Hi Folks!

[John2355]

Just catching up around here on how to be a "host".  One question I had is how long did it take you to get your first guest?

[Ann72]

Welcome, @John2355.  It was four years ago, and it was fast.  I had published the listing but was still adding photos and working on it when the first booking came in.

Little did I know I'd still be working on the listings four years later.

Enjoy.

[Susie111]

@John2355 

It really depends, on the season and where your listing is located and so on.

And who you want as a guest. Because every listing is unique and not every guest has

the same taste or needs or budget.

That's one of the charms with Airbnb that it offers stays at unique accommadations.

Good luck with your Airbnb venture!

[John2355]

Thanks for the kind welcome! 

4 years and you are still going!  great to hear.  

[Ben551]

Hey @John2355  welcome to the forums!

There is an interesting thread you might want to read: How did you attract your first booking?

For me, it took less than 12 hours to get our first booking, but others have had different experiences.  As @Susie111  said, it very much depends on the season you are launching your listing in.  I think a strategy around this is important, plus making sure you give good attention to your listing details and photographs.

The other thing that really matters is completing your own verification as a host (which I notice you haven't done yet). I recommend getting this sorted before you launch.

[John2355]

Thanks for the warm welcome & the link.  Yes, I plan on doing verification for sure. Great advice Ben thanks!

[Jim472]

For me it was right after I published. Using that 20% off option to the first three guests is an awesome tool. Just remember to mark up your initial prices accordingly as that rate + the monthly discount is honey for people looking for a long term stay at crazy cheap prices. I consider myself lucky to have learned that from a forum vs. practical application. 

[Amos18]

Man you are lucky you asked the right question in the right channel. What Ann is telling you is correct just update everything you feel is good for the potential guests to view. Relax and everything will come as expected. Wait humbly!

[Ann72]

@Amos18 "Wait humbly."  Beautiful words to live by!

[Christine615]

Less than a day. But that was almost two years ago.

Market is flooded with speculators and absentee owners now that city regulations are finalized. So it may take new people a little while longer.

I made it clear I’m not one of those and I’m now getting steady business and repeat clients. I also offered a lower rate to build ratings then raised them to a more reasonable  (but still affordable ) rate after I made Superhost.

Experiment and and you’ll find the right balance.

[Wendy117]

Welcome @John2355 .  Mine was 3 years ago - my first booking  was within hours of listing and my first lesson as a host.  It was July but my first booking was made for the New Years period, definitely our highest season for visitors here in Sydney Australia due to the spectacular fireworks on the Harbour Bridge. So i learnt to up my pricing for peak season for following years. Still going strong.