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Levi Wiggins

After years of doing other things to make a living, we accidentally stumbled into one of the greatest adventures of our lives. By starting our Airbnbs, we found that we could create an amazing life for ourselves where we were making good money doing something that matters (by giving people an awesome travel experience), and free ourselves up to do the other things we love like travel, read, teach yoga, volunteer, spend time together, be there for our family, and the list goes on.

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After years of doing other things to make a living, we accidentally stumbled into one of the greatest adventures of our lives. By starting our Airbnbs, we found that we could create an amazing life for ourselves where we were making good money doing something that matters (by giving people an awesome travel experience), and free ourselves up to do the other things we love like travel, read, teach yoga, volunteer, spend time together, be there for our family, and the list goes on.

Years of working for someone else was behind us, and now, we could *mostly* make our own schedule, and have way more freedom overall to do other things besides work all day. It's the kind of thing our parents never dreamed was possible. But it is. It really, really is.

But maybe you don't want to be an Airbnb Mogul and do this full time. You just have a space or two you're running as your side hustle. We've got best practices and all sorts of tips and tricks for you as well. Levi's the creative dreamer, and Shayna's the former teacher and planner. Together, we get things done.

Let us show you how we did it, and you can too.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Start up a successful & profitable airbnb.
  • Solve common airbnb hosting problems.
  • Avoid the pain of common pitfalls.
  • Plan for the future.

Syllabus

How to avoid bad guests & protect yourself, and your space. “The Honest Clean” And How To Get More Bookings!
How to avoid bad guests & protect yourself, and your space.
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Setting up your Airbnb Space

Before you start

Make More Money

There are two ways to look at this: what you earn per hour as a human, or per month as a real estate investment. Which one are you? We’re a hybrid of both! Let's look at how to increase your investment income and decrease your hours invested to increase your hourly rate!

The tenant of the honest clean is:
Is the space actually clean, not just does it look clean.

You want your guests to walk in and NOT notice anything. That’s the goal.

If you live by these rules, you’ll never have a complaint on cleanliness.

If you've told one guest, you've told a thousand guests... So don't waste time by re-typing the same things a thousand times. Get it right the first time, and we'll show you how!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches how to set up a listing, which is a crucial step for those looking to start hosting on Airbnb and attract potential guests
Explores common nightmares and resolution strategies, which can help hosts navigate challenging situations and maintain positive guest relations
Examines ways to increase investment income and decrease invested time, which is useful for those aiming to optimize their earnings as Airbnb hosts
Discusses local legislation and taxes, which is essential for hosts to understand their legal obligations and ensure compliance
Requires learners to understand the importance of cleanliness, which may be difficult for some learners to implement consistently

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to airbnb hosting

According to students, this course offers a practical introduction to starting and managing an Airbnb. It provides a solid foundation covering essentials like setting up your listing, automating communication, and implementing efficient cleaning practices like the "Honest Clean" method. Learners find it helpful for beginners looking to avoid common pitfalls and bad guests, and appreciate the tips on handling issues via the Resolution Center. While generally well-received for its actionable advice, some reviews suggest the content may be too basic for experienced hosts and that information on topics like local legislation and taxes could require supplemental, location-specific research as these areas change over time.
Information on regulations needs external checks.
"The section on local legislation and taxes is a good heads-up, but rules vary so much by location."
"I understand they can't cover everything, but you definitely need to research your specific area's laws."
"The tax part was a bit general; I'll need to consult an expert for my situation."
"Keep in mind that laws and taxes change, so verify the latest information yourself."
Highlights how to prevent problems with guests.
"Learned valuable strategies to avoid bad guests and protect my property."
"The 'Common Airbnb Nightmares' section was insightful and helped me prepare."
"I feel better equipped to handle difficult situations after taking this."
"The course emphasizes proactive steps to minimize risks."
Offers strategies for daily hosting tasks.
"The section on automating communications is a game-changer for saving time."
"The 'Honest Clean' method is a really practical approach that makes sense."
"I immediately used the tips for setting up my listing to make it more appealing."
"The advice on handling guest issues through the Resolution Center was very useful."
Provides foundational knowledge for new hosts.
"As someone just starting out, this course gave me the confidence and steps I needed."
"Perfect for absolute beginners with no prior hosting experience."
"I learned the essential first steps before even listing my space."
"This course helped me understand the basics of setting up and getting my first booking."
Some experienced hosts found it too simple.
"If you've been hosting for a while, you might already know most of this."
"I was hoping for more advanced marketing or scaling strategies."
"Good recap, but not much new information for intermediate users."
"Might be better suited for hosts who haven't started yet."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Airbnb Hosting Masterclass with these activities:
Review 'The Airbnb Host Handbook'
Gain a solid understanding of Airbnb hosting best practices before starting the course.
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and table of contents.
  • Focus on chapters related to listing setup and guest communication.
  • Take notes on key strategies and tips.
Research Local Regulations
Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding short-term rentals to avoid legal issues.
Show steps
  • Identify the city and county where you plan to host.
  • Search online for short-term rental regulations in that area.
  • Contact the local government for clarification if needed.
  • Document all relevant regulations and requirements.
Create a Sample Airbnb Listing
Practice creating an Airbnb listing to understand the key elements and optimize for bookings.
Show steps
  • Choose a hypothetical property to list.
  • Write a compelling title and description.
  • Select high-quality photos of the property.
  • Set a competitive price based on market research.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Guest Welcome Guide
Craft a comprehensive welcome guide to enhance the guest experience and reduce common questions.
Show steps
  • List essential information like Wi-Fi password and check-out instructions.
  • Include recommendations for local restaurants and attractions.
  • Provide contact information for emergencies.
  • Design the guide to be visually appealing and easy to read.
Simulate Guest Interactions
Role-play common guest scenarios to improve communication and problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Ask a friend or family member to play the role of a guest.
  • Simulate check-in, check-out, and common inquiries.
  • Practice handling complaints and resolving issues.
  • Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Review 'Airbnb for Dummies'
Solidify your understanding of Airbnb fundamentals with a beginner-friendly guide.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on setting up your account and listing.
  • Focus on the sections about pricing and guest communication.
  • Identify any gaps in your knowledge and research further.
Develop a Pricing Strategy Spreadsheet
Create a spreadsheet to track expenses, analyze market data, and optimize your pricing strategy.
Show steps
  • List all fixed and variable expenses associated with your Airbnb.
  • Research competitor pricing in your area.
  • Develop a formula to calculate your optimal nightly rate.
  • Track your occupancy rate and adjust pricing accordingly.

