Starting an Airbnb? 3 Things You Need to Know
Photo: Ethan Abitz
Several years ago when I first added an Airbnb to my business plan, there wasn’t a lot of information available about how to run a successful short term rental. Especially one as unique as our listing, Tanglebloom Tiny Cabin.
Over the years I used trial-and-error and spent lots of time researching to create the profitable, in-demand vacation rental we have today. Our unique glamping farm stay has been named an Airbnb Most Wish Listed property as well as one of the platform’s Top 10 Most Liked Photos on Instagram. We’ve also appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Buzz Feed and more.
Read on for my 3 things you must know about starting an Airbnb.
Treat it Like a Business
It’s fun to think about how you’ll decorate your vacation rental and what amenities you might offer. But the most important thing to remember is to treat your investment project like the business it is. That means tracking expenses, consulting with a lawyer, and discussing with your accountant and insurance agent – long before your first guest checks in.
Whether you’re building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) cottage, renovating a cabin in the woods, or setting up glamping tents, it’s likely that you’ll need to obtain some special permits or licensing and need a tax account. Be sure to check with local zoning laws and any restrictions on short-term rentals. Note: Some seasonal rentals, like rustic camps and glamping accommodations, often have less restrictive rules, as do rented rooms in your house.
Create a Five-Star Guest Experience
This is one of the most important things you will do, so spend a lot of time planning here. You’ll want to tell your unique story and weave that into creating an experience that guests can’t stop talking about.
A family ski cabin will have a different story to tell than a one-bedroom beach condo. A tiny home on a flower farm’s story will be different from that of a downtown loft. And that’s just the beginning.
Think about your Airbnb rental’s location, size, and amenities. Who are its ideal guests? Is it families, couples, remote workers, or pet owners? How many people can (comfortably!) sleep in the space?
Remember, if there’s beds for 6 guests, then there should also be seating for six in the living room, at the table, and on the deck. You’ll need enough bathrooms, and more than a mini-fridge and microwave too.
What’s the main attraction in your area or amenity you’ll offer? Beach community rentals should provide everything guests might need to enjoy a day in the sand, while ski cabins should offer plenty of storage for wet winter gear.
Build a Support Team
If you’re hosting from afar, this step is especially important. You’ll need to build a team of helpers for everything from cleaning and turnovers to repairs and maintenance. Ask for referrals, read reviews, and conduct interviews. Don’t forget to make sure your contract helpers have the proper licensing or permits they might need too.
Beyond your on-the-ground help, you’ll want to systematize and automate as much as possible. This includes things like cleaning checklists, management workflows, and templates for communication.
There’s a lot to consider when thinking about starting an Airbnb vacation rental.
Want more tips for creating a successful hosted home stay? Find them in my free guide, 3 Tips for Profitable Airbnbs.
Want to be our guest? Book your stay at Tanglebloom Tiny Cabin
Excited to start hosting? Become a host like me with Airbnb or Hipcamp
