5 Mistakes Airbnb Hosts Are Making

Airbnb hosting can be incredibly rewarding, but even experienced hosts can make mistakes that cost them bookings and revenue. Many of these errors stem from misinformation, outdated strategies, or simply not seeing things from a guest’s perspective.

If you’re not getting the bookings or revenue you expect, you might be making one (or more) of these five common mistakes. The good news? They’re all fixable. Let’s dive in.

1. Chasing Hacks Instead of Focusing on Guests

It’s tempting to look for quick fixes, like wishlisting groups or hiring VAs to remove bad reviews, but these hacks won’t solve the real issues preventing guests from booking your space.

Common Hosting “Hacks” That Don’t Work:

• Joining wishlist groups to “trick” the Airbnb algorithm
• Deleting and relisting your property to make it seem new
• Adding emojis to your title for visibility
• Paying a virtual assistant to get bad reviews removed

Instead of chasing hacks, focus on what actually matters to guests: great photos, clear communication, competitive pricing, and an amazing stay. Guests don’t book based on how many people have “wishlisted” your property—they book based on how it looks, how it’s priced, and how it meets their needs.

How to Fix It:

✅ Stop worrying about the algorithm and start optimizing your guest experience
✅ Focus on clear, professional listing photos and accurate descriptions
✅ Make your home inviting, comfortable, and worth a 5-star review every time

2. Poor Quality Photos That Cost You Clicks

If your listing photos aren’t great, you’re losing potential bookings before guests even read the details.

Many hosts rely on outdated, cluttered, or low-quality images that don’t showcase their property in the best light. You might have a stunning Airbnb, but if your photos are dark, poorly framed, or inconsistent, guests won’t bother clicking through.

Common Photo Mistakes:

❌ Cluttered or messy spaces
❌ Dark or poorly lit images
❌ Mixing professional and amateur (iPhone) photos in one listing
❌ Too many exterior shots before showing the interior
❌ Photos that don’t match the actual guest experience

How to Fix It:

✅ Hire a real estate or STR specialist photographer
✅ Make sure your photos show every room in the home clearly
✅ Stage your space before taking pictures—declutter, clean, and add finishing touches
✅ Check that your photos match your current setup—guests expect accuracy

3. Rigid Calendar Management That Limits Bookings

Many hosts unknowingly block their own success by placing unnecessary restrictions on their calendar.

Examples of Calendar Mistakes:

• Only allowing check-ins or check-outs on certain days
• Setting a four-night minimum on weekends when most guests want two nights
• Blocking days unnecessarily (e.g., because a cleaner “only works on Tuesdays”)
• Requiring an extra day before and after a booking for turnover

This rigidity prevents your listing from appearing in searches, drastically cutting down your potential bookings.

How to Fix It:

✅ Regularly review your minimum stay settings—don’t assume long stays are better
✅ Make your property as flexible as possible without sacrificing efficiency
✅ Use a dynamic pricing tool (like PriceLabs) to identify the best length-of-stay strategies
✅ Work with your cleaner to increase turnover efficiency instead of blocking days

Remember: Every blocked day is lost revenue. Give guests the flexibility they want while still ensuring your team can manage turnover smoothly.

4. Emotional Pricing Instead of Data-Driven Pricing

Many hosts price their properties based on what they think their listing is worth rather than what the market dictates.

Emotional Pricing Mistakes:

❌ Setting arbitrary “maximum” rates because you don’t believe guests will pay more
❌ Refusing to lower prices during slow seasons out of fear of cheap guests
❌ Setting a high base price and expecting the market to adjust to you
❌ Keeping pricing static rather than using real-time demand data

Hotels constantly adjust their rates based on demand, events, and seasonality—and you should, too.

How to Fix It:

✅ Use a dynamic pricing tool (like PriceLabs) to track demand in real time
✅ Remove artificial price caps—let the market determine what guests will pay
✅ Experiment with pricing during high-demand seasons to maximize revenue
✅ Adjust your strategy monthly based on performance and local events

Want to learn more? Beginner’s Guide to Dynamic Pricing Software (PriceLabs) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

5. Operating Out of Fear Instead of Strategy

A growing number of Airbnb hosts are too paranoid about bad guests—and it’s costing them bookings.

Yes, bad guests exist. But assuming every guest is out to scam you leads to overly restrictive rules, excessive guest screening, and a hostile booking experience.

Signs You’re Hosting From Fear:

❌ Rejecting legitimate bookings because they “seem suspicious”
❌ Requiring guests to write a detailed reason for their trip before booking
❌ Having all-caps house rules that sound aggressive and unwelcoming
❌ Setting unrealistic checkout tasks (e.g., stripping beds, taking out trash, washing dishes, etc.)

Most guests are good people who want a great stay. If you make the process too difficult, they’ll book elsewhere.

How to Fix It:

✅ Set fair, enforceable house rules that don’t overwhelm guests
✅ Use a guest screening tool instead of manual approvals
✅ Focus on welcoming guests, not policing them—hospitality is key
✅ If you’re constantly worried about “bad guests,” reassess if hosting is right for you

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling to get bookings or grow your Airbnb business, take a step back and assess if you’re making any of these mistakes. The good news? Each one is fixable.

5 Quick Fixes to Boost Bookings Right Now:

✅ Focus on guests, not hacks—a great guest experience wins every time
✅ Upgrade your photos—better images mean more clicks and bookings
✅ Loosen up your calendar—more flexibility = more opportunities
✅ Let go of emotional pricing—data-driven pricing will help you earn more
✅ Stop hosting from fear—welcome guests, build trust, and make their stay great

By making small, strategic changes, you can increase bookings, revenue, and guest satisfaction—without chasing hacks or fighting the Airbnb algorithm.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Hostfully | Use Code TFV200 for $200 off!
• Fido | Get 1-month FREE service!
• Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
• Beginner’s Guide to Dynamic Pricing Software (Pricelabs) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
• #STRShareSunday: @bamboo_dwellings
• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

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@bamboo_dwellings

AvoCottage by Bamboo Dwellings is a Disney-inspired retreat near Disneyland that brings the magic without overwhelming the space. Each room pays tribute to a different Disney movie, with thoughtful design touches like a Genie lamp in the Aladdin room and a Small World-inspired bunk room for little adventurers. Outside, enjoy a tank pool, Blackstone grill, fire pit, and yard games—perfect for families and groups. The game room is just as fun, with arcade games, a foosball/air hockey table, and a massive TV. This place is proof that a themed stay can be stylish, functional, and totally unforgettable. Follow @bamboo_dwellings to see all the details!

We would love to feature YOU! Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com.