How to Get Your First Booking Fast in the Short-Term Rental Business

The short-term rental business is an exciting and profitable venture. With platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO, property owners can generate significant income by renting out their spaces to travelers.

However, one of the biggest challenges for new hosts is securing their first booking. Without reviews or a proven track record, attracting guests can be difficult.

If you’re just starting and wondering how to get your first guest fast, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through actionable strategies to optimize your listing, price competitively, market effectively, and provide an outstanding guest experience.

By the end, you’ll have the tools to land your first booking quickly and start building a thriving short-term rental business.

1. Optimize Your Listing for Maximum Visibility

Your listing is the first thing potential guests see, and first impressions matter. A well-optimized listing increases your chances of being found and booked. Here’s how to make your property stand out:

Choose the Right Platform

Selecting the right platform is crucial. While Airbnb is the most popular, other options like Booking.com, VRBO, and local rental platforms may be more effective depending on your location. Research your target market and determine where your potential guests are searching.

Use High-Quality Photos

Professional-quality photos can significantly impact your booking rate. Here’s what to consider:

Use natural lighting to make your space look warm and inviting.
Highlight unique features such as a cozy fireplace, stunning view, or modern kitchen.
Take multiple angles of each room to provide a full perspective.
Ensure your photos accurately represent the space to prevent guest disappointment.

Write a Compelling Title and Description

Your title and description should grab attention and include relevant keywords for search optimization.

Example of a strong title: “Cozy 2-Bedroom Apartment with Ocean View – 5 Min Walk to Beach!”
The description should highlight amenities, proximity to attractions, and what makes your rental unique.

Include All Relevant Amenities

Guests look for specific amenities when booking. Common must-haves include:

Free Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
Fully equipped kitchen
Free parking
Washer & dryer
Pet-friendly options Make sure your listing includes everything available to set clear expectations.

2. Price Competitively to Attract Early Guests

Pricing plays a huge role in securing your first booking. As a new host with no reviews, offering competitive rates can make your listing more appealing.

Research Competitor Pricing

Use platforms like Airbnb to check the rates of similar listings in your area. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and occupancy levels when setting your price.

Offer a Discounted Rate for Initial Bookings

Since guests tend to book listings with reviews, you need to entice them with a lower price initially. Offering a 10-20% discount for the first few bookings can help attract your first guests and earn positive reviews.

Consider Special Offers

Weekly Discounts: Encourage longer stays with weekly discounts.
Last-Minute Deals: If your listing is empty for the upcoming days, reduce your price to attract last-minute travelers.

3. Enable Instant Booking & Flexible Policies

Many guests prefer instant booking because it eliminates the need to wait for host approval. Enabling instant booking can increase your chances of getting booked faster.

Set a Flexible Cancellation Policy

Guests often prefer listings with flexible cancellation policies. Consider offering free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in to make your listing more attractive.

Allow One-Night Stays

Initially, allowing one-night stays can help secure your first few guests quickly. Once you start getting reviews, you can adjust your minimum stay requirements.

4. Get Positive Social Proof Fast

Positive reviews are essential for building credibility and attracting more bookings.

Ask Friends or Family to Book and Review Your Place

If possible, have a friend or family member book your listing and leave an honest review. This helps establish initial credibility.

Offer a Stay to Local Influencers or Bloggers

Partner with a local travel influencer or blogger and offer them a discounted or free stay in exchange for a review and social media exposure.

Encourage First Guests to Leave Reviews

Once you secure your first bookings, send a follow-up message thanking your guests and kindly requesting a review. A well-timed reminder can boost your chances of getting feedback.

5. Market Your Rental Beyond the Platform

Don’t rely solely on Airbnb or Booking.com to bring in bookings—promote your listing actively.

Share on Social Media

Post high-quality images of your rental on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups. Use local hashtags and engage with potential guests.

Leverage Google My Business

List your rental on Google My Business to improve search visibility. This is especially useful if you are targeting business travelers or tourists searching for accommodation in your area.

Run Limited-Time Promotions

Create special deals for first-time guests, such as a “First 5 Guests Get 15% Off” campaign, and promote it on social media.

6. Optimize for Search on Booking Platforms

Platforms like Airbnb use algorithms to rank listings. Here’s how to improve your visibility:

Use Relevant Keywords

Include keywords in your title and description that potential guests may search for, such as:

“Pet-friendly short-term rental in Lagos”
“Affordable Airbnb near Abuja airport”
“Beachfront vacation rental with pool”

Keep Your Calendar Updated

Regularly updating your calendar signals to Airbnb that your listing is active, improving your search ranking.

Respond Quickly to Inquiries

Fast response times improve your visibility and likelihood of bookings. Aim to reply to messages within an hour.

7. Offer an Outstanding Guest Experience

Once you secure your first booking, delivering a great experience is crucial for earning positive reviews and future bookings.

Provide a Smooth Check-in Process

Offer self-check-in with a smart lock or key box if possible.
Send clear instructions and a welcome message before arrival.

Include Thoughtful Touches

Small details can make a big difference. Consider adding:

A welcome basket with snacks or a local guidebook.
Fresh towels, toiletries, and a handwritten note.
Streaming services like Netflix or a complimentary bottle of wine.

Follow Up with Guests

Check in with guests during their stay to ensure they’re comfortable. After checkout, thank them and kindly request a review.

Conclusion

Securing your first booking in the short-term rental business can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can attract guests quickly.

By optimizing your listing, pricing competitively, enabling instant booking, marketing beyond the platform, and delivering an excellent guest experience, you’ll build momentum and create a profitable rental business.

Now it’s time to take action! Start optimizing your listing today and watch as your first booking rolls in.

Happy hosting.