New Host

[Jamie1497]

I would love advice on being a first time host and how to get your listing noticed to get your first booking??! I’m so excited!!!! 

[Elisa]

Hi  @Jamie1497 😊, 

welcome to the Community Center!

Where are you hosting from?

I’m tagging a few hosts to see what they can share with you: @Chione0, @Thembelihle1, @Martha-Jetty0, @Saba222, @Luz688, @Ruby167 and @Andrea9241.

Thank you in advance, everyone.

[Luz688]

Hi  @Jamie1497 

Congratulations on becoming a first time host and welcome to this community. You are in a great place here. May I ask where is your property?

[Ruby167]

Hello 👋🏻 

I hope everyone is doing well.

I am writing ✍🏻 from Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴 

I hope this information might help you:

1. Optimize your listing as much as possible: make sure it is complete, well-written, and free of errors.
2. Focus on quality from the start: choose a strong title and upload at least 30 attractive, high-quality photos. The first 5 photos should be the most eye-catching.
3. Activate the new listing discount: offer a 20% discount on your first 3 reservations when activating the listing.
4. Enable Instant Book: this is especially useful for last-minute reservations and improves visibility in search filters.
5. Keep your calendar open: allow availability for up to 365 days to make booking easier.
6. Minimize restrictions: for example, set a minimum stay of 1 or 2 nights at the beginning.
7. Enable self check-in: if your property allows it, this provides more flexibility and attracts more guests.
8. Adjust prices according to the season: take into account holidays, special dates, and high-demand periods.
9. Aim for your first reviews: provide an excellent guest experience from the start to receive positive ratings.

[Nadia1314]

I agree with everything Ruby has said here except for instant bookings. It might be an Australian thing, but it was a complete no-no in our community. It attracts people with no reviews and opens the door to issues. I have been hosting for over two years and have only had instant bookings in the beginning. Having all the other points here has attracted 80/90% capacity for me.

[Chantol1]

@Jamie1497 Congratulations and welcome to hosting! The first booking is always the most exciting 😊

A few things that really help new listings get noticed: • Use bright, high-quality photos with natural lighting • Make your title clear and benefit-focused (location + standout feature) • Keep pricing competitive for the first few bookings to build reviews quickly • Respond to inquiries as fast as possible — response time matters • Add thoughtful touches in your description so guests can picture the experience • Make sure your calendar and house rules are fully updated

Also, don’t stress if bookings don’t come instantly. Once you get those first great reviews, momentum usually builds. Wishing you lots of success on your hosting journey!

[Thembelihle1]

Welcome to the Community, @Jamie1497!
Being a new host really is such an exciting time!

@Ruby167 and @Chantol1 have already shared great advice, and I’d like to echo Chantol1’s point about not stressing if your first booking doesn’t come instantly.
Unlike in the past when Airbnb boosted new hosts, the chances now are less predictable. It can feel challenging to climb from the bottom rung and compete with established hosts.

Having listed properties both for myself and on behalf of other hosts, I’ve learned that you can never quite tell how the take‑off will look.
Some listings book quickly, others take time. The key is to stay grounded and avoid setting unrealistic expectations that could dampen your excitement.

As you keep refining your listing and spending time here in the Community, you’ll be ready for your first guest whenever they arrive.
Hosting is a journey—it’s not plug‑and‑play, but constant work and learning.

Wishing you all the best as you start out!!!

[Eneida36]

Hola, si es emocionante recibir el primer huésped, y más aún cuando se va contento y nos deja una buena referencia, emociona tanto que queremos recibir de inmediato más huéspedes, pero es importante la paciencia, poco a poco llegarán más huéspedes.