How to Start an Airbnb

About How to Start an Airbnb

Want to learn how to Find, Run, and Manage a Airbnb? This podcast has you covered! Welcome to The Airbnb Roadmap, your ultimate guide to building, scaling, and thriving in the world of short-term rentals (STRs). Hosted by Brittany Wenninger, a real estate expert and highly-rated Airbnb Superhost with over 350 glowing reviews and a 4.95-star rating, this podcast is your go-to resource for all things Airbnb, VRBO, and beyond. Each week, Brittany delivers actionable advice, industry secrets, and practical strategies to help you start and grow your short-term rental business. From setting up your first property and navigating local regulations to mastering marketing strategies and creating unforgettable guest experiences, we cover it all. Whether you’re just curious about hosting on Airbnb, managing multiple VRBO properties, or looking to scale your STR portfolio, this podcast answers questions like: ”How do I get started with Airbnb or VRBO?” ”What are the best ways to market my STR/ Airbnb?” ”Beginner Guide to STRs” ”Beginner Guide to Airbnb” ”Airbnb 101 or STR 101” ”What are the steps needs to start a Airbnb” With solo episodes packed with Brittany’s expertise and interviews with top hosts, real estate pros, and hospitality industry leaders, The Airbnb Roadmap is here to help you design a profitable and sustainable short-term rental business. If you’re ready to create financial freedom, master the art of hosting, and build a thriving STR portfolio, this is the podcast for you. It’s time to unlock the secrets to short-term rental success! Subscribe today and start building the Airbnb business, and life, you’ve been dreaming of.

Publisher

Brittany Wenninger

Category

business · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Nov 2024

Latest episode

2 May 2026

Latest episodes

66 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 May 2026

   65. STR Cleaner Tells the Truth

   Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course (https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/JY7SZ39f?coupon_code=LAUNCHPARTY) Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website (https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/) Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Carlos Saavedra, a cleaning expert who operates a high standard Airbnb cleaning company, and we get into the REAL behind the scenes of what makes or breaks your short term rental. We talk about everything from why your cleaner is actually the backbone of your business, to the small details guests notice that can tank your reviews, to how to properly vet and hire a cleaner who actually understands hospitality, not just “cleaning.” We also go deep into systems, communication, linens, staging expectations, and the biggest mistakes I see investors make when setting up their Airbnb for success. If you have ever struggled with a cleaner, questioned your setup, or want to avoid costly mistakes from day 1, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Your cleaner is not just a cleaner, they are protecting your income • Hospitality cleaning is VERY different than residential or office cleaning • Small details like hair, linens, and supplies can make or break reviews • You should always interview multiple cleaners before hiring • Ask about pricing structure, experience, and consistency systems • White linens win every time for cleanliness perception and sanitation • 3 full linen sets per bed is the sweet spot for operations • Over staging your Airbnb can create unnecessary workload and inconsistency • Systems and communication between you and your cleaner are everything • Not all cleaners are built for short term rentals, and that is okay Why Listen to This Episode? If you are building or scaling an Airbnb, this episode will save you time, money, and headaches. I am not kidding when I say your cleaner can either elevate your business or completely destroy your guest experience. This conversation will help you hire smarter, set better expectations, and build systems that actually support long term success. Whether you are brand new or already hosting, this is one of those foundational episodes you do not want to skip. Let’s Connect Thinking about hiring a cleaner or setting up your Airbnb the right way? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me Ready to launch your Airbnb the RIGHT way without all the trial and error? Inside my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator, I walk you through everything from finding the right property to setting up systems like cleaning, pricing, and guest experience so you can actually make money and not feel overwhelmed. Use code 5STARPODCAST for a special discount Chapters 00:00 Intro and guest welcome 02:00 How Carlos got into Airbnb cleaning 05:00 What most cleaners are doing wrong 08:00 Going above and beyond as a cleaning company 12:00 3 must ask questions when hiring a cleaner 18:00 Real life cleaner interview horror story 22:00 Staging vs reality in Airbnbs 26:00 Linen strategy and why white wins 33:00 King vs queen bedding debate 37:00 When to fire your cleaner 41:00 Final thoughts and business shoutouts Subscribe and Share If this episode helped you think differently about your Airbnb setup, take a screenshot and share it on Instagram. Tag me so I can reshare and support you. And if you have not already, make sure you are subscribed so you never miss an episode of The Airbnb Roadmap 🎙️

2. 

