A Guide For New Hosts

Joan2709 · ‎13-03-2025

Congratulations on publishing your first listing! That's a huge milestone, and it's an exciting first step! While creating a listing on Airbnb has never been easier, hitting that "Publish" button is just the beginning. There's still a lot to do to ensure your listing stands out and attracts the right guests. This guide was designed to help you fine-tune your listing, optimize its appeal, and walk you through the key features of the platform to make your hosting experience a success. Underlined text in this guide indicates a hyperlink. Click the links to see the Airbnb Help Articles on that topic.

Delay Appearing in Guest Search Results
Many new hosts aren't aware that Airbnb doesn't make your listing visible to guests for anywhere between 24 to 72 hours after it's published. This is actually intentional and works in your favor! The delay gives you time to complete the remaining sections of your listing and ensure everything is in order before guests can start booking. Completing these additional details not only helps make your listing more appealing to potential guests, but also provides protections for you as the host.

👉 Help Center Article - Delay Appearing in Guest Search Results

After publishing, be sure to immediately start updating and adding all the necessary information. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to finish all these important steps! Take your time and make sure your listing is fully optimized before guests can view and book your property.

New Listing – Temporary Boost

Airbnb gives all new listings a temporary “boost” in search results to help give your listing a strong start. The boost typically lasts around 8-10 weeks, and it’s a great opportunity to maximize bookings and gather positive reviews. The more bookings and great reviews you receive during this period, the better your listing will perform once the new boost ends.

Invest Time in Learning the Ropes

There is a steep, initial learning curve once your listing is published, so invest some time reading Airbnb's Help Center articles. To set your listing up for long-term success, aim to secure at least 5 bookings with positive reviews as quickly as possible. This will help maintain a high search ranking and increase your chances of earning the coveted Guest Favorite Badge. Read Airbnb's Help Articles, analyze what your competitors are doing, and continually fine-tune your listing to stay ahead. To access the Help Center, click your profile photo, then Visit the Help Center.

Looking for Extra One-on-One Support?

If you feel like you could use more personalized help, you can get assistance from an Airbnb Superhost Ambassador when creating your listing, or hire an Experienced Airbnb Co Host or short-term rental consultant; even if just for a few months. Reach out to other hosts in the Airbnb Community Center, or Join Your Local Airbnb Host Club and ask for Co Host and consultant recommendations, or post questions and fellow hosts can share valuable suggestions and advice. You can also contact Airbnb Customer Support.

After Publishing – Important Information to Add

There are several key areas you’ll need to complete immediately under the Listing Editor, Arrival Guide and Calendar. You can finish the other sections after these are done first.

Listing Editor – Your Space

Instant Book – Turn OFF Instant Book while editing the Listing!

Cancellation Policy – Add your Cancellation Policy

House Rules – Add the rest of your Standard House Rules (yes, there are more to add). Add the number of Pets you accept (if any) in the House Rules Section. Add any Additional House Rules you might have as well.

Amenities – Finish adding the rest of your Amenities (yes, there are a lot more to add). Choose the (+) sign at the top of the Amenities page and then “All” to see all the amenities to choose from. Add every amenity you have.

Address & Privacy For Cancellations – Be sure your address is correct and Map Pin Location is in the correct position. Turn ON Address Privacy For Cancellations. This prevents guests from seeing your address, last name, or phone number while they’re able to cancel for free.

Photos – Finish Uploading/Editing Photos. Add captions to ALL photos. Be sure to add sleeping arrangements (number/size of beds in bedrooms and/or living spaces on the photos). This populates the “Where You’ll Sleep” section on the listing.

Require Guest Photo ID – Turn on Guest Photo ID Required to book under Preferences

Listing Editor – Arrival Guide

Make sure to add details in the Arrival Guide within the Listing Editor. This guide covers important information such as directions, Check-In/Check-Out Instructions, House Manual, Wi-Fi details, and Host Guidebook that offers your recommendations for local restaurants and places to visit. It's a smart idea to keep a copy of all these sections in a Word document. This way, you can easily spell-check and have a backup in case any content is accidentally deleted from your listing. This is particularly important for the House Manual, as many hosts provide a comprehensive guide for their guests. It would be tedious to have to recreate the House Manual and all the other sections of the Listing.

Listing Editor – Messages

Be sure to set up the most common automated guest messages using Scheduled Quick Replies:

Calendar

Fees – Add any additional Fees to your listing (cleaning fee, pet fee, additional guest fees). They will automatically be added to each reservation and increase your nightly rate, so keep that in mind.
Availability – Add your calendar Availability Settings
Pricing – Ensure your Pricing is correct on your calendar

Not Done Yet!

Now that you've added the essential details, there’s still more to complete! Head to your Listing Editor and click through each square on the left side (Airbnb refers to them as "cards"). A panel will appear on the right side, allowing you to add additional information. Be sure to do this for every card in the Listing Editor—don’t skip this step! You’ll be adding important details such as an expanded description, location information, and Guest Safety/Property Information details (including Security Camera Disclosures). Remember to scroll to the bottom of each section on the right side and click "Save" before moving on to the next.

Taxes & Regulations

You should have already reviewed any local licensing and Regulations that might be required and determined what Taxes apply to your listing. These typically include sales tax and occupancy taxes. Airbnb doesn’t always collect all the required taxes, so ensure you thoroughly understand what taxes should be collected and if Airbnb is collecting and remitting them.

Insurance

Review Aircover Host Liability Insurance and Host Damage Protection terms, limitations and exclusions. You may wish to purchase your own short term rental insurance. Typical Homeowners’ insurance will not cover operating a vacation rental. Speak with an independent insurance agent to find insurers that offer short term rental insurance in your area.

Platform Software Updates

Airbnb has regular software updates and some information referred to in this Guide may change in the future.

Not “Set & Forget”

Your listing and pricing should never be "set and forget." The vacation rental market is always evolving, with new trends emerging regularly. To stay competitive, it's essential to keep your listing up-to-date and stay informed about any changes or updates to the platform.

Make Sure Your Property is Ready to Accept Guests

Make sure your property is fully prepared for guests! A great practice is to spend at least one night (or a few days) at your property to ensure that all amenities are working properly and that essential items for your guests' stay are available. Remember that some guests will arrive after dark, so ensure there is adequate lighting in the parking area and around the entrance and front door. You can also invite a friend to stay and ask for their feedback on any issues they encounter during their visit.

👉 Help Center Article - Is Your Airbnb Ready to Accept Guests? - Checklist

Welcome Your First Guest!

Hopefully this guide has provided you with some insights and tools to optimize your listing for success. By applying these tips and fine tuning the details, you’re well on your way to creating an inviting and appealing space that guests will love. With everything set up, you can now look forward to welcoming your first guest and starting your hosting journey!

Additional References & Resources

If you have a question on a topic not included in this guide, search the Airbnb Help Center for further information. Helpful links below.

Host Support

Tap Into the Power of Host Support

Regulations & Taxes

What Hosting Regulations and Taxes Apply to You?

Does Airbnb Collect & Remit All Required Taxes?

How Tax Collection & Remittance Works

How to Get Started

Getting Started On Airbnb

Complete Guide For New Hosts

New Host FAQs