In 2021, Airbnb generated a revenue of $5.9 billion. They have 150 million users. Wouldn’t you love to get a piece of that pie?
You can! Learn about how to become an Airbnb host.
If you have a house or apartment that is totally empty during the year, like when you go on vacation, you are leaving money on the table that you could put in your pocket. That’s right, look, the money is now flying out the door. Even if you have just a spare room that you don’t use, it’s the same thing.
Why? You are spending money to keep a property you do not use when you could make money to rent it.
If you are ready to be the next successful Airbnb host, keep on reading this article.
Why Become an Airbnb Host?
There is no listing fee, and it is free to sign up. You only must pay Airbnb a fee upon receiving a reservation. No matter if you want to just try it out or are in it for the long haul, the fee structure remains the same.
This means zero commitment. You can start and stop a listing when you choose on your terms. You base it on your preferences and your schedule.
You are the boss!
Create Your Listing
When it is your first Airbnb rental property listing, do not worry, it is super simple to start. First, you will create your listing so that your place shows in the Airbnb “market.” You will receive payment each time a customer makes a booking.
In less than 24 hours after a guest “checks in,” Airbnb releases your payment. You will find the payment in your PayPal or bank account. That’s right, if someone is booking your place, you will receive income as you go.
What If a Guest Breaks or Steals Something?
Letting a stranger in your space when you are not there is nerve-wracking. You may be concerned about something bad happening that will cost you big. Not to worry, Airbnb provides up to $1,000,000 of protection against loss or damage, if the guest cannot, or will not, pay.
This is the “Host Guarantee.” You can also set preferences, like:
- No smoking
- No pets
- No unregistered guests
Plus, you can vet guests, too, when they book. You can deny a guest if they have a poor review from prior hosts.
Airbnb Hosting Tips
Before you begin as a host for Airbnb, you want to ensure that you have a place that is adequately prepped by a guest. A top requirement is a lack of clutter and cleanliness. You must clean up your personal items, so do not leave dirty clothes on the couch.
Remember that this is a paying guest that is staying by your place, not a family member or friend, but a customer.
Plus, consider the logistics.
- How does the paying guest enter the apartment or house?
- How will you give someone your key and do you have a spare?
- If you have an apartment, is parking complicated?
Think over any logistical details that may require giving a guest detailed instruction.
Last, to give a guest the best experience in your place, do you need to invest in anything? How about new matching towels or fancy hand soap? How can you spruce things up a bit?
Even leaving a guest with some simple breakfast items, like coffee or muffins, makes them happy. If you need some help with managing an Airbnb property, check out Emperor Management.
How to Become an Airbnb Host
If are now ready to embark on a new endeavor as an Airbnb host, you can list your property. It’s easy! Here are the steps.
1. Sign-Up on Airbnb
Foremost, visit the website or app and sign up by creating a free account. It will only take a few minutes. Start by filling in your personal information.
You will create a personal bio. Since it speaks about you, the host, you want it to be positive and reflective of you. Be authentic and add some charm, too.
People like a host that appears “friendly.”
Next, you will need to verify a few things, like photos of your identification documents and your phone number. They will ask you to upload a clear headshot of yourself.
2. Create the Listing
After you complete your sign-up, you can create your listing. Airbnb will guide you through it, but we can still give you a quick breakdown of what happens. You must input the following information:
- Type of property (home, apartment, etc.)
- Shared space or the entire place
- Set the price (you can change this any time)
- Select the dates (block out days the place is not available)
Once you take care of this, next you can give some more details. Here lies an opportunity to sell your space. Write a description of your space that is both authentic and enticing.
You should include information in the description like:
- The sleeping space
- Bathroom set up
- General access to the place
- Something special about the location
People love to hear what is close by where they will be staying. It can even be what sways them toward your space over someone else’s.
Some people don’t mind pets and some people do; they may even have allergies. You should add details about pets if you have them.
If you know that your space has downsides, it is good to be upfront about that as well. This can be details like a shared bathroom or a noisy location. Guests appreciate honesty from the host, and it will help to mitigate negative reviews later.
3. Include Extras
You should include basic features and amenities in your listing. Let your guests know if they will have WiFi, towels, basic toiletries, snacks, coffee, breakfast items, etc. The little things that you can add will count.
If there are attractions or popular activities in your area, your guests will want to know. That might even be the reason they are visiting the area. Guests like to know if there is public transportation available in the area, so you should include these details too.
4. Add Attractive Photos of Your Place
Showing pictures of the home, apartment, room, etc., can be a huge differentiator with a successful listing. An eye-catching photo will draw people in.
Remember that while Airbnb is marketing your place, the way you create your listing is also a marketing tool. Combined, you can start making some money in no time at all.
Bringing You Money-Making Opportunities
Now you know how to become an Airbnb host and roll in some extra cash. For more money-making ideas related to business, travel, or anything else, we have some great articles you should check out. Keep reading our articles and increase your cash flow today.