Thinking about starting an Airbnb this fall or in 2027?
Before you start buying bedding, rearranging furniture or creating your listing, there’s something I really want new hosts to know about.
You may be able to get free one-on-one help from an experienced Airbnb host AND a $115 bonus from Airbnb after your first qualifying stay.
I’m an Airbnb Ambassador, Superhost, interior designer, blogger and author, and my Airbnb resources are now used by more than 11,000 hosts.
I’ve learned a lot over the years about what makes an Airbnb successful — and some of the most important decisions happen before your first guest ever walks through the door.
Your photos. Your title. Your design. Your amenities. Your pricing.
And all those little questions that make you wonder:
Am I actually doing this right?
That’s exactly why I love the Airbnb Ambassador program.
It’s where I have a chance to connect with you as you create your listing.
Starting an Airbnb? Do This Before You Create Your Listing
There is a way to make sure your Airbnb is successful from day 1. You just need someone experienced to show you the ropes and make sure your listing is optimized when you go live.
If you’re considering starting an Airbnb, use my Airbnb Ambassador link before you create your new listing. It’s 100% free and we both will get a reward once you host your first guests! Airbnb will give you 180 days from the moment you click the link to have hosted your first guests. So I suggest that you click it when your Airbnb is complete and you are ready to start your listing, so we don’t run out of time.
When an eligible new host starts through my link, Airbnb connects us through the Ambassador program. That means you can reach out to me with questions while you’re creating your listing and getting ready for your first guests.
And my help through the Ambassador program is free.
There’s also a pretty great bonus. Eligible new hosts who use my link can receive a $115 bonus from Airbnb after completing their first qualifying stay.
Airbnb determines eligibility and qualifying-stay requirements, so check the current offer and terms shown when you sign up.
What Is an Airbnb Ambassador?
An Airbnb Ambassador is an experienced host who helps new hosts get started on Airbnb.
Basically, instead of Googling every little question or wondering whether you’re forgetting something important, you have an experienced host you can ask.
And because I’m also an interior designer and longtime Airbnb Superhost, I tend to look at a new Airbnb from two perspectives:
Will this work well for guests?
And…
Will someone actually want to book it when they see it online?
You really need both.
How I Can Help You Start Your Airbnb
One of the hardest parts of starting an Airbnb is simply not knowing whether you’re doing things right.
That’s where I can help. I have years od hospitality experience and I am a Superhost for the last 10 years, so I have the right systems in place that took years to master.
Your Airbnb Listing
Your listing is essentially your storefront.
I can help you think through your title, description, amenities and how you’re presenting your property to potential guests.
The goal isn’t to say everything. It’s to quickly show guests why they should choose your property.
Your Airbnb Photos
Photos can completely change the way a listing feels online.
Sometimes a listing doesn’t need an expensive makeover. It needs better styling, stronger photographs or simply a different photo order.
Your first few photos should make someone stop scrolling and think:
Wait. What’s this place?
Airbnb Design + Styling
This is obviously one of my favorite parts.
You don’t need a massive decorating budget to create a beautiful Airbnb, but your space should feel intentional.
As an interior designer, I can help you think about furniture placement, bedding, lighting, artwork, color and those little finishing details that can make a property feel more polished.
My rule is simple:
Design for the photograph AND the actual guest experience.
Amenities + Guest Experience
New hosts can spend a fortune buying things they think every Airbnb is supposed to have.
You really don’t need everything.
You need the right things for your guests.
I can help you think through what’s actually worth buying, what your particular guests are likely to need and the small details that can make their stay easier. I even can give you my favorites from Amazon and also a link to save thousands furnishing your Airbnb.
My Starting an Airbnb Checklist for 2027
Before you welcome that first guest, here’s the basic order I recommend.
1. Check Your Local Short-Term Rental Rules
Check your city’s short-term rental regulations, permits, licensing, insurance requirements and any HOA or strata rules before investing heavily in your property.
2. Start Through My Airbnb Ambassador Link
If you’re an eligible new host, start through my link before creating your listing so Airbnb can connect us.
