newcomer!

[Trudy142]

Hi, I have recently added my caravan to the platform and just had my first booking-I'm a bit dazed about how it all works to be honest-only had guests book directly with me before, but bookings are down this year so thought I'd give it a go !

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Trudy142 

Welcome! Yes...it can be a steep learning curve, but after 5-6 guests you'll get the hang of it 😊

Here is a Guide for New Hosts with some helpful information and tips:

New Host Guide

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-guides/A-Guide-For-New-Hosts/m-p/2073093#M2346

[Helen3]

Welcome @Trudy142 @from a fellow Bristol host

What particular aspects about hosting on Airbnb are you dazed about .

i wouldn't imagine that the prep for Airbnb guests would be any different than preparing for guests you host via direct bookings 

have you filled in the self check in information /how guests can check in on the listing? 

@Joan2709  has already shared the useful guide for next hosts .  Another resource is the Airbnb Help website which has FAQs on all aspects of running your STR business on Airbnb.

[Elisa]

Hi @Trudy142  😊, 

Welcome to the Community Center, and congratulations on this new beginning!

how was your experience with the first guest? Did they leave any helpful feedback or review for your listing?

Joan has shared a wonderful link for getting started, do let us know you if you got chance to view it.

We'd love to hear what you think about those tips!

To get more tailored support from fellow hosts, I recommend requesting a listing critique. It can really help you understand why bookings might be slow.

If you're interested, check out this article 👉 How to ask for a listing critique on the Community Center.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

[Eli20854]

@Trudy142 The main difference between bookings off platform and bookings via Airbnb is that there is a public grading system from guest to host, host to guest. This tends to keep both parties in check to a degree.

But the more you host, you will discover what boundaries work best for you when it comes to your home rules for guests.

One interesting discovery that I’ve found to be fairly consistent from many hosts is that bargain hunting guests are more likely to use more energy and scrape as much benefits from their stay in your home. And for some reason, they’ve been more likely to be home bodies.

But at the end of the day, each experience will be unique based on your expectations.

Much luck!