Starting out as an Airbnb host can be exciting, but it also comes with some challenges—especially when it comes to managing your calendar and ensuring your property gets noticed by potential guests. Having the right calendar strategy in place can really help you stand out, attract more bookings, and build up those all-important positive reviews. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science! Here are some simple, practical tips to get you started on the right foot.
1. Open Up Your Calendar for the Next 12 Months
Imagine planning a vacation and seeing that the perfect place is already booked for the dates you want — or worse, it's only available for the next couple of months! Not fun, right? As a new host, one of the best things you can do is open your calendar for bookings as far ahead as possible, up to 12 months. This way, you’re appealing to both the last-minute travelers and the super planners.
Here’s a quick breakdown of why this works:
Last-minute travelers: Often book within a week of their stay and will see your open dates.
Long-term planners: Appreciate the ability to book months in advance, which means you could lock in bookings for popular vacation seasons early.
The more dates you have available, the more chances you give people to book with you!
2. Use Smart Pricing (Or Set Competitive Rates Manually)
Pricing your listing can feel like a guessing game, especially when you’re just getting started. You want to attract guests, but you also don’t want to sell yourself short. Luckily, Airbnb offers a "Smart Pricing" tool that can help. It adjusts your nightly rate based on demand, seasonality, and local events.
If you prefer to take control and set your own rates, that’s great too! Here’s a quick guide:
Check out similar listings in your area – Search for properties with similar amenities, location, and guest capacity.
Set your price a little lower – As a new host, slightly undercutting established listings can help you attract those first few guests.
Adjust as you go – After getting a few bookings and reviews, you can increase your rates to match the competition.
The idea is to get booked early on, gain reviews, and slowly start increasing your rates as you build your reputation.
3. Take Advantage of the New Host Promotion
Airbnb wants you to succeed as much as you do, which is why they offer a new host promotion. For the first 10-14 days after you list your property, Airbnb will boost your listing higher in search results. Think of this as your “hot window” to get noticed.
To make the most out of this:
Keep your calendar wide open – Try to have as many available dates as possible so guests can book easily.
Offer a slight discount – A lower price in this period can make you stand out even more.
Focus on getting those first bookings – The faster you fill your calendar during this promotion, the more reviews you’ll get, which helps with future visibility.
It’s like having a little spotlight on your listing — so take advantage!
4. Start With a Flexible Cancellation Policy
Let’s be real: guests are more likely to take a chance on a new listing if they know they won’t be penalized for canceling if their plans change. Having a flexible cancellation policy is a great way to ease potential guests' minds. This can make a huge difference, especially when you don’t have any reviews yet.
Once you’ve built up your reputation and have a few reviews under your belt, you can consider adjusting your policy. But at the start, offering a flexible cancellation policy shows you’re an understanding host and can encourage more bookings.
5. Offer Special Discounts for First-Time Guests
When you’re new, your primary goal is to attract those first few bookings. One simple way to do that? Offer special discounts for early guests! Airbnb allows you to create custom promotions, such as:
Discounts for early bookings
Reduced rates for longer stays
Think of it this way — by offering a small discount, you’re more likely to get your place booked. Once you get those first few reviews, you’ll naturally build momentum, making it easier to get future bookings without needing to rely on discounts.
6. Block Off Key Dates Strategically
While you want to keep your calendar as open as possible, it’s also important to block off dates when your property won’t be available. For example, if you’re planning a trip or there’s a local event you want to price higher for, block those off in advance.
Here’s why it matters:
No accidental bookings – Blocking dates prevents you from getting double-booked or scrambling at the last minute.
Maximize high-demand periods – If there’s a local event coming up, block the dates and revisit them later. You can raise your prices closer to the event to match the demand.
Strategic blocking keeps your calendar organized and your stress levels low.
7. Start with a Two-Night Minimum (But Stay Flexible)
Having guests for just one night can be a lot of extra work for little payoff — especially when it comes to cleaning and preparing for the next guest. Setting a two-night minimum stay helps cut down on turnover and gives you a bit of breathing room between guests.
However, it’s important to stay flexible. If you notice gaps in your calendar that are tough to fill, consider allowing one-night stays to prevent having empty nights. It’s all about finding the balance that works best for you!
8. Keep Your Calendar Updated Regularly
You might not realize this, but keeping your calendar fresh and updated can actually help boost your listing in Airbnb’s search results. Here’s what you can do:
Regularly check your calendar – Mark off unavailable dates, adjust pricing, or open up new dates.
Stay active – Even small updates show Airbnb’s algorithm that you’re actively managing your listing.
It doesn’t take much — just a few clicks every now and then can make a big difference in keeping your listing visible and attracting more guests.
9. Use Last-Minute Discounts to Fill Empty Slots
We’ve all had those moments when we realize our place is sitting empty and we wish it wasn’t. Instead of missing out on potential bookings, consider using Airbnb’s last-minute discount feature. You can set up discounts for guests who book within a certain window before their stay.
This strategy works great for filling those empty dates quickly:
Discounts for last-minute travelers – Many travelers are looking for a deal, especially when booking last-minute trips.
Avoid empty nights – A discounted booking is still better than no booking at all!
10. Avoid Blocking Off Large Unavailable Periods
Blocking off large chunks of time can seem like a good idea if you’re unsure of your availability or planning a break. However, it can actually harm your listing. Here’s why:
Airbnb’s algorithm favors hosts with consistent availability – If you’re constantly blocking off time, your listing may not show up in as many search results.
Missed opportunities – Even if you’re not sure of your plans, leaving your calendar open for most dates gives you more chances to get booked.
Instead of blocking off large periods, try only blocking off the dates that are absolutely necessary.
In Conclusion: Airbnb Success Made Easy with the Right Strategy and UpperKey
Being a new Airbnb host can feel overwhelming, but with the right calendar strategy, flexibility, and competitive pricing, you'll be on your way to success. By actively managing your calendar, you’ll attract more guests, gather great reviews, and quickly establish yourself as a reliable host.
If managing everything on your own feels like too much, UpperKey is here to help. We offer full property management services to maximize your rental returns and take the stress out of hosting. From bookings and pricing to guest communication and maintenance, we handle it all so you can enjoy the rewards of property investment.
5 FAQs for New Hosts
How far in advance should I open my calendar for bookings?
You should open your calendar for up to 12 months in advance to appeal to both last-minute and long-term planners.
What’s the best way to set my prices as a new host?
Start by setting your price slightly lower than competitors with similar listings to attract initial bookings. You can increase rates as you build up reviews.
Should I offer a flexible cancellation policy when I’m just starting out?
Yes, offering a flexible cancellation policy makes your listing more attractive to guests who might be unsure and hesitant to book with a new host.
How often should I update my calendar?
It’s a good habit to update your calendar regularly—every few days or weekly—to stay active and keep your listing visible in search results.
What are last-minute discounts, and when should I use them?
Last-minute discounts allow you to offer reduced rates for guests booking within a short window before their stay. It’s a great way to fill empty slots quickly and avoid losing out on potential earnings.