10 Tips for Running a Successful Airbnb Property (2024)

With 5.6 million listings in 220 countries and regions, as of September 2020,Airbnb has achieved unparalleled growth within its industrysince its 2008 launch. While it's had its share of controversy, Airbnb’s success is founded on the ability of essentially anyone to list an extra room on their website. If you're considering renting out your apartment, residence, or property on Airbnb, here are 10 tips for running a successful Airbnb business.

1. Quality Photographs Make a Difference

The time that you invest in taking high-quality photographs is well worth it. Ten photos of your residence is optimal. Take photographs that capture the character of the place, the surrounding area, and any amenities. You should also consider hiring a professional photographer because the average quality of photographs has markedly increased on Airbnb's website over time. Professional photos can help your listing stand out from the rest. One host reported that he traded a night's stay at his property for professional photography services and it resulted in increased bookings.

2. Time

Renting out a property on Airbnb requires a substantial time commitment if you want to be successful. Be prepared to devote some portion of each day to the task. One advantage that traditional hotels offer is time, because booking a hotel room only requiresone interaction. By contrast, getting a place on Airbnb requires multiple interactions with the host. So to reduce the amount of waiting time for guests, you need to pay constant attention to notifications and be ready to respond at any given moment.

3. First Impressions

As simple as it may seem, friendliness is a distinguishing factor for Airbnb hosts. Successful hosts are often those who are able to imagine themselves as a guest, and it's a good idea to reply quickly and pleasantly to all guest queries, which creates a better rapport and connection. This will increase the chances of guests choosing you over someone else.

4. Individualized Experience

To stand apart on Airbnb, think about the type of experience you will be creating for prospective guests. With scores of listings on the website, hosts who highlight the features of their location, such as nearby activities and the types of experiences that the guest could have there, are likely to gain more attention than those who simply list the property details.

5. Price

One main reason why individuals rent an Airbnb property is that it's more cost-effective than staying at a hotel.Pricing the listing reasonably can also increase the likelihood of guests posting a good review, which in turn creates a multiplier effect that's crucial to running a successful property. In addition, hosts can use Airdna, a website designed for hosts to assess how they can make more money by using analytics.

6. Response Time

Responding quickly is essential for creating the best experience for your guests and can also reduce the chances of potential guests booking somewhere else. Creating prepared responses can help save time when responding to inquiries from prospective guests.

7. Installing a Lockbox

If guests are running late or have travel delays, one way to save time is to consider installing a smart lock or lockbox. This way, hosts won't have to be hanging around late in the evening to give the guests their keys—guests can essentially check themselves into their Airbnb residence.

8. Legalities

The laws surrounding renting out a property on Airbnb vary from city to city. For instance, San Francisco, Portland, and Paris have recently enforced a law for Airbnb hosts to pay an occupancy tax. In New York, it's illegal to rent a property for less than 30 days under the Multiple Dwelling Law if the primary resident isn't present. You need to be aware of the specific laws in your city.

9. Cleaning Service

Cleaning the property yourself, rather than paying for a cleaning service, is one way to cut costs. Other hosts find it beneficial to hire this job out and to charge a cleaning fee for short-term rentals.

10. Detail

Successful hosts are all about details. In addition to stocking the place with necessities, you should consider having board games, books, movies and entertainment options for your guests. Additionally, be sure the kitchen has condiments, coffee, and tea. Some hosts will even have a bottle of wine for guests when they first arrive, while others provide welcome gifts.

Conclusion

Airbnb has significantly altered the nature of the short-term property rental market.Running an Airbnb property can provide extra income on the side for hosts, and it could even generate five or six figures in annual revenue for those who have multiple listings. Although it's not suited for everyone, Airbnb offers a number of ways for homeowners or renters to benefit from its extensive platform.

10 Tips for Running a Successful Airbnb Property (2024)

FAQs

How do I run a successful Airbnb property? ›

If you're considering renting out your apartment, residence, or property on Airbnb, here are 10 tips for running a successful Airbnb business.
  1. Quality Photographs Make a Difference. ...
  2. Time. ...
  3. First Impressions. ...
  4. Individualized Experience. ...
  5. Price. ...
  6. Response Time. ...
  7. Installing a Lockbox. ...
  8. Legalities.

What makes Airbnb so successful? ›

Airbnb has been so successful because it is a platform that allows people to rent out their homes to travelers. This will enable people to save money on hotels and provide them with an experience that is more personal and unique.