[START YOUR AIRBNB + CONNECT WITH ME]
3. Know Your Ideal Guest
Who is most likely to book your property?
Families? Couples? Business travelers? University visitors? Beach vacationers?
Knowing your guest makes your design, amenities and listing decisions much easier.
4. Create a Simple Design Direction
Your Airbnb doesn’t need to look like a luxury hotel.
It just needs to feel considered.
Choose a general look and make your furniture, lighting, bedding, artwork and accessories work together rather than filling the property with random pieces.
5. Get the Essentials Right
Start with comfort and function:
- Comfortable beds and bedding
- Good pillows and towels
- Reliable Wi-Fi
- Bedside lighting and outlets
- Coffee and kitchen basics
- Toiletries
- Hangers and luggage space
- Appropriate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Simple, reliable check-in
Then add the extras that make sense for your specific guests.
6. Take Great Airbnb Photos
Before taking your listing photos, declutter, hide cords, make the beds beautifully, open the curtains and style the rooms.
Then think carefully about photo order.
Your first photos need to give guests a reason to stop scrolling and click.
7. Create a Listing That Makes Booking Easy
Your photos, title and description should quickly answer one question:
Why should I book this Airbnb?
Highlight what genuinely makes your property special and be clear about sleeping arrangements, amenities, parking, location and anything guests need to know.
Beautiful marketing gets the click.
Accurate expectations help get the five-star review.
8. Test Everything Before Your First Guest
If you can, spend a night in your Airbnb yourself.
Take a shower. Make coffee. Connect to the Wi-Fi. Watch TV. Charge your phone beside the bed. Try your check-in instructions after dark.
You’ll notice little things you would never catch just walking through the property.
Fix those before your guests discover them.
Want Help Starting Your Airbnb?
This is exactly why I became an Airbnb Ambassador.
There are so many little questions when you’re getting started:
Which photo should I use first?
Does my listing sound good?
Do I really need this amenity?
What is this room missing?
Instead of figuring everything out alone, you can ask me.
If you’re an eligible new host, start through my Airbnb Ambassador link before creating your listing and we’ll be connected through Airbnb.
My help is free, and eligible new hosts can also receive a $115 Airbnb bonus after completing their first qualifying stay.
Bring me your questions, your half-finished listing, your questionable photo order and your “Do guests really need this?”moments.
I’d love to help you get your first Airbnb ready for guests.
Want to Easily Brand your Airbnb? I Can Help With That Too
I’ve created resources to make hosting easier and your guest experience more polished.
My Airbnb Host Bundle brings together the resources hosts need in one place, which includes a Digital Airbnb Welcome Book makes it easy to give guests everything they need for their stay.
It also includes a Airbnb Sign Bundle for those little instructions guests inevitably need in easy to edit Canva templates.
And if your listing is already live but isn’t getting the bookings you expected, my Airbnb Listing Refresh gives you personalized recommendations for improving it.
Starting an Airbnb: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when starting an Airbnb?
Before starting an Airbnb, check your local short-term rental regulations and make sure your property can legally operate. Then consider your ideal guest, budget, design, amenities, pricing and listing strategy.
What is an Airbnb Ambassador?
An Airbnb Ambassador is an experienced Airbnb host who helps eligible new hosts get started. When you start through my Ambassador link, we can connect through Airbnb so I can help you as you prepare your first listing.
Does an Airbnb Ambassador cost money?
There is no additional charge to an eligible new host for my help through Airbnb’s Ambassador program.
How do I get the $115 Airbnb bonus?
Eligible new hosts who start through my Airbnb Ambassador link can receive a $115 bonus after completing their first qualifying stay. Airbnb determines eligibility and qualifying-stay requirements, so check the current offer when signing up.
Can you help with my Airbnb photos and design?
Yes. As an Airbnb Superhost and interior designer, I can help new hosts think through their listing photos, photo order, styling, amenities and overall guest experience.
What are the most important things when starting an Airbnb?
Focus first on safety, cleanliness, comfortable beds, reliable Wi-Fi, easy check-in, appropriate amenities, strong listing photos and an accurate description. A successful Airbnb should look appealing online while delivering the experience guests expect when they arrive.
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