Career center

Learners who complete Airbnb Hosting Masterclass will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Short Term Rental Manager
A short term rental manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of properties that are rented out on a short-term basis. This course is a great fit for a short term rental manager. The course teaches how to set up an online listing, ensure the property is cleaned effectively, automate guest communications, and increase bookings. It goes over how to avoid bad guests and protect the property, as well as how to resolve potential issues. Someone looking to succeed as a short term rental manager should take this course, as it offers best practices and strategies for running a profitable rental business. This course details how to manage all important parts of short term rentals, from setup to guest communication and problem resolution.
Property Manager
A property manager oversees the maintenance, upkeep, and overall operation of residential and commercial properties. This role requires an understanding of how to handle guest interactions, manage cleaning efficiently, and address potential issues, all of which are skills that this course helps develop. Someone who wishes to be a property manager should take this course, as they will learn how to effectively set up and manage a short-term rental space, ensuring that it is both appealing and properly maintained. The course also discusses how to automate communications, which will prove useful when dealing with tenants. Furthermore, this course teaches how to avoid common problems, deal with issues that arise, and how to plan for the future, all key skills for a property manager.
Hospitality Consultant
A hospitality consultant advises businesses such as hotels and short term rentals on how to improve their operations, customer service, and profitability. The skills developed in this course directly translate to improving a short term rental business. A person interested in becoming a hospitality consultant would benefit from taking this course since it provides unique insight into the operational and customer service considerations that drive a successful short-term rental business. You will learn about setting up a listing, efficiently performing cleaning tasks, automating customer communication, and handling guest issues. These are all vital to providing excellent service and improving the bottom line of a hospitality business. The lessons in this course offer strategies for success which can be shared with other businesses as a consultant.
Real Estate Investor
A real estate investor purchases, manages, and sells properties for profit. This course may be useful for a real estate investor looking to expand into short term rentals. The course provides an approach to setting up a successful and profitable Airbnb business. Those who wish to invest in real estate for the purpose of short term rental management will find this especially useful. The course covers everything from setting up a space to managing bookings and avoiding issues. The strategies for increasing income and decreasing investment hours discussed in this course can be very useful for a real estate investor. By implementing the techniques taught in this course, an investor can enhance their property portfolio and increase their profitability.
Customer Experience Specialist
A customer experience specialist works to ensure that customers have a positive experience with a company's services. This course may be useful for a customer experience specialist in the hospitality industry, especially in the short term rental sector. This course helps someone understand how to create an enjoyable and seamless experience for guests. The course emphasizes the importance of managing communication with guests and addressing any issues that may arise. By learning the best practices of guest interactions and problem resolution, a customer experience specialist can be more effective at providing top-notch service. The content of this course provides specific approaches that can improve guest satisfaction and enhance their overall experience.
Small Business Consultant
A small business consultant advises small business owners on how to improve their operations, marketing, and overall success. This course may be useful for an aspiring small business consultant, as it offers practical experience in managing a small business, specifically in the short-term rental sector. Through taking this course, one can analyze the processes involved, identify best practices, and understand how to minimize risks for a short term rental. This course walks someone through the day to day management of such an operation. By learning these skills, someone who wants to be a small business consultant can offer practical solutions to their clients looking to enter or improve their presence in the short term rental market. This course can provide a real-world example of small business management.
Operations Manager
An operations manager is responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of a company's processes. This course may be useful for an operations manager in the hospitality industry, as it provides strategies to effectively manage a short-term rental business. An operations manager can use this course to handle bookings, manage cleaning processes, and ensure that all guest interactions are smooth. This course discusses automation of communication, which helps an operations manager create organized systems. By implementing the techniques taught in this course, an operations manager can improve the efficiency of their team and ensure a high standard of service. This course provides a solid foundation of operational best practices which are applicable to many forms of management.
Online Business Owner
An online business owner develops and manages businesses that operate primarily on the internet. While this course is focused on Airbnbs, its core lessons in managing a business may be valuable for someone who wishes to be an online business owner. This course teaches how to manage an online listing, address common issues, and automate communication, all of which could be applied to a broader online business context. A person interested in becoming an online business owner should take this course to learn time management, customer communication, and problem solving. These are all important skills for running a successful business online. This course’s approach to managing an online business, though specialized for Airbnbs, can be valuable in other online contexts.
