What The Most Successful Airbnb Hosts Do

I’m always looking for ways to bring my audience clear, actionable advice while also sharing what’s happening behind the scenes. Recently, I’ve had a couple of wins worth celebrating. Thanks to you, my listeners, this podcast is ranking number one on certain podcast players for social media for Airbnbs. That milestone is only possible because of your continued support. Every download, every listen, and every review makes a difference. If you haven’t already, I’d be so grateful if you left a review on Apple, Spotify, or whichever platform you prefer. Reviews help us reach even more hosts who are ready to grow.

But I’ll be honest. Growth comes with a little tough love. My podcast producer gave me feedback that my audio quality wasn’t where it needed to be. While it stung at first, she was right. I’ve been making changes to improve the listening experience so that every episode is not only valuable but also enjoyable to hear. My goal is always to make this show the best it can be for you.

The Myth of Passive Short-Term Rentals

Today’s episode is all about what the most successful Airbnbs and short-term rentals do and how you can do the same. Let’s start by addressing one of the biggest misconceptions: that short-term rentals are “passive” income.

If you’ve been in long-term rentals, you know those can feel passive. A tenant signs a lease, pays rent monthly, and unless something big like an HVAC replacement comes up, your daily responsibilities are limited. Many investors even hire property management companies to make it completely hands-off.

Short-term rentals are different. Guests arrive and depart weekly, or sometimes even daily. You’ll need cleaners, restocking systems for essentials like paper towels and toilet paper, and perhaps even mini shampoo and conditioner bottles. None of that is passive. Unless, of course, you hire a co-host like me to handle operations, then it can start to feel more hands-off again.

I’ve been a superhost for over six years, managing properties across multiple states with hundreds of five-star reviews. Trust me when I say, achieving and maintaining those reviews requires constant attention to the guest experience.

The Importance of Accurate Listings

The first key to building a standout brand in short-term rentals is accuracy. Your listing photos must reflect the actual state of your property. Guests notice when a back porch hasn’t been power washed, when furniture is more worn than in photos, or when the bedding doesn’t match the images. That kind of “bait and switch” erodes trust and leads to disappointment.

We’ve been updating our property in Kentucky, reinvesting profits into furniture upgrades, fresh paint, and new amenities. Whenever I know changes are happening faster than photos can be updated, I communicate directly with guests. I let them know improvements are underway so they understand any differences they see are enhancements, not downgrades. Transparency builds trust, and that trust sets you apart in your market.

Elevating Guest Communication

Another major piece of the puzzle is guest communication. From the moment a booking is confirmed, guests should feel welcomed and prepared. A strong onboarding message sets the tone. From introducing the property, outlining what to expect, and offering tips on local attractions, restaurants, or coffee shops.

Guests aren’t just booking a house; they’re booking an experience. In destinations like the Bourbon Trail, that means sharing which distilleries to visit. For cabins in the woods, it might mean telling guests where to stock up on groceries so they can enjoy a secluded getaway without unnecessary trips into town.

Communication should also extend into the stay itself. I like to send a simple check-in message around 9 a.m. the morning after arrival: “Did you get settled in? Do you need anything?” That small step often resolves little issues, like thermostat confusion or finding the K-cups, before they become bigger frustrations that affect reviews.

Regular, thoughtful communication shows guests that you care about their stay, and it helps you maintain those all-important five-star reviews.

How Co-Hosting Can Help

If this all sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. Between guest messaging, marketing, and operational details, being a host is a full-time job. That’s where my co-hosting services come in. I’ve managed properties remotely across three states, consistently delivering seamless guest experiences and maintaining five-star ratings.

At Brand & Market, we focus on creating short-term rental listings that feel more like boutique hotels than side hustles. From branding to guest communication, I take care of the details so you can focus on growing your business or simply enjoying the passive income you envisioned when you started.

If you’re ready to elevate your short-term rental, you can learn more about my co-hosting services at www.brandandmarket.co/cohosting.

Design for a Specific Guest—Not “Everyone”

Back when Airbnb first took off, you could rent out a spare room without changing a thing, same bedding, same dresser, same side table, and travelers were thrilled by the novelty. Today, the landscape is more competitive and saturated, which means design has to be intentional. Start by defining exactly who you want walking through your door.

A bachelorette group of up to 15 women ages 25–35 will have needs that are totally different from a nuclear family of four with little ones (say, a two- and a four-year-old). Before you purchase a lamp, a sheet set, or a sofa, decide who you’re designing for and build the experience around their stay.

