How to manage an Airbnb remotely: 7 best tips

Living the dream of managing an Airbnb remotely has never been more attainable. Airbnb hosts worldwide are embracing the freedom that comes with remote management — thanks to advancements in technology, you can now manage Airbnb remotely from the comfort of quite literally anywhere in the world.

But how exactly do you use technology for remote Airbnb management, all while maintaining a high standard of service?

The essence lies in making operations, finances, and communications as seamless and automated as possible, leveraging everything from intelligent access systems to streamlined guest communications. Here's how you can revolutionise your short-term rental management and sustain your adventurous lifestyle.

How to manage an Airbnb remotely

Automate guest communication: ‍

Effective guest communication is the backbone of a successful Airbnb experience, especially when managing Airbnb remotely. The key is to anticipate your guests' needs and address them proactively. Provide them with all necessary information, such as check-in procedures, and include any local tips such as where to go during their trip. This minimises misunderstandings and builds trust, and it also helps you avoid any potential issues that could lead to Airbnb claims.

Using automated Airbnb messages can also be a good way to ensure that you're communicating with guests at every step of their journey, and that you don't miss out on any crucial details such as WiFi passwords, house rules, or similar.

‍Select a dependable cleaning and maintenance partner:

Cleanliness is more than a requirement; it's a statement of your brand and commitment to guest satisfaction. Finding local Airbnb cleaners and Airbnb maintenance services near your property is crucial to guarantee that they are able to quickly accommodate any concerns from customers, especially urgent ones.

A consistent cleaning schedule with the same individual or team not only ensures a spotless environment but also provides regular feedback on your property's condition. This consistency translates into higher guest satisfaction and, consequently, better Airbnb reviews and short-term rental occupancy rates.

Know more about Airbnb cleaning and maintenance services in your area by scheduling an obligation-free chat with Hometime. We’ll help you find the best cleaners and maintenance providers to look after your home, getting you the best rates through our partnerships with local businesses in your neighbourhood. We use the built-in cleaning fee from the booking for regular cleans and restocking between stays, so there’ll be no need to pay for it out of pocket.

Implement lockboxes or a smart check-in system:

The check-in process is the first real-world interaction guests have with your property, so making this as smooth as possible is crucial. But personal key exchanges aren't really possible when you're managing your Airbnb remotely, so we recommend using either a lockbox or installing a smart check-in system. This frees you and the guest up from scheduling personal key exchanges during every check-in and check-out, enabling true remote Airbnb management.

Stock up on essentials:

A well-stocked property goes beyond basics like clean towels and linens; it's about anticipating every need. Think about the convenience of having extra chargers, an assortment of teas and coffees, or even a small first aid kit. These items show guests that you've thought of everything, leading to a seamless and enjoyable stay. This also leads to fewer emergency calls to you.

Digitise information for guests

In the information age, your guests expect everything at their fingertips. By providing digital copies of house manuals, local guides, and Airbnb kitchen appliance instructions, you empower guests to help themselves. This not only improves their stay by providing them with all the information they might need but also reduces the number of queries you'll need to handle directly. As a result, guests enjoy a more independent and satisfying experience, while you enjoy greater freedom.

Embrace personal touches from afar

While you may not be there to greet your guests personally, small, thoughtful gestures can bridge the distance. Imagine a guest arriving after a long flight to find a handwritten note alongside a basket filled with their favourite snacks, tailored to their dietary preferences.

Make recommendations about what guests can do duringtheir stay: create a list of things to do nearby, list down your favourite cafes, restaurants, and pubs, or notify guests about any limited-time events that are taking place during their visit. These simple gestures can make your property stand out during a guest's stay and create a personal connection from the outset, boosting the likelihood of positive reviews.

Work with an Airbnb manager

One of the best ways to manage Airbnb remotely is by working with an Airbnb management company in Australia like Hometime who can take care of every aspect of maintaining and running your Airbnb, making for a truly hands-off Airbnb management. Typical Airbnb management services include:

1. Property onboarding: We’ll help you navigate the local Airbnb rules for hosts in your area so you can list your home on Airbnb and other sites like Airbnb ASAP.
2. Listing optimisation: Hometime follows Airbnb SEO best practices to make your listing as visible and as bookable as possible, which includes Airbnb styling and professional real-estate photography. Revenue and booking management: Hometime’s pricing analysts and market experts use Airbnb dynamic pricing strategies and customised minimum night settings to optimise your revenue while increasing short-term rental occupancy at the same time.
   
3. Airbnb cleaning and maintenance services: Get the best rates for cleaning and maintenance services in your area
4. Guest communication and management: We go the extra mile to ensure your guests enjoy every part of their stay, from making the booking, checking in, checking out, and everything in between. This includes taking care of maintenance issues quickly, providing alternatives for late-night arrivals, and even meeting them in person when needed!
5. Access to Hometime's all-in-one property management software: manage your Airbnb remotely and get full transparency on how your property is performing.