Start up

[Lisa7979]

Hello all,

I have been working on my listing but am not quite ready to publish it yet.  Is it possible to set house rules, calendar availability, etc prior to publishing?  I can’t find where to do that.  Also, in the description it only allows for 500 words.  It seems most of the listings I look at have way more than that, are you able to edit after publishing?  Any other advice for a newcomer setting up their site?

[Fred13]

@Lisa7979 "Also, in the description it only allows for 500 word..." They do allow a lot more under the Space and Other Things to Note sections. The first section should the 'romance copy', space how you differ from others, the Notes for specific rules, etc.

[Alex10489]

Absolutely, you can set house rules and calendar availability before publishing your listing. Look for the "Edit Listing" or "Listing Settings" option, and you'll find those features there.

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

Hi! Welcome @Lisa7979 !

Create a Backup Copy of Listing in Word

I will tell you from personal experience, it's best to save your text for each section in a word document. This will be a lifesaver in case you accidentally forget to hit those "Save" buttons that are sometimes very hard to see! I have accidentally erased my whole House Manual in Airbnb and didn't have a backup; had to re-do the entire thing...arrrgh 😧 Word will also spellcheck for you. This helps alot, as it's easy to miss spelling errors, etc. Probably a good idea to have someone else read the copy and point out errors and if something makes sense to them or not. Then simply copy/paste the text from Word into your Listing Section.

Guest Communication

I also would suggest creating "Quick Replies" and "Scheduled Messages" for guest communication; it's a real time-saver. Be careful with Scheduled Messages after booking (We use a Quick Reply instead). This is because many guests ask specific questions when they book. If you send an automated reply after booking, you're ignoring the question(s) they asked and have to send another message anyway:

Scheduled Messages

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/using-scheduled-messages-to-save-time-275

Quick Replies

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/automate-your-communications-with-these-inbox-updat...

Calendar Availability

Be sure to set-up your calendar availability to "Dates Unavailable by Default" until you are ready to start accepting guests (blocks guests from booking). When ready to accept guests, you can open up the Calendar more. You can only set a cleaning fee after you publish the listing, so be sure to do that right away. Same with any other fees that apply (pet fee, etc.)

New Host Help From Superhost Ambassador

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3011

Airbnb has a New Host program that connects you with an established Superhost to help you with your Listing before you publish it. I believe its only available before you have your first guest. That might be an option for you. 

YouTube

Several really good videos on YouTube on setting up a new airbnb listing. I would take a look at those.

Once your listing is live, you can come back here ask for a "Critique of My Listing" and lots of great hosts here can offer suggestions.

Wish you the best! 

[Alex10489]

Regarding the word limit in the description, I had the same concern when I started. But fret not; you can always edit your listing after publishing. Also, if you want your start-up to be successful, register US company  and get many perks. I hope that helps!

[Paula]

Hello @Lisa7979 I just came across your post and couldn't help but notice the fantastic advice from our lovely hosts. Thanks so much @Joan2709, @Fred13 and @Alex10489 🌻

How's the process of setting up your listing going, @Lisa7979 ? Have you tried any of the suggestions provided by our hosts?

Keep us posted.