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Are you a new Airbnb host? If so, welcome! I am Sarah, and after six years of hosting and thousands of stays across my four Airbnb properties, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from doing everything; it comes from doing the right things and at the right times. As a top-rated Airbnb Superhost with a 4.98 overall rating, I like to keep my workflow streamlined and focus on what truly matters: great communication, anticipating guests’ needs, and creating spaces that feel welcoming and well-prepared.
If you’re about to launch your new Airbnb, it can feel like there’s an endless list of to-dos. But in reality, at the start, there are only a few key things that are truly worthwhile. These are the steps that will help you start strong, avoid costly mistakes, and create the kind of stay that earns glowing five-star reviews right from the start.
What To Do Before You Open Your New Airbnb
Today, I want to share five actions that you really should take before hitting publish on your new Airbnb listing. And, you certainly want to do all of these before the first guest checks into your new Airbnb rental property.
I have a fairly large Airbnb Hosting Facebook Group, and I often see listings shared that I think were posted when they weren’t quite ready. I know it’s exciting to get it up and running, and getting those dollars back into your pocket is important. But one of the biggest mistakes new Airbnb hosts make is launching before their property is truly ready.
With thoughtful consideration and firsthand experience, I share five things every new Airbnb host should do right off the bat. Take my advice, and you will be set up for success!
RELATED POST: Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming An Airbnb Host
#1 Start With One Platform At First
It’s tempting to list your property everywhere, like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com— and even build your own direct booking site. However, when you’re just starting out, more platforms usually mean more complexity. I recommend starting with just Airbnb. In fact, I still exclusively host on Airbnb, and this has been the main reason that I have been able to keep things so streamlined.
Why not do them all?
Well, every site has its own messaging system, policies, and guest types. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Third-party property management systems may be an unnecessary expense. Start with one platform, learn it well, and then expand later if you determine it necessary. It’s much easier to add on once you’ve developed systems that work.
Master One Platform Before Expanding
This approach allows you to focus on building your Airbnb hosting confidence, streamlining communication, and getting those important first reviews. Mastering one short-term rental hosting platform first will make everything else easier when you decide to grow later. It’s easier to build onto your small business than to untangle multiple systems.
I use the 80/20 principle in everything I do, including Airbnb hosting. You don’t need to be everywhere to succeed; you just need to do the right things really well. Focusing on one platform until your systems are solid is one of the most effective ways to build a long-term hosting strategy and avoid burnout.
RELATED POST: Why You Probably Don’t Need That Fancy Welcome Basket
#2 Make Sure Your Airbnb Is 100% Ready And Nicely Photographed
Take the time to ensure every room is fully guest-ready before going live. This includes fully furnishing and decorating your new Airbnb so that it looks as it will for future guests.
A home that’s fully prepared on day one will feel more polished and professional, which translates directly into better reviews and less stress for you. It’s always best when Airbnb guests know exactly what to expect. All four of my vacation rentals look exactly the same as they did on day one. When my guests walk in, the place looks exactly like the photos on my Airbnb listing.
Sometimes I see a new listing shared in my group that doesn’t have blinds or blackout shades. The host says they will be doing those soon. Once, I saw a photo on an Aibnb listing with a new mattress on the floor, and I was told the bed frame was added after the pictures were taken.
But why not just do all of that from the start? The last thing you want to do is retake all your photos when you add new amenities, improved Airbnb furniture, and useful extras. I understand that it is an added cost, but that is just what an investment rental property is. Not only do you have to invest in the home itself, but you also need to invest in the contents and the guest experience.
Professional Photos Matter More Than You Think
Only after your property is fully furnished and 100% ready to go should you take photos for your Airbnb listing. And please hire a professional photographer with experience in short-term rentals. Your listing photos are the most important marketing tool you have, and they often determine whether someone books or scrolls past. A professional can capture your space in natural light, highlight your best angles, and make your property stand out in search results.
One of the worst things a new host can do is put up a listing before it’s ready, and with poor, dimly lit photos. Publishing a new Airbnb listing is when you gain momentum, show off, and make a splash. Let’s put your best foot forward!
Here is exactly the order I do things:
Note that I am a photographer and take my own listing photos. However, it’s the same process, so I will just use the term “photographer” here for whoever will be taking the actual listing photos.
Once my new Airbnb is ready, I schedule my cleaners and photographer on the same day. I am there and go through everything with my cleaners, allowing them to do a full initial clean where everything looks as it would on a check-in day.
Then the photographer arrives and takes photos of it, clean and ready for check-in. I often stay another day or two, just as a guest would, which we will talk about later.
Next, on the day I am leaving, I schedule my cleaners to come again. I stick around the area and then walk through with them when they are done. Your place will sit empty for some time at this stage while you wait for photos, even though it’s clean and feels ready. Have patience. When hiring a photographer, ask about their turnaround time and choose someone who can deliver quickly.
Once I get my professional photos back, I will start building my listing to include those photos. I also print a set for my cleaners to keep in their cleaning closet. Use a hole punch and ring to keep them organized.
Lastly, I publish my listing. You will notice that it’s been a while since the cleaners came. So, after I get my first booking, I always stay at my new Airbnb right before my first guest checks in. I again stick around while they clean and make sure it is 100% the way I want it for that first check-in.
I know this feels like a lot of work when you just want to start making money. However, it’s very important, which is why I am listing it first. Think of your photos as your digital storefront. They should make guests want to click “book” instantly. Waiting until your space is truly ready and investing in high-quality photos are among the smartest moves you can make as a new Airbnb host.