How to earn 6 figures in 6 months on Airbnb without owning properties? ›

Top 10 Ways to Start Making Money on Airbnb without Owning a Property
  1. Take the Airbnb Rental Arbitrage Route. ...
  2. Become a Short-term Rental Property Manager. ...
  3. Become a Co-host to an Airbnb host. ...
  4. Join a Vacation Rental Franchise. ...
  5. Become an Airbnb Consultant. ...
  6. Start an Airbnb Cleaning Service. ...
  7. Host an Airbnb Experience.
Jan 13, 2023

How do I attract people to my Airbnb? ›

How to get more bookings on Airbnb
  1. Make sure your profile is complete. ...
  2. Have an eye-catching title. ...
  3. Make sure your photos show off your home. ...
  4. Turn on instant book. ...
  5. Reduce your minimum stay to one night. ...
  6. Offer as many amenities as you can. ...
  7. Don't cancel your reservations. ...
  8. Keep your response rate at 100%
Jan 17, 2020

How much does the average Airbnb property profit? ›

Average Annual Host Revenue By State (United States):2021/2020
STATEAVERAGE ANNUAL HOST EARNINGS 2021AVERAGE ANNUAL HOST EARNINGS 2020
California$54,461$33,718
Florida$53,209$28,012
South Carolina$49,641$28,547
Utah$48,568$36,206
6 more rows

How much do most Airbnb owners make? ›

Airbnb Owner Salary
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$397,000$33,083
75th Percentile$181,500$15,125
Average$131,526$10,960
25th Percentile$39,000$3,250

How hard is it to run an Airbnb? ›

Well, it may not be as easy as you think. Airbnb hosting takes a lot of hard work — and homework and prep work and … you get the picture. It takes work. What you put into it affects what you get out of it, so if you want to be successful, you've got to put in some literal and figurative elbow grease.

What is the unique selling point of Airbnb? ›

In the case of Airbnb, its USP is the ability to provide travelers with a unique and more personalized experience, often in unique and unusual properties that traditional hotels can't match. Your value proposition promises what your product will do for the customer and how it will meet their needs.

How do I make my Airbnb luxury? ›

Tips to Make Your Luxury Airbnb Stand Out
  1. Invest in high-quality photos. ...
  2. Be accurate in your listing description. ...
  3. Update listings. ...
  4. Create a superior Airbnb host profile. ...
  5. Respond on-time. ...
  6. Family-friendly additions. ...
  7. Offer welcome gifts. ...
  8. Offer a Local Guide.

Can I start Airbnb with no money? ›

Airbnb Experiences is perhaps the easiest way to start an Airbnb account without money and soon start racking in profit. Airbnb experiences are local premium tours and experiences that are done in cities around the world. They can include trips to sites, one-of-a-kind experiences, and so on.

Can you make a living off Airbnb? ›

Many homeowners and renters can make money on Airbnb. All you need is the desire to provide a fantastic experience for your guests by ensuring they feel comfortable and welcome. It's a great way to make a little money on the side or pay off your mortgage early.

Can you become a millionaire through Airbnb? ›

You can earn up to $1,000 every month on average. This number can vary depending on your location, property, and hosting abilities. If you can present your visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience. Then you might be able to make a six-figure income from your side hustle and become an Airbnb millionaire.

What makes Airbnb guests happy? ›

The way to achieve your guests' happiness and as a result, strong Airbnb guest review is following the 4 C rule: Communication, Convenience, Cooperation, and Comfort.

How do I make guests feel welcome on Airbnb? ›

Be curious. You can open the door to inclusivity by simply asking your guests, What do you need to feel comfortable and welcome in my space? Reply the easy way. Use Airbnb messaging or the app to reply to guests at home and on the go.

How do I get more bookings? ›

Increase Your Bookings: 13 Can't-Miss Marketing Tips
  1. Create content that meets the needs of your audience. ...
  2. Make the most of social media. ...
  3. Optimize your site for search engines. ...
  4. Invest in search engine advertising. ...
  5. Reach out to site visitors. ...
  6. Encourage reviews. ...
  7. Build an email list. ...
  8. Take advantage of user-generated content.
Apr 27, 2021

What size Airbnb is most profitable? ›

Key Takeaways

Smaller units are better suited as long-term rentals in most cities. However, as bedroom count increases, units become more lucrative to list as vacation rentals. By the time a property increases to four bedrooms, listing it as a vacation rental is more profitable in 90% of cities.

What is a good Airbnb margin? ›

Airbnb Business Profit Margin. The average Airbnb host generates a profit margin of 4 to 8% according to Awning.

How much do Airbnb Superhosts make? ›

From October 2021 to September 2022 Superhosts have collectively earned over $23 billion in income from hosting on Airbnb. In Q3 2022 the typical Superhost earned 64% more than a regular Host.

Where is the highest demand for Airbnb? ›

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos has been rated as one of the most popular Airbnb destinations for a number of years running. One of its major attractions is that it's very accessible to travelers from multiple states which helps to ensure great occupancy rates throughout the year.

