How to Get More Airbnb Bookings When You're Just Starting Out
Early hosting can feel discouraging when the calendar stays empty. Here's what actually helps new Airbnb listings gain traction, especially in smaller or less touristy markets.
Starting out on Airbnb can feel rough.
You do everything "right." You lower the price. You tweak photos. You check Insights.
And the calendar still looks empty.
That's common, especially in smaller or less tourist-heavy areas.
Why New Listings Struggle at First
Guests don't know you yet. They don't trust the listing yet. And they don't want to take a risk.
I've written more about why guests hesitate and what breaks that pattern.
So they look for certainty.
If anything feels unclear, they move on to the next option.
What Actually Helps New Hosts Get Bookings
From watching new listings break through, a few patterns show up again and again.
Make Comfort Obvious
Guests shouldn't have to guess.
Spell out things people quietly care about:
- Bed type and bedding
- Window coverings and light control
- Parking details
- Heating and AC control
- Checkout expectations
- What gets cleaned between stays
If you do something well, say it plainly.
Photos That Feel Lived-In
Not just clean. Comfortable.
Crisp beds. Warm lighting. Simple, cohesive furniture.
Wide shots matter more than close-ups. People want to understand the space, not admire a coffee mug.
This is especially true for larger or complex properties where layout clarity matters.
Clear Title, No Fluff
"Cozy" and "luxury" don't mean much anymore.
These fall into the common description mistakes many new hosts make.
Titles that work early tend to highlight:
- What problem it solves (quiet, parking, work-friendly)
- What guests get (WiFi, hot showers, blackout curtains)
- Who it's good for
Early Reviews Matter More Than Perfection
Many hosts see traction only after a handful of strong reviews.
That doesn't mean racing to the bottom on price. It means exceeding expectations for what you're charging.
Guests will forgive a lot if they feel taken care of.
A Simple Way to See What You're Missing
Compare your listing to similar ones nearby that are booking.
Ask:
- What do they show clearly that I don't?
- What questions do their photos answer?
Looking at what the best descriptions get right can help here too.
- Who do they seem designed for?
If you're too close to your own listing to see it clearly, tools like AirbnbOptimizer can help highlight where clarity drops off, which is often the real issue early on.
The Calm Truth
Most new hosts aren't failing.
They're just asking guests to decide with incomplete information.
Fill the gaps. Reduce guessing.
Momentum usually follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to have few bookings in the first months on Airbnb?
Yes. New listings usually lack momentum, reviews, and clarity. It often takes a few intentional adjustments before bookings start to stack.
Should new hosts lower their price a lot?
Sometimes a slight drop helps, but price alone rarely fixes things. Guests still need to understand what they're getting and why it's worth booking.
Do I need to buy an Airbnb course to get bookings?
Most of what courses teach is already shared by experienced hosts. Focus first on fundamentals like photos, clarity, and guest comfort.
What matters more than amenities for new listings?
Reducing uncertainty. Guests book when they don't have to guess about comfort, layout, rules, or what's included.