How to Start an Airbnb from Scratch: Step-by-Step Guide for New Hosts

How to Start an Airbnb Business: Everything You Need to Launch Your First STR

Thinking about starting an Airbnb? With more travelers choosing short-term rentals over hotels, now is one of the best times to launch your hosting business. Whether you’re renting out a spare room, managing a second home, or starting your first investment property, a well-designed setup can fast-track your success.

This 3-minute guide breaks down everything you need to know, from running your numbers to using tools like Guesty to automate operations from day one.

1. Run the Numbers First (Before You List Anything)

The biggest mistake new hosts make? Jumping in without understanding realistic earnings.

Start by checking the Airbnb Earnings Calculator for a baseline estimate, then compare that to local market data. Remember:

• Your income will likely be lower at first (before you build reviews).

• Earnings typically jump after you hit ~5 positive reviews.

• Superhost status can boost visibility and booking confidence.

To get an even more accurate picture, look at similar nearby listings with the same bedroom count, amenities, and location. Check their average nightly rate and occupancy with dates selected (never search without dates!).

2. Check Local Laws, Regulations & HOA Rules

Before you start an Airbnb, confirm:

• Does your city require short-term rental permits or inspections?

• Are there occupancy taxes you’ll need to file?

• Does your HOA or condo board allow short-term rentals?

Search:“[Your city] Airbnb regulations” or “[Your city] vacation rental laws”…to get the most accurate, up-to-date requirements.

This step protects you from major fines or being forced to shut down after investing in your setup.

3. Create Your Listing (Photos Matter More Than Anything)

Airbnb’s onboarding tool walks you through the basics, but your photos will ultimately make or break your listing.

Tips for high-converting STR photos:

• Shoot in natural light (open all blinds & turn all lights on).

• Stage each area intentionally (simple, clean, uncluttered).

• Add detailed close-ups of unique features.

• If possible, hire a professional Airbnb photographer — they are genuinely worth it.

Guests shop with their eyes. Great photos = higher occupancy and better pricing power.

4. Build Clear House Rules That Protect You

Your rules set expectations before the guest even books.

Airbnb has presets (no pets, no smoking, no parties), but you should add specifics like:

• Noise restrictions

• Check-out tasks

• Smart lock instructions

• Policies on unregistered guests

Clear rules → fewer misunderstandings → better reviews.

5. Price Your Listing Strategically (Not Emotionally)

Pricing is one of the most important skills for profitable hosting.

Here’s how to set your starting price:

A. Calculate your break-even point:

Add up all monthly expenses:mortgage, utilities, wifi, cleaning supplies, taxes, plus a buffer.

Divide by 30 = your minimum nightly cost.

B. Do competitor research:

Search comparable listings with dates entered so you see true pricing — not the minimum price.

C. Start lower for your first 3–5 reviews:

Most hosts need to discount up to 20–30% for their first few guests.Once you have strong reviews, raise to market rate.

D. Use dynamic pricing tools

Tools like PriceLabs help you adjust pricing automatically based on demand, events, and seasonality. (BNB Guardians loves PriceLabs!)

6. Lock In a Reliable Cleaning System Early

Cleanliness is everything on Airbnb.

Decide whether you will:

• Clean the property yourself

• Hire a trusted cleaner

• Use a cleaning service

Then set a cleaning fee that matches your market. Most homes fall between $50–$100, depending on size and your location.

Pair this with Guesty’s automated task assignments so cleaners always know when they’re needed, no more manual texts or missed turnovers.

7. Create a Helpful House Manual (“The Binder”)

A good house manual saves you hours of guest questions.

Include:

• Wifi details

• How to use appliances

• Parking info

• Local recommendations

• Trash instructions

• Emergency contacts

Upload it digitally inside Airbnb and leave a physical binder inside the unit.

8. Communicate Like a Superhost (Templates Save Your Life)

Strong communication = strong reviews.

At BNB Guardians, we recommend sending automated messages for:

• Booking confirmation

• Pre-check-in info (2–3 days prior)

• Check-in instructions

• Next-morning check-up

• Check-out reminder

• Post-stay thank-you + review request

• Follow-up review reminder

Instead of sending these manually, set them up inside Guesty’s automated messaging, so everything goes out on schedule without lifting a finger.

9. Automate as Much as Possible From Day One

The most successful hosts aren’t doing everything themselves — they’re using tools.

Here are the core tools we recommend:

• Guesty → unified inbox, automated messages, task mgmt

• PriceLabs → dynamic pricing

• Smart locks → remote check-in/out

• Noise monitors → protect your property

• Auto-cleaning notifications → turnover reliability

With the right automation stack, you can run your Airbnb from anywhere even remotely.

10. Get Hosting Support (Don’t Do It Alone)

If you want hands-on guidance, scripts, workflows, and automation help, join our Airbnb Superhost Academy or book a call with us at BNB Guardians, where we help new hosts launch and scale quickly.