   1 Apr 2026

   64. FREE Subscription to Hospitable?! Sit down with Hospitables Founder Pierre-Camille (PC) Hamana

   Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course (https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/JY7SZ39f?coupon_code=LAUNCHPARTY) Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website (https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/) This episode is a big one 👀 I sat down with Pierre-Camille Hamana, the CEO of Hospitable, to talk about something that I honestly think is going to change the game for new Airbnb hosts… 👉 They just launched a FREE Essentials plan Yes… free. And if you are someone who has been holding back on getting started because of costs, systems, or just feeling overwhelmed with all the tools out there, this is exactly what you needed. We break down: Why they made this move What is actually included How it helps first-time investors And how you can use it to start building your Airbnb business the right way from day one We also dive into mindset, taking action, and why waiting for “perfect” is what keeps most people stuck. Key Takeaways What the Hospitable Essentials (FREE) plan actually includes Why this is a huge opportunity for first-time Airbnb investors How to start your Airbnb WITHOUT stacking expensive tools Why automation should not stop you from getting started The biggest mistake new hosts make when trying to “prepare everything first” How Hospitable is helping hosts make money, not just manage properties What features you can access for $0, including messaging and multi-platform syncing How this creates long-term systems from the very beginning Why loyalty and simplicity matter when choosing your tech stack The connection between systems, scalability, and time freedom Why Listen to This Episode? If you have ever thought… “I want to start an Airbnb but there is just too much to set up” “I don’t want to spend a ton of money upfront on software” “I feel overwhelmed with all the moving pieces” This episode is going to simplify everything for you. The reality is, you do NOT need a massive tech stack to get started anymore. This free plan gives you the ability to: Automate your messaging Sync calendars across platforms Stay organized from day one And most importantly… actually take action. Let’s Connect Thinking about starting your first Airbnb or trying to simplify your systems? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me If you are ready to go from idea to income, my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you step by step through finding, launching, and automating your Airbnb so you can build this the right way from the start. Chapters 00:00 Why this episode matters for new hosts 02:30 Meet the CEO of Hospitable 05:00 The real reason people don’t start 10:00 Biggest fears for first-time Airbnb investors 15:30 The FREE Essentials plan explained 20:00 What you actually get for $0 25:00 Why this changes the game for beginners 30:00 Systems, automation, and scaling smarter 35:00 Features most hosts are not using 40:00 Final thoughts and how to get started Subscribe and Share If this episode helped you, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @theairbnbroadmap so I can repost and say thank you! And if you haven’t already, make sure you are subscribed so you never miss an episode 🎙️

3. 

   17 Mar 2026

   63. Top 10 things I would not do/buy for a Airbnb

   Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course (https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/JY7SZ39f?coupon_code=LAUNCHPARTY) Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website (https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/) Get your Amazon Shopping Cart (https://a.co/0iPijvgt) In this episode, I’m sharing a real, honest breakdown of what I no longer buy for my Airbnb properties, and why. After getting hit with a massive 30-inch snowfall at our cabins and managing guest expectations in the middle of chaos, it reminded me just how important it is to have systems and smart decisions in place. I walk through the biggest purchasing mistakes I’ve made over the years, from cheap furniture that doesn’t last, to design choices that actually hurt guest perception. If you’re in the furnishing, upgrading, or scaling phase of your short term rental, this episode is your reality check. Not everything that looks good or feels like an upgrade will actually increase your bookings, your reviews, or your nightly rate. And if it doesn’t do at least one of those things, it’s probably not worth your money. Key Takeaways Cheap furniture will cost you more long term, you are better off investing in quality upfront White bedding builds trust with guests and signals cleanliness, darker colors can raise doubts Strong scents, candles, and plugins can negatively impact guest experience Fragile items, including wine glasses and decor, will break quickly and create safety risks Overly complicated smart home systems lead to confusion and more guest messages Every upgrade should serve a purpose, bookings, ADR, or reviews Some amenities sound great but do not perform based on your market or location Pinterest design does not always translate into a functional or guest friendly space Avoid anything controversial, including religious or political decor Furniture layout matters more than you think, flow impacts guest experience Do not cheap out on towels, guests notice comfort details immediately Why Listen to This Episode? If you are currently setting up your first Airbnb or thinking about upgrading your space, this episode will save you money, time, and frustration. I am sharing real mistakes I have made across multiple properties so you do not have to learn the hard way. This is also a great episode if you feel like you are constantly spending money on your property but not seeing a return. I will help you shift your mindset into making strategic, ROI driven decisions instead of emotional or aesthetic ones. Let’s Connect Thinking about what to buy or skip for your Airbnb? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me If you are ready to launch or scale your Airbnb the right way, my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you through everything from property selection to full setup and systems. You will learn how to make smart investment decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build a short term rental that actually performs. Chapters 00:00 Life update and upcoming guest interviews 02:00 30-inch snowstorm and managing guest expectations 06:00 Why this episode matters, stop wasting money 07:30 Cheap furniture mistakes 09:00 Bedding choices and guest perception 13:00 Strong scents and guest sensitivity 15:30 Fragile decor and wine glasses 18:00 Smart home technology pitfalls 20:30 ROI driven upgrades and amenities 22:30 When amenities are not worth it 23:30 Design mistakes and Pinterest traps 24:30 Avoiding controversial decor 25:30 Furniture layout and flow 26:45 Towels and guest comfort 28:30 Final thoughts and resource mention Subscribe and Share If this episode helped you rethink your Airbnb setup, share it with a friend who is in the process of furnishing their rental. Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss upcoming guest episodes, especially the one dropping this April that I am so excited about 👀

Who has been a guest on How to Start an Airbnb

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Nick Sommer
• Brittany Balog
• Kari Richard
• Clay

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

4.8 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

67

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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