10 Airbnb Hosting Tips Every New Host Needs to Know

Starting an Airbnb can feel like a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and endless to-dos. Trust me, I’ve been there. As a mom of three, I’m no stranger to juggling a million things at once—hosting included. In fact, I set up my first Airbnb during school hours, all before carpool pickup. It took me just two weeks! If I can do it, so can you.

In this post, I’ll share some practical tips I wish I had when I started hosting. Whether you’re setting up your first space or looking to fine-tune your hosting game, these strategies will help you stay organized, attract guests, and, most importantly, avoid the rookie mistakes that can cost you time and money.

1. Start Simple, Then Upgrade

It’s tempting to go all out decorating and stocking your Airbnb, but starting simple allows you to see what your guests actually want. Focus on creating a clean, functional space with a few thoughtful touches. Over time, you’ll learn what works and can invest in upgrades that make sense—like adding a workspace for midterm guests or upgrading the mattress for rave reviews.

2. Get Your Calendar Organized

Managing bookings is one of the biggest challenges for new hosts, especially if you’re juggling multiple platforms or combining short-term and midterm rentals. Picture this: an Airbnb guest books for the weekend, but you forgot there’s a Furnished Finder tenant moving in next month. Double bookings are every host’s worst nightmare, but staying organized can save the day.

That’s why I’m excited to share that I have a Lease Tracker coming soon to my Etsy shop! This tool will help you:

- Track lease start and end dates for midterm rentals.

- Organize Airbnb bookings alongside longer stays.

- Avoid double bookings by keeping everything in one place.

- Plan ahead for upcoming vacancies so you’re never caught off guard.

Whether you’re managing one property or ten, this tracker will make it so much easier to stay on top of your rental calendar. Stay tuned—this game-changing tool is on the way! In the meantime, check out the other tools in my Etsy Shop (coming soon) to help you get started.

3. Photos Are Everything

Your listing photos are your first chance to grab a guest’s attention, so make them count! Use natural light, clean and stage your space, and highlight what makes your property unique. Got a cozy reading nook? Snap it. A beautiful kitchen? Show it off. Guests are booking an experience, not just a place to stay, so help them imagine themselves there. They need to be high quality and bright photos.

4. Set a Competitive Starting Price (and Use Dynamic Pricing)

Getting the price right is one of the trickiest parts of managing a rental. Pricing too high can deter bookings, but pricing too low means leaving money on the table. Using a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs helps you stay competitive by adjusting rates based on demand, seasonality, and local events. With dynamic pricing, you don’t have to worry about constantly updating rates—you’ll maximize occupancy and keep your pricing in line with the market, letting the tool do the heavy lifting while you focus on making your rental shine.

Bonus: If you’re interested in trying PriceLabs, I’ve got a special deal for you! Use my referral code to get a 30-day free trial of PriceLabs’ Dynamic Pricing and Portfolio Analytics tools, plus 1 market dashboard and $10 in PriceLabs credit. It’s the perfect way to take the guesswork out of pricing while boosting your bookings and income.

Dynamic pricing is a game-changer, especially for new hosts looking to stand out in a competitive market. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

5. Know Your Audience

Who is your ideal guest? Business travelers? Families? Solo adventurers? Knowing your audience helps you tailor your listing, amenities, and even the tone of your description. For example, if you’re targeting families, highlight the kid-friendly touches like a high chair or toys. Hosting midterm stays? Emphasize your workspace and high-speed internet.

6. Keep It Spotless

I can’t stress this enough—cleanliness is king. A spotless space isn’t just about impressing guests; it also shows up in your reviews. If cleaning isn’t your thing, invest in a professional cleaner. The cost is worth it for the time saved and the glowing reviews you’ll earn.

7. Make It Easy for Guests to Say Yes

Guests want to know exactly what they’re booking, so don’t leave them guessing. Be clear in your listing description about:

- What’s included (WiFi, parking, laundry)

- House rules (check-in times, no parties, etc.)

- What’s nearby (restaurants, parks, attractions)

The easier you make it for guests to see how your space fits their needs, the more likely they are to book.

8. Invest in Small, Thoughtful Touches

Sometimes it’s the little things that guests remember most. A welcome basket with snacks, a handwritten note, or even a guidebook with your favorite local spots can leave a lasting impression. For longer stays, consider stocking the kitchen with basics like coffee, tea, and spices—they’re small touches that go a long way.

9. Plan for the Unexpected

Things *will* go wrong—WiFi will stop working, appliances will break, and guests will have odd questions at 10 PM. Be prepared by:

- Having a list of trusted contractors on hand.

- Keeping backup essentials like light bulbs and batteries stocked.

- Setting up clear communication channels so guests know how to reach you.

10. Stay Open to Feedback

Every guest is an opportunity to learn. Maybe they’ll suggest something you hadn’t thought of, like blackout curtains for better sleep or a luggage rack for convenience. Use this feedback to improve your space and your hosting skills over time.

Final Thoughts

Starting your Airbnb hosting journey can feel like a leap into the unknown, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Staying organized, prioritizing your guests’ needs, and constantly learning will set you up for long-term success.

Want more tips? Check out my other posts, like Essentials for Setting Up Your Airbnb/Midterm Living Room or explore my Etsy shop( Coming soon!) for tools like my upcoming Lease Tracker to help you manage your bookings with ease.

Let’s connect! Share your questions or experiences in the comments below, or find me on Instagram @PropertyMomSTL—I’d love to hear about your hosting journey!