Where to Begin
The first place to go to discover more Airbnb hosting tips is Google. From there, you can branch out to YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, you name it.
Whatever platform on which you consume content, there is most likely something out there that will speak to you and help you figure out where to begin.
Once you go to your favorite platform, type in hospitality, short-term rentals, and vacation rentals. Those three keywords will likely find you the most amount of content. Start searching like crazy, take notes, go down tons of rabbit holes, and you’ll find content. You’ll find people and companies that are relevant to how to get started as an Airbnb host.
Further, companies like Programma di affiliazione per gli host consistently publish content on blogs, YouTube, social media, and more. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and sign up for emails from the companies that continually address common questions and pain points of vacation rental hosts.
5 Ways to Learn Top Vacation Rental Host Tips
1. Follow Industry Leaders
If you’re into hosting and want to create a real, sustainable business for yourself in the vacation rental industry, there are a few people you should definitely follow.
Matt Landau, Wil Slickers, Michael Sjogren, Dr. Rachel Gainsborough, and Julie George — all of these names are very influential when it comes to setting the tone for high standards in the vacation rental industry for hosts.
Another excellent resource for vacation rental hosts is Hospitality.FM. This podcast network is home to numerous podcasts that cover the short-term rental segment of hospitality.
Hospitality.FM Founder Wil Slickers recommends when searching for vacation rental-related content: Pay attention to who podcasters or YouTubers have on their shows or channels. Also, take note of these shows’ sponsors or partners because they’re likely heavily influential in the industry.
2. Take to Social Media
The vacation rental industry is a sharing and friendly space to get involved in. Make sure you’re using social media to further your search and learn from some of the top experts in the industry.
LinkedIn is a great platform because it’s now becoming more creator-friendly. Connect with everybody that you see as relevant in the short-term rental space. If you’re willing to take the time to learn and see what the industry is about, you’ll likely find that people will connect with you, too.
“When I first started getting into the vacation rental industry, the first thing I did was go onto LinkedIn and search ‘vacation rentals’ to see what popped up.”
– Wil Slickers
LinkedIn also gives users the ability to add hashtags to their profiles. For example, if you search for Wil Slickers, LinkedIn will tell you that he commonly talks about #hospitality, #hotelindustry, #vacationrentals, #shorttermrentals, and #hospitalityindustry.
3. Understand How Real Estate Content Fits In
Short-term rental is a term that you’re going to find in a lot of real estate content. This is a good thing because short-term rentals are very much a real estate play. That said, this real estate-focused content is not going to tell you how to host, how to provide a proper guest experience, or how to actually set up a home that fits a guest’s needs.
You’re creating a home away from home. Real estate companies or podcasts that cover short-term rentals are going to cover the funding, investment, purchasing, and capital aspect of real estate as an asset. They may not, however, discuss ways your Airbnb business can bring in a continual cash flow.
4. Learn From Others
The podcasters, YouTubers, and content creators mentioned above create and publish helpful information so that just about anybody can be a successful Airbnb host. They have firsthand experience and are teaching lessons on what not to do — so take those lessons and apply them.
If you customize the experiences of someone else to your own rental property, you don’t have to learn from your own mistakes. You can learn from others’ wins and losses, applying and avoiding what you like.
“If you can jump five steps ahead by learning from someone that has already done it, then do it.”
– Wil Slickers
When learning from others’ mistakes and successes, take note of how they present their listing and describe their destination. You’ll see that there’s a particular pattern; these experienced hosts have it down to a science.
This requires trial and error, but filling out your listing description in its entirety will boost your rental’s chances of standing out. Don’t skip filling out some information that you don’t think is relevant. Likewise, don’t miss out on highlighting your amenities, no matter how big or how small they are.
5. Be a Guest at Your Own Property
In an interview with Wil Slickers, he stated, “when I was in the military, the number one thing I was taught was to pay attention to the details.” This is imperative when running an Airbnb.
Some of your rental’s little quirks may not seem like a big deal to you. Say, the shower is actually hot when it’s on cold and cold when it’s on hot. It’s your home, and you know the workarounds — but your Airbnb guests likely won’t. They may get confused and frustrated. That’s why these little details really matter.
“Just pay attention, take note, experience your property as if you were a guest yourself.”
– Wil Slickers
Have your friends and family stay, and offer your first couple of guests a discounted rate. That way, they’re encouraged to leave a good review — and you’ll be able to learn from their experience. Not every guest is the same, not every host is the same, and not every home is the same. Make sure you understand that this is a “practice makes perfect” industry.
Whatever You Do, Just Get Started
That apartment above your garage, that second home — list it on Airbnb and make continual improvements to your listing, the rental itself, and the experience you provide.
“I guarantee you that if you always keep learning, if you always keep practicing, then you’re going to have a successful short-term rental business.”
– Wil Slickers
Consider the hotel industry. What experience are you going to get from a hotel every time you stay? Consistency. Think of your Airbnb rental as a one-unit hotel. Make sure there are enough linens, towels, and toiletries. Ensure cleanliness is held to the highest standards. Provide excellent customer service.
In summary, enjoy the process, always keep learning, keep yourself accountable — and just get started. Remember: practice makes perfect.
