What's that one thing new hosts don't know about hosting? 🧠

[Alex]

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! 😊

I hope your week is going well so far. We often chat in the Community about tips and advice that new hosts can use to improve their bookings, learn something new, or simply expand their knowledge. Today, I’d like to focus on things you should know before hosting. 🏡

What’s one thing that new hosts don’t usually know about hosting? Is there something you wish you had known before you started welcoming guests? Share with us what you consider crucial but was never mentioned to you! 🤗

Looking forward to hearing your experiences!

Best, 

Alex

[Laurelle3]

@Alex One thing I wish I had known when I first started hosting is that Hosting isn’t just a roof over someone’s head, it's about sharing your space, and your local I information and giving a little bit of your heart.

Clear communication goes a long way and saves time and stress. Guests aren’t mind readers.

You need a checklist, a few clear rules, and a routine

[Rebecca]

Clear communication delivered in a friendly way, always puts the mind are ease and eliminates unnecessary stress @Laurelle3, I agree with you. What's your checklist for? Is it a guest checklist or something you use for every stay? 

[Laurelle3]

@Rebecca the checklist is what I put in for each guest. It can change with the age of the children for toys and books. 

[Rebecca]

Ah, thank you for clarifying @Laurelle3. Does it include things for checkout? 

[Laurelle3]

@Alex , @Paula and @Rebecca 

A tip for new hosts is that it isn’t about having a nice space. Yes, it does count but it is really about the Guests communication, and consistency.

 Guests leave and may remember the bed or the view, but they also remember how they felt when they first arrived. The welcome and how quickly you replied, and whether the little details were cared for.

 I wish I had known from the beginning that clear communication and setting realistic expectations can prevent many problems before they start. A successful stay often begins well before the guest arrives.

[Rebecca]

This is a great tip @Laurelle3, thank you so much for returning to this post and sharing this with us. How do you ensure that you communication with guests stay consistent? 😊

[Laurelle3]

@Rebecca thank you for asking how i keep my communication consistent. For me it comes from having routine of trying do the same for all our guests and try to make it personal. 

I use the Airbnb messenger system with pre-written messages. Then personalise them by changing the guest names, dates, and any details specific to their stay. I ask for the names of all guests for registration purposes, and I also write their names on a welcome card to thank them for booking.

Before arrival, I send clear directions, the nearest cross street, and a photo of our main residence. I have found this has been helpful if guests arrive at night, as it helps them recognise the property when they arrive in a location that they are not familiar with.

I explain practical things such as the hot water system (Porta gas bottles and they may have to switch over, when it runs cold water), then ask if they have visited Huskisson before. If they are new to the area, I enjoy sharing local knowledge about shops, restaurants, the beach only 600 metres away, and nearby walking tracks.

I also let guests know they are always welcome to contact us if needed, while at the same time respecting their privacy. Often, we may not see them again during their stay, unless we happen to meet in the shared garden.

[Rebecca]

Thank you for sharing that with me @Laurelle3 😊 It sounds like you've got your communication down to a T! I expect this has come from experience and confidence, as well as an understanding of your guests needs and requirements for their stay. 

I really like the idea of sending the photo of the listing! I would greatly appreciate that being sent if i was a guest because it just gives you the confidence that you're in the right place 😅