#3 Stay In Your New Airbnb Before Guests Do
I mentioned this above, but this is one of my favorite pieces of advice for new Airbnb hosts and one of the easiest to overlook. Spend at least one night in your own Airbnb before you host your first guests.
It’s amazing how much you’ll notice when you experience the space firsthand. Staying in your own rental is like a soft opening for your business. It gives you the chance to fine-tune every detail before guests ever arrive.
RELATED POST: How To Make Your Airbnb Feel Like A Hotel
Experience Your Airbnb From The Guest’s Perspective
Unpack your bags, cook a meal, watch a movie, charge your phone, shower, then dry your hair. Use everything and go through every part of the stay as your guests will. You’ll catch things you’d never notice otherwise—maybe there’s no place to hang wet towels, or you forgot to stock a bottle opener. Little fixes like these make a big difference. If you notice you need more hooks, these are my favorites!
By walking through the entire stay, you’ll understand what feels intuitive and what might cause confusion. This is why I do this BEFORE I even create my listing. It’s great to have time to add things or make changes at this stage.
What is often overlooked are the closet essentials and kitchen items!
Test Your Systems And Communication
While you’re there, go through your check-in and check-out instructions exactly as written. Are your directions clear? Does the thermostat make sense? This is also a great opportunity to ensure your Wi-Fi info, Airbnb smart TV setup, and guest instructions are accurate. Having your systems ready before launch ensures a smooth guest experience and sets the tone for your first few stays.
When you stay in your own rental, it’s much easier to build your Airbnb House Manual. Consider having a close family member come stay as well. What did they feel was missing, and what was confusing for them?
Speaking of friends and family…
#4 Be Cautious With Friends And Family Bookings
This one can be tricky, but it’s worth mentioning. Be cautious about making promises and renting to friends and family early on. Everyone will be excited when they hear that you have a new vacation home!
That said, I’ve learned from experience that even with the best intentions, these bookings can blur the line between business and personal life. Protecting your boundaries from the beginning will help you build your Airbnb as a true business rather than a hobby.
People will be asking to hold dates before your listing is published, or they may not even know anything about your property. My advice is to thank them for their excitement and tell them that you’ll share your new Airbnb link once it’s live!
RELATED POST: Protecting Your 3 Ps: Property, Profits, Peace
Treat Your Airbnb Like the Business It Is
Your first few bookings are crucial for building your reputation and reviews. If friends or family ask to stay, it’s okay to kindly explain that you’re keeping your calendar open for public bookings while you establish your listing.
Once you’ve got a few reviews and systems in place, you can invite them to stay later when it makes more sense. It’s not about saying no; it’s about setting your business up for success and staying consistent with your goals.
I hate to say it, but it almost never makes sense to offer discounts to these acquaintances. Honestly, the people who want to support your business should be booking your new Airbnb without hesitation, not asking you for favors.
I do want to point out that in my related post about things to do right after you publish your listing, I recommend offering discounted stays to close friends and immediate family. These are people in your inner circle, and not the outer circle that I am referring to in this section.
#5 Make Sure Everything Feels Fresh, Clean, & New
Your new Airbnb doesn’t need to be fancy to be successful, but it should feel fresh, well-maintained, and cared for. Guests notice when homes feel worn, mismatched, or overlooked.
One of the benefits of launching a new Airbnb is that everything is new! You know things are in working condition and unworn. This means your first reviews will focus on how pristine things are. This is when a new Airbnb listing shines. Used furniture in great condition is okay, but all mattresses, linens, pillows, dishes, small appliances, etc, are best new.
A space that looks new and smells fresh instantly builds trust and comfort, and this is one of the best opportunities to amplify your launch. And make sure to avoid these things that you should never have in a rental property.
Here at Our Little Lifestyle, I have firsthand Airbnb Buying Guides that cover everything we use in our top-rated Airbnb rentals on Highway 30A in Northwest Florida. I can confidently recommend these items because I have been using them for years now. My setup consistently earns me those coveted 5-star reviews!
Here are some quick links:
- Airbnb Bedding
- Best Mattress
- Bathroom List
- Kitchen Checklist
- Extras Guests Love
- Stock Up List
- Baby Gear
Final Thoughts From A Seasoned Airbnb Superhost
Launching a new Airbnb is an exciting step, and the effort you put in before opening day sets the tone for your hosting journey. By focusing on these key things—readiness, testing your space, maintaining boundaries, and creating a fresh experience—you’ll start your business on solid ground.
Once you publish your listing, you should read my advice on what to expect and do right after listing a new Airbnb!
Remember, you don’t have to overcomplicate things. Great communication, clear information, a clean space, and genuine hospitality go a long way. I’ve built my business by keeping it simple, focusing on the guest experience, and following the 80/20 principle: do less work, but do it better. I promise you that this is truly what allows me to host on the go as we travel the world as much as possible!
RELATED POST: How To Become An Airbnb Superhost
FREE Airbnb Hosting Tips
If you’re preparing to launch your first Airbnb, make sure to check out my Free 5-Star Airbnb Hosting Guide. It’s packed with valuable firsthand experiences, advice, and workflows I use across all four of my Airbnb properties.
And if this post helped you, don’t forget to pin it for later or share it with another new Airbnb host who’s just getting started!
PIN: New Airbnb Host Tips For Later
