Airbnb

In recent years, Airbnb has surged in popularity, changing the way that holiday makers book their accommodation. 

While you might have used Airbnb as a guest, setting up your own Airbnb can be a challenging but exciting venture. 

So, if you’re considering embarking on a journey into the short term rental market, here are just five fantastic tips to help you set up a successful Airbnb and ensure guest satisfaction.

  1. Find the Perfect Property 

Finding the perfect property in the right location can often be your biggest challenge as a new host. Your budget will typically have a huge impact on not only the type of property that you can afford, but where you can buy. 

Before you make any decisions, it’s important to assess your finances to ensure that the income you’ll earn as an Airbnb host is worth this initial investment. 

Of course, if you win a property through a competition such as Raffle Houses win a home charity raffle, then you can use your intended budget to make your Airbnb a luxury getaway that your guests will love. 

2. Create a Welcoming Environment 

The foundation of a successful Airbnb lies in the experience that you can give your guests, so creating a welcoming and comfortable space is essential. Start by decluttering and organising your home or rental property.

Invest in quality bedding, basic amenities, and cosy furnishings to help enhance the overall comfort of your space. And, if you want to add in some thoughtful extra touches, then you could provide your guests with a guide pack on the local area and a welcome basket with tasty snacks. 

3. Set Competitive Pricing

Finding the right price at which to list your Airbnb requires careful consideration. If you set your prices too high then you could struggle to attract a regular stream of guests, however if you set them too low then it will be hard for you to cover your expenses. 

It’s important to research the local market to get an idea as to how other Airbnb hosts are pricing their properties.

As you start to gain positive feedback and a good reputation, you can start to slowly adjust your pricing to reflect this additional value. 

4. Ensure a Professional Listing

Your listing is likely to be the first impression that your potential guests will have of your property, so it’s essential that you invest in creating a well-crafted and visually appealing listing. It’s important that you display high-quality photos that showcase the unique features of your space as this can significantly improve your appeal to new guests.

While it can be tempting to cut costs by taking your own photos, it’s a good idea for you to invest in professional photography. With platforms such as Bark you can connect with professional property photographers who can help to capture the true character of your listing.

5. Prioritise Communication and Satisfaction 

Effective communication with your guests is essential to ensuring satisfaction and the success of your Airbnb. 

You should always make the effort to respond promptly to any inquiries or messages that you receive about your property, as this can make your guests feel valued and attended to. 

Have you set up your own Airbnb? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!