.png)
The 7 Deadliest Mistakes That Can Kill Your Airbnb (and How to Avoid Them!)
Learn the 7 biggest mistakes new Airbnb hosts make that can destroy their business. Avoid these common pitfalls with tips from an experienced Superhost and set yourself up for success!
Starting an Airbnb seems simple, list your space, get bookings, and make easy money, right? But without the right strategy, even the best properties can struggle. As an experienced Airbnb Superhost, I’ve seen firsthand how common mistakes can derail your success. Let’s review the seven deadliest mistakes that can kill your Airbnb startup and more importantly, how to avoid them, so you can build a thriving, profitable business from day one.
1. Why cutting corners on Guest Experience is an Airbnb killer?
New Airbnb hosts often focus too much on profits and overlook the guest experience, but your Airbnb is more than just a place to crash, it's part of someone’s vacation or business trip and guests will expect comfort, cleanliness, and thoughtful touches. When I first started, I used cheap furnishings and bedding, and my reviews reflected that. It wasn’t until I upgraded to high-quality essentials and added small luxuries like a welcome basket with snacks and a welcome letter, a guest book with local recommendations, etc. I had to start making guests feel valued and it was then when my reviews really took off.
How to avoid it?
Invest in quality essentials like comfortable beds, high-thread-count sheets, and fluffy towels. Don’t skimp on cleanliness, hire professional Airbnb cleaners (more on that later!) and consider adding little extras that show you care about your guests’ experience. Whether it’s coffee or extra coffee pods, a bottle of wine, or a local guide, these small touches make a big difference.
2. Why poor pricing strategy is an Airbnb killer?
Your pricing strategy can make or break your Airbnb business. Too high, and you’ll not only scare off potential guests but also Airbnb algorithm will probably not show your listing in the first pages. Too low, and although this can be favorable for showing up in the first results, you may be leaving money on the table. I learned this the hard way when I first started hosting. I thought if I underpriced my competition, I’d fill up my calendar in no time. Well, I filled it, but I wasn’t making any profit. I was working hard for peanuts and at the end of the day, Airbnb is also a business (although a gratifying one, at least for me).
How to Avoid It?
Use dynamic pricing tools like Beyond Pricing or Airbnb’s Smart Pricing to adjust your rates based on demand, season, and local events. These tools can help you stay competitive without undervaluing your property. And always keep an eye on what similar listings in your area are charging. Don’t be afraid to adjust your prices depending on the season or events happening in your city like concerts, festivals, and conventions can bring in high-paying guests. Although these tools can be a great help, my recommendation is to still review them once in a while to make sure the pricing strategy align to what you'd expect. These tools work with lots of data around the area, but sometimes places that are nearby may not be comparable to your property, so keep that in mind.
3. Why ignoring Local Regulations is an Airbnb killer?
It sounds like a given that ignoring the rules will get you in trouble, but here’s a scary truth: your Airbnb can be shut down overnight if you don’t follow local laws. Every city has different short-term rental regulations, and ignoring them can lead to hefty fines or a cease-and-desist order. Sometimes you may not even be aware of certain regulations so always make sure to check your City, County and State websites for any current regulation you may be affected by. When I started, I didn’t realize I needed a rental license until a neighbor host gave me the heads up. Luckily, I managed to get the proper permits in time, but it was a close call.
How to Avoid It?
Do your homework before you list your property, and if you’re in investor, this is a necessary first step to take even before you invest in a new property. I've created a comprehensive Airbnb guide for new hosts that that provides very useful information and talks about this topic in depth. Check your city’s regulations for short-term rentals, including any required permits, taxes, or zoning laws. Some cities have limits on the number of days, or even the maximum number of people that you can rent out your space to, so it’s essential to stay compliant.
4. Why not using professional photography is an Airbnb killer?
Cellphone pictures or low quality pictures are a hard no in 2024. I can’t stress this enough: photos sell your listing. When guests browse Airbnb, the first thing they see is your cover photo. If it’s dark, blurry, or just plain boring, they’ll scroll right past your listing. When I first listed my property, I used quick phone snaps, thinking they were “good enough”, well.. they weren’t. My views were low until I hired a professional photographer, and the difference was immediate. My bookings increased, and guests complimented how beautiful the photos were (and how it matched real life!).
