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Your First 90 Days: A New Host’s Guide to Securing Bookings and 5-Star Reviews

You’ve done the heavy lifting. You bought the property, you furnished it beautifully, and you finally hit “Publish.” You sit back, waiting for the notifications to roll in… and then? Silence. I call this “calendar crickets”. And there’s no sound scarier. You didn’t sign up for that. You signed up for the ping ping ping sound of securing bookings and 5-star reviews.

Listen, sister, that panic you feel when your calendar looks empty? It’s not necessary. Here’s the real question: What is the difference between a hobby host who hopes for the best and a CEO who builds a profitable business? It’s the strategy they use during the launch phase. Your first three months are critical. This is your make-or-break window to establish the momentum needed for securing bookings and 5-star reviews consistently.

It requires you to take action. So, you ready? Stop holding your breath and start executing. Here is your 90-day roadmap to turning that empty calendar into a revenue-generating machine.

The Blueprint to Securing Bookings and 5-Star Reviews

Success in this industry isn’t about luck; it’s about leverage. You need to leverage your listing, your guest experience, and your data. We are going to break this down into three distinct phases so you know exactly what to focus on.

Days 1-30: The “listing” Launchpad

Your first month is all about visibility. You can have the most stunning property in the world, but if the algorithm doesn’t like you, no one will see it.

To start securing bookings and 5-star reviews right out of the gate, you need to swallow your pride and price strategically.

  • Price for Volume, Not Profit (Yet): I know you want to hit your max nightly rate immediately, but in the first 30 days, you need reviews more than you need top-dollar ROI. You don’t need to go super-low. You need lower your rates enough to just undercut your competition. This is an investment in your future reputation.
  • Photos are Everything: Guests buy with their eyes. If your photos are dark or taken on an iPhone, you are losing money. Invest in professional photography. It is the single highest ROI expense you will have. According to data from Airbnb, listings with professional photos earn 40% more returns than other listings. Don’t skimp here.
  • Turn on Instant Book: Reduce the friction and make it easy for people to book with you.

Days 31-60: The Guest Experience Sprint

Now that you have guests coming through the door, your focus shifts entirely to the “wow” factor. This is the phase where you earn your stars.

You cannot automate caring, but you can automate the communication of care.

  • Over-Communicate: Send a message the morning after arrival asking, “How did you sleep? Is there anything we can do to make your stay better?” This simple text catches issues before they become bad reviews.
  • Surprise and Delight: Leave a handwritten note. Leave a bottle of wine or local chocolates. These small touches cost very little but pay massive dividends when securing bookings and 5-star reviews later on.
  • Spotless is the Standard: There is no margin for error with cleanliness. If a guest finds a hair that isn’t theirs, your 5-star review is gone.

Days 61-90: The Optimization Phase to Keep Securing Bookings and 5-Star Reviews

By month three, you should have a handful of stays under your belt. Now, we refine. You are no longer a “newbie”; you are a data-driven business owner.

  • Ask for the Review: Don’t be shy. Send a message at checkout thanking them and mentioning that, as a small business, their 5-star review means the world to you.
  • Raise Your Rates: Once you have 3-5 glowing reviews, you need to start creeping your prices up to market value.
  • Analyze Your Data: Look at your calendar. Which days are selling? Who is booking? Use this data to tweak your listing description to attract more of your ideal guests.

Execute and Build Your Business

The first 90 days are a whirlwind, but they set the foundation for everything that follows. By following this guide, you aren’t just filling dates on a calendar; you are building a reputation that will pay you for years to come.

You have the property. You have the passion. Now, you have the plan. Go execute it!

Ready to Fast-Track Your Success?

Getting your first few bookings is a great start, but building a sustainable, profitable business that gives you true financial freedom requires a deeper strategy. You don’t have to figure it all out by trial and error.

If you are ready to stop “playing host” and start running a serious business, I invite you to join us at the STR Virtual Summit for Women. It’s the premier event to learn directly from industry experts who have been exactly where you are and know how to get you to the next level.

Grab your spot on the waitlist to be notified as soon as tickets go on sale, and let’s grow your empire together!

 

 

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