Airbnb has become an increasingly popular way for property owners to earn extra income by renting out all or part of their homes to travelers. You can offer a spare room to someone or rent out your home when you are somewhere else. Some enterprising types invest in properties specifically for making money on Airbnb. 

If you're considering listing your property on Airbnb, here are 12 tips to help you get started.

Choose the Right Space

Decide which area of your home you want to rent out - a private room, a guest suite or cottage, or your entire house. Make sure it's a space you're comfortable sharing with strangers. Consider factors like size, amenities, privacy, and access when deciding which space would work best as a rental. Guest suites or mother-in-law units are popular Airbnb rental options. 

Set House Rules

Determine house rules regarding smoking, pets, parties, parking, quiet hours, checkout times, etc. Clearly communicate these rules and expectations to guests upfront to avoid issues later. Outline rules in your listing description, house manual, and booking confirmations. Being clear about rules from the start helps set the tone for a smooth rental experience.

Block Off Personal Areas

If you will be renting out part of your home, block off any personal areas, valuables, or belongings you don't want guests accessing. Install smart locks, physical barriers, doors, or partitions as needed to restrict access. Make sure entrances to private areas are clearly marked as off-limits. Inform guests of any restricted areas in your communications and house rules.  

Upgrade Amenities

Ensure your rental has appealing amenities like a quality mattress, fresh linens, Wi-Fi, a TV, coffee maker, mini-fridge, hangers in the closet, iron, hair dryer, and so on. Providing little convenience items like snacks, water, soap, and extra towels also makes guests feel cared for. Amenities can help your rental stand out and earn great reviews.

Add Personal Touches

Include thoughtful touches and decor that make guests feel at home, like plants, artwork, books, tourism brochures, snacks, and a welcome binder with local recommendations. Having a personalized, homey vibe adds warmth to your rental and shows guests you care.  

Get the Required Permits

Research and obtain any required permits, licenses, taxes, and insurance to legally operate an Airbnb in your area. Rules vary by city, so do your homework to ensure you comply with regulations. Failing to obtain proper permitting can lead to steep fines. Many areas limit how often you can rent out your property.  

Book a Professional Clean Before Listing 

Deep clean and declutter your rental space before taking photos and listing your property. Scrub surfaces, clean windows and mirrors, dust, vacuum, wash linens, tidy up, and remove clutter. Aim for hotel-level cleanliness. Use a reputable cleaning company that can offer hassle free home cleaning as a one-off service or regularly. First impressions from listing photos matter, and if a property isn’t clean when guests arrive, they might leave you negative reviews.

Take Great Photos

Showcase your space in the best possible light by taking lots of attractive photos. Highlight any special features or selling points. Use natural lighting during the day. Capture different angles and rooms. Add captions to describe amenities. Great photos attract more bookings.  

Price It Right

Research comparable listings in your area to price your rental competitively. Factor in size, location, amenities, seasonality, demand, and your target guest. Price lower at first to build a base of reviews that will allow you to charge more later. Consider pricing strategies like discounts for longer stays or higher prices on peak weekends.

Respond Quickly to Bookings

Promptly accept, deny, or send special offers to respond to all booking inquiries. Never let a request expire without a response. Communicate clearly with confirmed guests to set expectations. Responding professionally inspires confidence in guests.

Manage Your Listing Diligently

Stay on top of calendar updates, review responses, messaging inquiries from potential guests, and cleaning between bookings. Leaving your listing unchecked for long periods can negatively impact bookings. Consider hiring professional help to manage communications, cleaning, and logistics if you are feeling overwhelmed. 

Collect Reviews

Politely ask happy guests to leave positive reviews after their stays. Reviews boost your credibility with potential guests. Be sure to leave honest reviews for any guests who stayed as well. Positive reviews help build a robust profile.

With the right preparation and hospitality mindset, listing your property on Airbnb can be a lucrative endeavor. Focus on providing a clean, comfortable, well-maintained rental that wows guests. Deliver on what you promise in your listing. With each successful booking, you'll gain credibility as a stellar Airbnb host that guests can't wait to visit again! And if you do a really great job, you might even end up as an Airbnb Superhost, which will turbocharge your bookings to a whole new level of awesomeness!