How to welcome your first Airbnb guests
You may feel a little nervous as you anticipate the arrival of your first guests. But we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Want to create a great experience for your first guests and beyond? Check out this five-step guide.
Step 1: Communicate early and often
Welcoming guests begins before they even come through the door. By replying quickly to guests’ messages, you’re letting them know you care about their needs.
These early conversations are also an opportunity to set expectations. Some helpful tips:
- Be honest. Guests may have missed important details in your listing description. It’s a good idea to remind them if you, your family, other guests or pets will share any spaces with them.
- Be curious. You can open the door to inclusivity by simply asking your guests, 'What do you need to feel comfortable and welcome in my space?'
- Reply the easy way. Use Airbnb messaging or the app to reply to guests at home and on the go.
- Think ahead. If you expect to send similar info to multiple guests, save time by using our messaging tools.
Step 2: Make check-in easy
You can answer common questions and provide a soft landing for guests by filling out all of the fields under the Info for guests section of your Listings tab, including directions to your space, check-in instructions and Wi-Fi info. This will be shared in your guests’ Trips tabs 48 hours before they check in.
Guests—especially those from historically marginalised communities—have shared that self check-in can make them feel more comfortable. But if you’re nearby, you can also ask your guests if they would prefer an in-person check-in.
Step 4: Anticipate guest needs
Every guest is different, but most will expect to have access to certain items and info right away. You might consider:
- Stocking your space with essential amenities, including towels, linen, soap and toilet paper
- Updating your house manual to provide guests with important info about spaces that are off limits, Wi-Fi instructions, etc.
- Creating a guidebook featuring your favourite restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops and more
- Making yourself available via text, phone or email in case anything goes wrong
- Having the phone numbers of key people, such as the plumber, handyperson, internet and cable support agent, or neighbours, easily accessible
Step 4: Anticipate guest needs
Every guest is different, but most will expect to have access to certain items and information right away. Consider:
- Stocking your space with essential amenities, including towels, linen, soap and toilet paper
- Updating your House Manual to provide guests with important information about spaces that are off limits, instructions for appliances, the Wi-Fi, etc.
- Creating a guidebook featuring your favourite restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops and more
- Making yourself available via text, phone or email in case anything goes wrong
- Having the phone numbers of key individuals, such as the plumber, handyperson, internet and cable support agent, or neighbours easily accessible if you’re going to be away
Step 5: Give and get reviews
Your first few reviews are crucial to your success on Airbnb—your average star rating will appear on your listing after you receive three reviews and may impact how you rank in the search results.
Learning Series: First-Time Hosting
Preparing for the unexpected
If anything goes wrong, remember it’s how you respond that really counts. Make yourself available via text, phone or email. Also, have the phone number of a plumber, handyperson and internet and cable company on hand, as well as contact info for your neighbour, friend or housemate if you’re going to be away.