Is owning an Airbnb a lot of work? ›

But an Airbnb is truly a side job. It requires attention on a weekly (and often daily) basis. Additionally, you'll be in charge of buying furniture, supplies, and amenities. And you'll need to replace things as they get worn down.

How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month 2023? ›

As of Jun 6, 2023, the average annual pay for an Airbnb Host in the United States is $59,296 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $28.51 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,140/week or $4,941/month.

What is the downside of owning Airbnb? ›

The main downside of using Airbnb for short-term rentals is that the platform charges its hosts a commission for each booking. This can eat into your profits, depending on the length and scale of your rental offerings.

Is owning an Airbnb risky? ›

Even if the potential rewards of owning a short-term rental are exciting, there's always risk involved. One is property damage. Normal wear and tear is expected, but many owners worry their guests will do more severe damage to the property — from breaking furniture to causing water damage.

How many hours a week does it take to run an Airbnb? ›

How many hours? Depending on the type of vacation rental you are running, you could be looking at spending 2-3 hours a day managing your property and between 5-8 hours on days where you have a change-over of guests. What takes so long, you ask? Here are some things that are likely to eat away the hours in your day…

What is the most popular listing on Airbnb? ›

The Mushroom Dome is the most booked and most wish-listed property on Airbnb's platform, besting 5.6m other listings, including a house shaped like an elephant, a cave in France, and a 12th-century Scottish castle.

What do Airbnb customers want? ›

Extras guests appreciate:
  • Extra toilet paper, linens, and towels.
  • Basic toiletries like shampoo and conditioner.
  • Dish soap and cleaning supplies.
  • Dining basics like a coffee maker, cooking utensils, dishes, and silverware.
  • Wine glasses.
  • Basic cooking supplies like salt, pepper, and oil.
  • Coffee, tea.
  • Light breakfast or snacks.
Nov 19, 2020

How much money do you need to start your first Airbnb? ›

The average cost to start an Airbnb sits between $3,000-$6,000. This cost will significantly vary depending on the following items: Property purchase price. Home Loan Down Payment.

What are the rules to start an Airbnb? ›

How to start an Airbnb business
  • Find out if you need permission. Get the proper permission from your landlord, co-op board or homeowners association, if relevant. ...
  • Find and prepare your Airbnb space. ...
  • Set your price. ...
  • List your space. ...
  • Hire or enlist some help (a co-host) ...
  • Host an Airbnb experience.
Mar 21, 2022

What do I need to know before opening an Airbnb? ›

Here's what you need to do to begin hosting.
  • Assess if your space is a good fit. No space is too small or too unique to list on Airbnb! ...
  • Get your space ready for guests. ...
  • List your space. ...
  • Decide how you'll host. ...
  • Set your price and get paid.
Nov 16, 2022

What percentage do Airbnb hosts keep? ›

The host pays a flat rate of 3% of the total booking cost and the guest pays a percentage of their reservation fee (this is somewhere between 5-20% depending on the length of stay, the location, and the cost of the reservation to start with).

How do Airbnb hosts get paid? ›

You choose how you'd like to receive the money you earn hosting. Payout methods include Fast Pay, bank transfers, PayPal, Payoneer debit cards, and Western Union, among others. The options vary depending on where you're based. To get set up, select a payout method in the Payments & payouts section of your account.

Is owning an Airbnb passive income? ›

Airbnb lets you generate passive income from your home or spare room. Being an Airbnb host involves listing your property on its platform, which handles bookings and communications with guests. Hosts are paid out based on guest stays.

How do I pitch a landlord on Airbnb? ›

Make a great first impression
  1. Tell your building manager about yourself and why you want to host on Airbnb. If you can't do this in person, send them a message.
  2. Show your building manager that you care about your home, your building, and your neighbors. Give them a tour of your space, or share some photos.

Do Airbnb owners make a lot of money? ›

When looking at all of 2021, new data shows the typical US Airbnb Host's income rose to over $13,800 - an increase of 85 percent over 2019. New Airbnb Hosts in the US also saw an increase in income in 2021, earning over $1.8 billion, up 34 percent from 2019.

What is the projection for Airbnb 2023? ›

But so did the company's forecast for the first quarter of 2023. All in all, Airbnb expects to earn between $1.75 billion and $1.82 billion for the first quarter, which would be a healthy amount above last year's $1.5 billion.

What should I leave for my guests on Airbnb? ›

Highlights
  • A small token of appreciation goes a long way toward making guests feel special.
  • Try leaving a handwritten note for a personal touch.
  • You can do even more by leaving flowers, beverages, snacks, and other treats.
  • Local products can support your community—and help guests feel like they belong.
Feb 10, 2020

Is being an Airbnb host stressful? ›

Great hosting takes time and work. But it's not rare for hosts to feel burnt out from having to juggle Airbnb hosting with other personal and professional responsibilities. This is called Airbnb host fatigue, and it's a common problem that many Airbnb hosts face.