E-commerce Entrepreneur
An e-commerce entrepreneur establishes and manages an online business that sells products or services. While this course focuses on running an Airbnb, many of the principles taught here can be applied to e-commerce. An e-commerce entrepreneur ought to take this course to understand how to manage an online listing, communicate with customers, and resolve issues. This course teaches best practices for customer interactions, property management, and problem solving, which are useful for someone involved in e-commerce. A person who wants to be an e-commerce entrepreneur will find that the best practices taught in this course translate into broader business practices.
Travel Planner
A travel planner assists individuals and groups with travel arrangements, including lodging, transportation, and activities. A travel planner might be interested in this course as it provides a view of the other side of travel, that of the lodging provider. This course teaches how to set up and manage a successful Airbnb, which could be valuable knowledge when working with clients. By understanding the concerns of rental providers, a travel planner can find better properties for their clients. This course also offers insight into creating a positive guest experience, which is relevant to a travel planner, whose success is dependent on customer satisfaction. The course’s lessons may help a travel planner better understand the lodging component of their work, and so they should consider taking this course.
Concierge
A concierge provides a variety of services, from booking accommodations to arranging travel and activities for clients. A person who wants to be a concierge may find this course useful. The course offers insights into the short term rental space, which is relevant to booking accommodations for clients. The skills to manage a rental, like efficient cleaning and guest management, covered in this course, might prove valuable to a concierge. This course also teaches how to create a positive experience for guests, a key aspect of the role of a concierge. By learning the best practices and potential pitfalls in rental management, a concierge can better meet their clients' needs and preferences. This course's lessons will help a concierge provide better and more effective service.
Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. A real estate agent may find this course useful, as it provides insights on how to manage short-term rental properties. This course teaches the best practices for setting up a listing, ensuring it is clean, and efficiently managing guests and their bookings. By understanding the short term rental market, a real estate agent can better advise clients who want to rent out their properties. Such real estate agents can use the course’s content to provide better solutions for clients looking to invest in short term rental properties. The knowledge gained from this course can make a real estate agent more informed and better prepared to serve their clients.
Freelance Writer
A freelance writer produces a variety of written content for clients, including articles, blog posts, and marketing materials. This course may be useful for a freelance writer that specializes in the travel or hospitality sector. This course offers a solid understanding of the short term rental industry, which a freelance writer can use as background knowledge when writing relevant content for clients. This course teaches about the realities of hosting, dealing with guests, and other areas very relevant to travel. A freelance writer focusing on the travel industry might find this course useful as it provides valuable real-world experience in a specific hospitality niche. By taking the course, you will gain more expertise in this sector of travel writing.
Digital Marketing Specialist
A digital marketing specialist develops and manages online campaigns to promote a business or product. This course may be useful for a digital marketing specialist who is working in the travel or hospitality sector. This course teaches how to create and manage a successful online listing for a short-term rental. This course may help one understand the nuances of attracting online bookings within the travel space. A digital marketing specialist can apply the principles used in this course to improve their strategies for other clients, particularly in the travel and hospitality sectors. This course's approach to online listings is part of a broader market experience that a digital marketer can appreciate. This course may be useful for those in the digital marketing field.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager is responsible for creating and implementing social media strategies for businesses. While this course does not focus on social media management, its lessons on improving a listing may be useful. The course teaches how to set up a profile and present a property in a way that appeals to potential clients. A social media manager may use the insights of this course when creating marketing materials for a short term rental property on social media. This course informs a social media manager about what attracts customers in the short term rental space. These insights will allow for more informed creative decisions when managing social media accounts for clients.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Airbnb Hosting Masterclass.
Provides a comprehensive guide to becoming a successful Airbnb host. It covers everything from setting up your listing to managing guests and maximizing profits. It's a valuable resource for both new and experienced hosts, offering practical advice and real-world examples to help you navigate the challenges of the Airbnb business. This book can be used as a reference tool throughout the course.

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