Small Touches, Big Impact

For families with young kids, consider:

• A pack-and-play (especially helpful for guests flying in).
• A foldable toddler bed stowed in a closet for easy access.

A bachelorette group likely won’t need either of those but they may appreciate extra mirrors, plentiful outlets, and a living area optimized for hanging out. The right touches are different for different guests, and that thoughtfulness shows up in your reviews.

Stock the Kitchen Smartly (Without Overspending)

When guests rave about our “well-stocked kitchen,” they’re rarely talking about specialty gadgets. They mean simple, essential items:

• Salt and pepper
• A standard cooking oil

These are easy adds to your regular restock list (right alongside toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap), don’t spoil quickly, and your cleaner can check levels between stays.

For higher nightly-rate properties, I’ll also include zip-top bags, aluminum foil, and parchment paper. If your budget can accommodate it, do it. No one wants to buy a full box of trash bags for a weekend just because only one was left under the sink. Removing those minor frictions creates major goodwill.

Brand Every Touchpoint (From the Threshold to the Takeaway)

We’re currently implementing one of my favorite brand details across all our properties: custom welcome mats with the property’s logo at the front door. From the first step over the threshold, guests see and feel a cohesive brand.

That continues inside with a branded welcome guide and even branded postcards in guest rooms, easy, memorable leave-behinds guests can send to friends and family (hello, organic word-of-mouth).

What I’m Seeing in the Field

Since March, my assistant Kyra and I have rented a different local Raleigh-area Airbnb each month to create content for this podcast and social channels. Across six or seven properties (plus many personal Airbnb stays), I’ve noticed a pattern: there’s often no clear way to follow the host or the property, and while interior design might be cohesive, the branding and marketing are not. Only one stood out as truly buttoned-up.

If you want to differentiate in a saturated market, solid, consistent branding that carries through every guest touchpoint will do a lot of the marketing for you.

Be the Concierge Your Guests Didn’t Know They Needed

I mentioned this earlier with guest messaging, but it deserves its own spotlight: insider knowledge is gold. I’m an avid Airbnb guest myself, especially when traveling as a family, I’ll choose a home over a hotel every time. What I value most are the local, non-Googleable recommendations.

Think:

• The anniversary-worthy restaurant that requires a reservation, plus where to park (e.g., “Use the gravel lot behind the building and walk around to the front”).
• The kid- or pet-friendly coffee shop with a patio that actually welcomes dogs.
• The brunch spot that can handle a larger group without a two-hour wait.

At our Kentucky property on the Bourbon Trail, our welcome guide includes two curated distillery itineraries:

• One for serious bourbon lovers who want the pours.
• One for bucket-list travelers who want beautiful tours, great storytelling, and an approachable experience.

We’ve done these experiences ourselves, so guests get recommendations that reflect real flow, design, and entertainment value, not just a list of addresses.

Pro tip: If your STR is in a second-home market (beach, mountains, etc.), spend a few days acting like a tourist. Eat, tour, and explore with your guest hat on. I’m not a tax professional, but speak with yours about which research expenses may be deductible.

Create a “Home Away from Home”

If guests wanted a hotel, they’d book one. Your edge is the comforts of home with a slight upgrade:

• A comfortable mattress and elevated, cozy linens
• A logical, easy-to-navigate kitchen with the basics to cook a real meal
• Living spaces arranged for conversation and relaxation, not just a pretty photo

These simple, thoughtful touches are what make a stay feel welcoming, personal, and memorable.

Quick Refresher: What Top Hosts Do Differently

• Shift the mindset: STRs are active investments. Treat them that way.
• Match expectations to reality: Keep listing photos accurate and update guests when changes are improvements in progress.
• Communicate clearly and kindly: From welcome to check-out, including a day-after-arrival “How’s everything?” message.
• Design for your ideal guest: Families ≠ bachelorettes; tailor amenities accordingly.
• Be the concierge: Share insider tips guests can’t find on Google.
• Make it feel like home: Comfortable beds, useful kitchens, and small conveniences that remove friction.
• Brand every touchpoint: From welcome mats to guides to postcards, cohesion makes you memorable.

If this got you thinking about how to truly level up your short-term rental, the next step is simple: let’s talk. A quick discovery call is the easiest way to see how I can help transform your property into a rental that books consistently, performs profitably, and feels like a business you can be proud of.

Whether you’re ready to strengthen your branding, elevate your guest communication, or take day-to-day management off your plate, I’m here to make sure your listing doesn’t just blend in—it stands out.

Let’s Chat About Your Property!