Do you have an empty space in your house that you don’t know what to do? Well, it’s time to perk things up and open your doors to travelers. In this article, I am going to show you how to become an Airbnb host and in the process, learning the basics of starting an online business. Let the exciting journey begins.
What Is Airbnb
Airbnb is an online booking accommodation site that connects people who own unique properties to seasoned and business travelers, families on vacation as well as communities in need. Hosting through Airbnb is a great way to meet people from all over the world. Established in 2008, the company currently lists properties in 34,000 cities and 190 countries.
How to Set Up Your Hosting Account
To get started, simply go to the main page of Airbnb and click on the button for hosting. This will lead you to the first listing page that looks something like this.
It will give you an earning estimation based on your location. In Sydney for example, if you rent out an entire house for 2 people, you can potentially earn $761 in one week. If that sounds good, then just click continue.
In the next page, you’ll need to fill out more information such as;
- Description about your area.
- The location address.
- The amenities that you will (not) be providing (Airbnb will provide you with the checklist)
- Photos to showcase the property.
- Home safety features to help your guests be prepared in the event of emergencies.
- Detailed resources for guests.
- Rental fee for daily, weekly or monthly duration.
- Calendar to show your availability.
- A good profile picture of yourself with a valid contact number which is visible only to confirmed guests.
All this information is crucial for guests to find you, so do make sure that you take the time to fill them out carefully. You see, Airbnb has their own search algorithm whereby they would pick the best listing to match the guests travel destinations, dates and budgets. So the more precise the information, the more visible your listing would be.
Speaking of visibility, there’s one more place that has more online viewers than anywhere else – Google search engine. For your listing to show up on Google, you either have to pay for an advertisement or rank naturally in their search algorithm. Most people would opt for the latter because it’s easier and cheaper to start with.
Create Your Own Homestay Website
To get ranked on Google, you’ll need to set up a website. If you have no experience, this article will show you how to create a free WordPress website in just 4 simple steps.
Back at your Airbnb listing page, there are a few links that you should know – a direct link which is the URL, a collection of social links and a HTML code.
These links allow you to share your listing content on your website, email as well as on social media. For example, to use the code, simply paste it into your WordPress text editor and you’ll be able to see an excerpt of your listing beautifully displayed on your webpage.
And it also comes with star ratings, just like hotel reviews. How cool is that? When readers click on the given link, they will be able to view your full listing on Airbnb and make their reservations.
The Benefits of Having a Website
Instead of relying on Airbnb to feature your listing, running your own website makes you a very proactive host because you are in control of what you can publish online and the kind of visitors that you want to attract. The equation is very simple;
More people visit your site = More people view your listing = More booking reservation
Through blogging, you can create any kind of articles targeting keywords that are related to your property listing. Keywords are nothing more than just terms that people type when they are searching for something online.
For example, have you ever noticed that Google always suggests a few terms as you’re typing in a query?
These are actually the keywords related to the term “best budget places to…”, that are trending online. Now, how do you leverage from these keywords? Here’s where keyword research comes in.
Using Jaaxy, my favorite keyword tool, I found that the term “best budget places to stay in Tokyo” only have 1 (ONE!!!) competing website. When you think about the scale of people visiting Tokyo every month, who wouldn’t want an affordable place to stay, right?
So, if you have a nice home in Tokyo and you share this interesting topic on your social networks, it would certainly attract a lot of comments engagement that will indirectly build your reputation as an Airbnb host. And if you keep blogging content based on low competition keywords, imagine the amount of targeted traffic that you could create for your Airbnb listing.
THAT’s how you can make the most profit out of your property.
How Much Does It Cost for the Host?
It’s completely free to post your listing on Airbnb. However, a host service fee of 3% will only incur, whenever a successful booking is being made.
So, Is Airbnb Worthy of Your Time?
Consider some of these questions before you list your property on Airbnb;
- Do you live in/near a major city that is always bustling with travelers?
- Is your home near a unique destination?
- Is your empty room facing a beautiful view?
If you answer yes to any of these, then Airbnb is certainly worthy of your time. Using the techniques that I’ve just explained, your house will not only provide you with a secondary income, but it could also help fund any entrepreneurial project that you have in mind.
