I am a new host, what are the important things to do, please help

[Renate214]

I have no experience with setting a price, and don't know how to use discounts, if I look at other rooms for rent on my calendar,  I noticed the price changed after I clicked on??

[Alexander1193]

Hello @Renate214, one best practice for setting a price is to set a competitive price. Which means that you should consider setting a price that is on same level with other listing in your neighbourhood with similar property type and amenities. One way to find this out is to:

- Go on Airbnb.com and do a search for your property type and amenities in your neighbourhood.

- Understand the average price/night

- Return to edit your price and use the average price as your price

- You can also use Smart pricing to set a minimum price and allow Airbnb increase that when there’s high demand.

For discount, you can start with giving long stay discounts for example 5% discount for weekly stay and 10% discount for monthly stay. The goal is to encourage guests to stay longer thereby increasing your occupancy and earning over longer periods.

[Bettye6]

Hi @Renate214 ,

I just started AirBnB in early Feb. of this year. You should do well in FL as it is a very popular destination.

I agree with @Alexander1193 somewhat.

It's easy to set a competitive price but where I live it's all over the place for the same type of place as mine. When I started my AirBnB I called the 3 local hotels for their nightly price and started pricing right in the middle from the high end place to the $88 Super Eight. 

I also became familiar with pricing by watching AirBnB multiple tutorials convincing me to chose smart pricing. 

The app gives you a suggested tip of pricing from high too low depending on the searches in your area, bookings, etc. Though keep in mind watch watch you 'Nightly Price' page closely as it changes. They use algorithms to set a price related to demand in your area., however my town is currently hosting it's annual Fiesta Days and the AirBnB pricing did not reflect that so I set my own price.

I however already decided not to go as low us the Super Eight and didn't want to go too high so I set my minimum price and rarely change it as the other host did not change theirs.

I also charge NO CLEANING fee as I see posted frequently that these fees are a huge contention with many guests, add it ti you price as many reject places to stay due to that cleaning fee they don't like seeing.

One last thing. AirBnB started a page 'Preview what guest pay' I love this new feature as I have close by competitors and I adjust my pricing to what they are getting. If you haven't tried it, I strongly encourage you to check this page out. It so helps to know what other hosts near you are charging or if they are even booked.

Also be sure to check "As often. It doesn't change the availability but your prices will adjust to help you host as often as you want. as possible' with your booking.

I offer 10% weekly

%15 percent monthly and a %20 percent 12 plus week booking as well.

I have been 80% booked since I started and attribute the Nightly Pricing and "Preview what guest pay" pages.

Good luck!