How to Start an Airbnb
If you want a step-by-step guide to launching your first vacation rental, this is the place to begin. Whether you're using your own property or partnering with others, you'll learn how to design your space, get legal, attract guests, and run a profitable short-term rental.
Meet Your Airbnb Coach Alisha
Hi, I’m Alisha Arnold—a creative entrepreneur, short-term rental host, and the owner of Kona Landing, my vacation rental in Hawaii. What started as a babymoon in Hawaii turned into a business that now spans rentals, digital content, and courses. I share more about my story in this HomeBnB Podcast Interview.
Take my free Short-Term Rental Masterclass to get started with your Airbnb
Start a Vacation Rental Without Owning Property
You don’t need to buy a home to become a host. Learn how to start an Airbnb with no money, or explore three ways to launch on a budget. You can even partner with property owners and split the profits while using homes they already own.
Make Your Airbnb Profitable
Once you secure a property, your next goal is to generate profit. That includes nightly rent, but also additional streams like cleaning fees, local partnerships, affiliate links, and more. My Short-Term Rental Start-Up Kit will help you After planning your pricing strategy, you’ll want to start thinking about welcoming your first guests—ensuring everything is in place for a seamless check-in and a 5-star experience.
Set nightly pricing for your rental
Estimate your properties profitability
Understand local seasonal trends
Know the Laws and Insurance You’ll Need
Every city has different rules. That’s why understanding short-term rental regulations is one of the first steps. You’ll also need the right Airbnb insurance to protect your space and income.
You may also qualify for significant tax deductions. Expenses like cleaning, maintenance, supplies, and even part of your mortgage may be eligible; check with a CPA to make the most of it.
The Short-Term Rental Lab
The most comprehensive course out therefor starting up a short-term rental
Hire a Team to Support Your Vacation Rental
Managing a vacation rental isn’t a solo sport. You’ll need a reliable cleaner, a handyman, and possibly a co-host or property manager. Learn how to hire the right team to keep operations running smoothly.
Design a Short-Term Rental That Books Fast
Guests choose listings based on photos and the overall vibe. Make sure your rental stands out with curated interior design.
The three rooms that matter most?
Bedroom
The bedroom setup—comfort is key. Focus on high-quality linens, blackout curtains, and layered lighting to help guests relax and sleep well. For a detailed checklist, check out the perfect bed guide.
Kitchen
The kitchen layout and guest prep—a clean, well-stocked kitchen adds major value. Think coffee station, cooking basics, and labeled storage.
Bathroom
The bathroom—guests expect cleanliness, good lighting, and thoughtful touches like full-sized toiletries, towel hooks, and extra toilet paper stored in plain sight.
Create an Experience Guests Will Rave About
Beyond the basics, the best hosts go the extra mile. Use a custom welcome book, automate your guest messages, and display helpful printed signs.
Add small touches like a coffee station or gym equipment. You can even help guests stay healthy during their trip by offering on-site fitness options and designing unique experiences.
Build Your Listing and Use Smart Hosting Tools
Now you’re ready to go live. Choose a hosting platform, upload professional photos, and write a compelling listing. To streamline operations, try my five favorite tools for short-term rentals.
If you need additional tools to help your rental run smoothly, I put together this Airbnb Host Gift Guide. It’s full of useful, tested, and stylish products that make hosting easier—and yes, it’s also a great excuse to treat yo’ self.
Stay in Your Rental Before You Launch
There’s no better test than a personal stay. Before you welcome guests, spend a night or two in your own rental. Are the beds truly comfortable? Are there enough towels and places to hang them? Is the lighting good in the evening? These little details are easier to catch when you're living in the space like a guest would. It also helps you spot things like missing kitchen tools, awkward layouts, or noise issues you wouldn’t notice otherwise.
I've learned just as much from other hosts as I have from doing it myself—both what to avoid and what to replicate can teach you how to improve your guest experience before you ever hit publish.
Choose the Right Guests for Your Airbnb
Should you allow pets or kids? That depends on your ideal guest. Launched is better than perfect, but it’s still important to think through who you want to host. Pay close attention to who is booking and why. Are they coming for weddings, romantic getaways, or family vacations? Start to identify patterns so you can tailor your space and your messaging. Then, add amenities to match—like a high chair and pack-and-play for families or a cozy wine nook for couples.
Join the Short-Term Rental Lab
Running a short-term rental gets easier when you have a system.
Not ready to take the full course? Dive into the free Short-Term Rental Masterclass and get a feel for the process before you commit. That’s why I created the Short-Term Rental Lab—to guide you step-by-step from setup to profit.
Enroll now and start your Airbnb journey with confidence.