So, go ahead, create your listing and visit my recommend training platform to learn how you can become an Airbnb host while running an online business.
Do you have any thoughts or questions about this topic? Please leave them in the space below and I’ll be happy to respond to you.
Hello Cathy,
Thank you for your helpful post. This is a very smart strategy to create a unique website and promote your Airbnb business with it.
You know, I really like the idea behind Airbnb because you can meet new people from different cultures with it while making money. But I’ve never thought of it this way. After reading this post I can see much more opportunity with Airbnb.
And one last thing to mention is that a couple of years ago, it wasn’t an easy thing to create a website, but with today’s technology, it’s a matter of hours to create a good looking website.
Thanks for chiming in Albert. The travel industry is a huge one and if everyone with a vacation property can create a unique website for themselves, we can promote more cultural exchanges within a community.
Cathy, I love the post! I have a rental property. I have considered using it as an Airbnb property for some time now. Thank you for that useful information. I had never thought about setting up a website for a property. Also, that was a nice review on using Jaaxy for keyword research. Thanks!
Hey Cathy, an amazing post once again! I like the fact that you became resourceful and combined the platform of Airbnb, which by the way seems awesome, with having a website of your own to promote your listing. Websites are useful tools for getting traffic and it’s nice that you treat them this way. However, if someone relies on SEO they should be in it for the long haul.
Hi Cathy,
I loved it when she opened the door in the video. I can imagine the way it impacts here guest. She takes them from “did I mess up” straight to “I nailed it”. I have heard of doing this but have never read about it. Now I know all about it. Nothing I could do because of where I live, but at least now I know.
What a great idea for all parties involved. A fantastic business idea that some people came up with and put it into action. An idea and passion. Don’t you think that’s all you need?
Hi there Barry,
Having passion and ideas are good, but what’s more important is taking action to make them happen. I lived on my inspirational ideas for years and it led me to no where. In this digital world that we are living right now, I believe that starting an online business is the best way to transform your ideas into realities. There are so many possibilities out there and we are just only scratching the surface here.
Great idea for a business!
I had no idea Airbnb existed. I may consider becoming involved with this when I retire in about a year. Excellent presentation and truly a unique business platform. I am wondering, if you are not really in an exciting location would that be a huge negative? I am not far from Lake George, NY which is a destination spot and close also to Saratoga Springs, NY which is also a tourist attraction so I guess that would qualify. I am looking forward to viewing additional posts from you and will also be following you as well.
Hi there Ed,
I don’t see anything negative about your location. In fact, I think the travelers that use Airbnb aren’t particular about tourist spots. It’s the local stuff that interest them, at least that’s the impression I get from various visitor reviews that I read.
If your local authority allows, I think you should make this as part of your retirement plan. It’s a great way to meet new friends and to generate extra income.
Wow Cathy! Surely there are so many ways that people can make money online these days, thanks to the internet. I found a service similar to this on Clickbank, where you host guest in your home. This is a great opportunity for seniors whose children are grown and now have a big empty house.
Your post is very informative for anyone seeking such interest. I really love your site. Thanks for the awareness.
Hey there Ann-Marie,
What is the name of that service that you found on Clickbank? Perhaps I could do a review for the readers here too. Thank you.
Wow! I never thought about actually hosting on Airbnb. What a fabulous way to bring in some extra cash. As a U.S. resident, I’d add that anyone considering this idea should check with their local ordinances. Not all cities/towns permit this (you gotta love big government). My step-children have been guests at Airbnb’s and had very good experiences. And you really make it seem quite simple to provide that service. Great article.
That’s right Alyssa. While it’s a fascinating opportunity, one must check with their local authority if they can rent out their property for a short period. Airbnb does provide a page with links to respective states regulation, but it is only for the US. You can find out more on this page.
Wow, what a smart way to make money and meet new people too (hoping they’re not psycho). Sorry, can’t help it. I have to go there. This should be cheaper for the tourists since it’s only a fraction of what a hotel will charge. Thanks for sharing this online business idea.