What to do if Airbnb guest brings more people? ›

If guests show up with extra people, you have the right to turn them away. Airbnb does not offer customer service or insurance to people who don't have an official reservation through the platform, and any liability waivers you may offer your guests won't apply.

What should be included in a Airbnb welcome pack? ›

What to include in your welcome pack
  1. A bit about you. ...
  2. Emergency details. ...
  3. Information about your property. ...
  4. House dos and don'ts. ...
  5. Check-out instructions. ...
  6. Local area information. ...
  7. A welcome gift.
Sep 3, 2018

What is the best Airbnb welcome message? ›

I hope your journey from [guest's destination] was pleasant and comfortable. Allow me to introduce myself to you – my name is [insert your name]. I'm a [insert your profession]. Some of my hobbies include [insert hobby], [insert hobby], and making sure my guests have the best stay at my Airbnb property!

What is the best techniques to make guests feel welcome? ›

5 Small Things You Can Do to Make Your Visitors Feel Comfortable
  1. Make Preparations for Visitors.
  2. Smile and Greet Visitors Warmly.
  3. Anticipate Common Needs.
  4. Make visitors feel safe.
  5. Make Your Lobby Open and Inviting.

How do I make my Airbnb popular? ›

Go all in on the description: Make your title and description fun, detailed, and informative. Explain the amenities, shared spaces, and what makes your space unique. Upload high-quality photos: Your photos are a guest's first impression of your space on the search results page. Get tips on taking great photos.

How do I drive traffic to my Airbnb listing? ›

The following list of 7 proven Airbnb ranking optimization techniques will help you get the results that you're looking for.
  1. Better Reviews Lead to a Higher Airbnb Ranking. ...
  2. Avoid Cancellations and Rejections. ...
  3. Choose Your Airbnb Listing Settings Carefully. ...
  4. Choose Your Photos for Shareability. ...
  5. Use Instant Book.
May 15, 2019

Is being an Airbnb owner profitable? ›

Is Owning an Airbnb Profitable? An Airbnb short-term rental that has a steady queue of occupants may be more profitable than leasing the same property to someone on a long-term basis. The reason is that Airbnb nightly rates are usually higher.

Does owning an Airbnb make money? ›

Airbnb lets you generate passive income from your home or spare room. Being an Airbnb host involves listing your property on its platform, which handles bookings and communications with guests. Hosts are paid out based on guest stays. Guests often find Airbnb is cheaper, has more character, and is homier than hotels.

Is it still profitable to Airbnb? ›

Yes, AirBnb is still profitable. The tourist market is HUGE and there's definitely room for you to make money in it too. Just pay attention to: Location.

How do I make my Airbnb rental profitable? ›

Rent Out Extra Space

One simple way to increase your Airbnb revenue is to make use of any extra space that you may have in your property. Through the power of the internet and the popularity of the sharing economy, almost anything can now be listed to be rented and can serve as an easy way to earn additional income.

How much does the average Airbnb owner make? ›

Tipalti, an accounting software company, just released data about the average annual earnings that Airbnb hosts make around the world, and the US is at the top of the list. With an average of $44,235 per year, US hosts flaunt the highest average annual earnings.

Where do Airbnb hosts make the most money? ›

California – new Hosts in California earned approximately $270 million in 2021. Florida – new Hosts in Florida earned over $265 million in 2021. Texas – new Hosts in Texas earned approximately $170 million in 2021. New York – new Hosts in New York earned approximately $115 million in 2021.

Is it worth it to run an Airbnb? ›

Renting through Airbnb could be more lucrative than renting to a long-term tenant, depending on your location. Your costs may be higher if you rent through Airbnb, since you'll be expected to provide furnishings, keep the place clean, and pay utilities.

How much work is it to run an Airbnb? ›

How many hours? Depending on the type of vacation rental you are running, you could be looking at spending 2-3 hours a day managing your property and between 5-8 hours on days where you have a change-over of guests. What takes so long, you ask? Here are some things that are likely to eat away the hours in your day…

Is it smart to start an Airbnb 2023? ›

According to the latest reports, the short-term rental industry will witness unprecedented growth in the coming years. This means that Airbnb rentals will also be profitable and prove to be a good investment for real estate investors.

Is 2023 a good time to start an Airbnb? ›

With statistics showing that Airbnb investing was profitable in 2022 and that the positive trends will continue in 2023, those interested in short term rentals should not give up. As long as the statistics look promising, there is hope for a profitable year.

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