How to Avoid It?
Hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate or Airbnb listings. They’ll know how to capture your space in the best light, making it look spacious, clean, and inviting. If hiring a photographer is outside your budget, at least invest in a good camera, clean your space thoroughly, and take your photos during the day when natural light is abundant. Pro Tip: Airbnb even offers a photographer for new hosts and payment is made from your first booking. Check out my guide on how to setup your Airbnb listing for in depth helpful tips.
5. Why underestimating Guest communication is an Airbnb killer?
Your communication with guests is super important for your guest experience and having a five star review after their stay. It also sets the tone for their entire stay. I know that as a host we tend to try to hyper automate the business and sometimes underestimate the importance of communication. Poor communication, or worse, none at all, leads to confusion, frustration, and negative reviews. More importantly, communication is the one thing that is completely in your control! There are so many other moving parts with managing your Airbnb, but you have full control over what to say and how often to communicate with your guests. This is an easy opportunity to set yourself apart from the rest. Additionally, maintaining a fast response rate is one of the key metrics that Airbnb uses to distinguish Superhosts.
How to Avoid It?
Respond to guest inquiries promptly, and send clear, detailed instructions for check-in, check-out, and house rules. Automate where you can, Airbnb allows you to schedule messages so your guests receive all the information they need at the right time. This saves you time and ensures guests aren’t left in the dark. Pro Tip: We use Hospitable as a one-stop-shop for all of our automated messages for our properties.
6. Why underestimating the Importance of hiring Professional Cleaner is an Airbnb killer?
If there’s one area where you absolutely cannot cut corners, it’s cleanliness. Many hosts tend to clean their properties themselves. And this is ok if you are highly detailed and have experience or learned from the hospitality industry, but cleaning your house is not the same as cleaning an Airbnb. Guests expect a spotless home, and anything less can result in negative reviews that hurt your ranking. Early on, I thought I could handle the cleaning myself. After all, how hard could it be? Well, after back-to-back bookings and a few rushed cleanings, I missed a few key areas, like dust on the ceiling fans and a dirty microwave. My reviews reflected it.
How to Avoid It?
Hire professional cleaners who specialize in Airbnb turnovers. They know what guests are looking for and won’t miss the little details. Yes, it’s an added expense, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind and consistently positive reviews. Also, cleaning fees is something that can be passed onto Guests so it's not an extra cost to you. A clean space translates to happy guests, and happy guests leave five-star reviews. Five star reviews translate to more bookings and more bookings to more income! Pro Tip: Of course, we use KwickTurn to hire experienced Airbnb cleaners and the best part, no host fees! it's 100% free for hosts.
7. Why ignoring preventative maintenance and repairs is an Airbnb killer?
Everything in your home eventually needs maintenance, whether it’s a leaky faucet, a broken heater, or a wobbly door handle. Delaying repairs or ignoring routine maintenance can quickly lead to bad reviews. Imagine a guest staying in the summer and finding out the AC doesn’t work. It happened to me once, and let’s just say, that guest wasn’t too thrilled.
How to Avoid It?
Set aside a portion of your Airbnb income for repairs and routine maintenance. Create a checklist to ensure appliances, plumbing, and the overall condition of the property are regularly checked. Consider hiring a handyman or working with a property manager to handle issues promptly. Pro Tip: Depending where you live, look for subscription maintenance company like HomeServe (in FL).
Starting your Airbnb business can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also full of potential pitfalls. By avoiding these seven mistakes, you can set yourself up for success, ensure your guests have a great experience, and build a reputation that will keep your calendar booked.
Take it from me, someone who’s been there, made the mistakes, and lived to tell the tale. With the right approach, your Airbnb business can thrive, and you might just find yourself with that coveted Superhost badge sooner than you think.