How to Get Your First Booking on Airbnb: A Beginner's Guide

As someone who loves hosting on Airbnb, I understand how exciting it can be to share your space with travelers from around the world. If you're new to hosting and wondering how to get your first booking, I've got some tips for you. Let's dive in:

Step 1: Know Your Building's Rules and Fees

Before you start, make sure your building allows short-term rentals. You can visit the building admin in person or send an email to clarify their policies. It's also essential to inquire about any associated fees. In my case, I found out that renting a parking space was an option, which saved my guests some money.

Step 2: Set Up Your Listing

Now, let's set up your Airbnb listing correctly. Capture your space with at least 15 well-lit photos, craft a catchy and informative title, and establish clear house rules. Take a look at my listing, airbnb.com/h/issasuites, for inspiration. I also checked superhost listings in my area for ideas.

Step 3: Determine Your Pricing

Setting the perfect price is a game-changer. Crunch the numbers, considering both fixed costs (like mortgage, dues, and utilities) and variable costs (cleaning fees and consumables). Start with a competitive rate, perhaps a tad lower than similar listings. This savvy move will attract bookings and kickstart the flow of those all-important early reviews. As the positive feedback rolls in, don't hesitate to fine-tune your rates.

Step 4: Promote Your Listing

Promotion is key! Share your listing on social media, and if your budget allows, consider advertising on platforms like TikTok or Meta (Instagram and Facebook). Collaborating with travel bloggers and influencers can also boost your visibility. I began with a modest P300 budget for TikTok ads, which led to early bookings. I'll delve deeper into this in future posts, so stay tuned.

Step 5: Use Instant Booking with Pre-Approval

Instant Booking is convenient for guests, but setting up a pre-approval message is essential. This message helps you screen guests to ensure they align with your rules. Here's a sample pre-booking message:

Hello! Please confirm that you've reviewed all listing details and agree to follow the house rules.

1. Do you need parking (Yes/No)?
2. How many guests are coming?
3. Share arrival details.
4. Any allergies to note (coffee, scent)?

I look forward to hosting you at [your listing name] located at [your address].

Warm regards,

[Your name]

My Success Story

Following these steps, I got my first booking within two days of listing. It was an exciting experience! My first guests arrived on the same day as they booked, and they were wonderful. They respected my property and rules, leaving me a 5-star review. This milestone showed me that hosting on Airbnb can be incredibly rewarding.

If you're considering becoming a host, go for it! It might take some time to get your first booking, but with patience and persistence, you'll get there.

Here are a few extra tips:

• Consider offering discounts for longer stays through the desktop version of the Airbnb hosting dashboard. Customize discounts based on booking length by navigating to the "More Discounts" option under Pricing in the Airbnb Calendar.
• Maintain responsiveness to guest inquiries, aiming for responses within 2-5 hours. Ensure you've enabled all mobile notifications from Airbnb to stay connected. Be prepared to actively manage your message box during the initial weeks of going live.
• Go above and beyond for your guests by providing thoughtful amenities like coffee, tea, and snacks. Extend a helping hand for their needs, from recommending restaurants to providing directions. Offer a level of service that even hotels may not provide. Familiarize yourself with the local area and recommend dining options and tour companies that cater to your target guests.
• Consider creating a guidebook. This proves to be a valuable investment that can attract more bookings. You can also refer to these guidebooks when guests ask for recommendations.
• Cultivate a vibrant social media presence. Set up pages dedicated to your property. Share informative content and updates to engage potential guests.

Getting your first Airbnb booking can be exciting, but it may take some time and effort. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and welcome guests from around the world. Good luck!

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