Hello my name is Tyler Jeske and welcome to my ultimate guide on all things Airbnb! As an industry expert, house flipper, Treehouse Builder and Superhost (mainly focused in Gatlinburg TN), I'm here to share my knowledge and insights to help you become a savvy STR host. From tips and tricks to maximize your earnings to creating unforgettable guest experiences, this thread has got you covered. Let's dive in!

 -Choose the Right Location: Discover how to select a location that appeals to travelers and attracts bookings all year round. It's all about finding that sweet spot! I have been able to find my sweet spot right next to Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that attract over 14 million visitors per year. The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Market has been around forever and basically their whole economy is based on tourism. It has gotten to be very expensive but with enough creativity and hard work you can be very successful in this market. 

-Research local regulations and zoning requirements for short-term rentals in the Smoky Mountains:

Obtain necessary permits and licenses to operate legally, ensuring compliance with local laws. Listed below is the link to follow to get your new permit per Sevier County TN. 

https://www.seviercountytn.gov/news_detail_T2_R68.php#:~:text=Beginning%20January%201%2C%202024%2C%20all,followed%20by%20a%20yearly%20inspection.

Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that complements the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Consider amenities that enhance the guest experience, such as hot tubs, fire pits, pools, game rooms, movie theatre rooms, pickle ball courts, spaceships, floor to ceiling windows, mini golf courses, and hiking trail access. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BE DIFFERENT IN THIS AREA??? The Smoky Mountains are incredibly oversaturated, and it is important to have a place that can stand out in some way. 

Some things I have done to stand out.... includes building fenced in yards for dogs on two of my cabins. Families love to travel to the Smokies with their pets and will pay anything to have them feeling comfortable and safe. Also...not many cabins have this option for families with pets, so it was a great way for me to stand out. I have also built super cozy and inviting outdoor spaces with barbecue grills/firepits. Examples below:

Craft captivating Airbnb listings that stand out from the crowd. Learn the secrets to writing compelling descriptions and snapping eye-catching photos. The first photo (I like to call this the hero photo) is the most important aspect to capturing the attention of a potential customer. 

BE DIFFERENT AND BE BOLD: that is one of the most important aspects to being successful on Airbnb. People want something unique that catches their eye. For each one of my listings, I have tried to be unique or bold in some way. Take a look at each one of my Superhost listings and how I’ve been able to differentiate.

Listing 1 Differentiator from market: A frame with beautiful finishes and a fire pit with an Instagram-able experience. I also believe I get 10% more bookings because of my pet friendly fenced in yard which most people do not have in this area. 

Listing 2 Differentiator from market: Perfect location 7 minutes from Gatlinburg one level 1947 remodeled cabin that has a beautiful stream running through it. It is perfectly secluded with a beautiful church next door and close to all the action in Gatlinburg.

Listing 3 Differentiator from market: Beautiful secluded cabin in a valley with sweeping mountain views. This cabin rents our very well year-round due to the views, BBQ area I built and the fenced yard for dogs. People love having the peace of mind to let the dogs out the master bedroom to play outside!

Topic 3 Pricing Strategies and understanding the Airbnb algorithm: 

Explore different pricing strategies to optimize your earnings while remaining competitive. Find out how to adjust your rates based on seasons, events, and demand. I use PriceLabs and find great success with it. You can either do year-round pricing or have different seasonality factors. I find that seasonal pricing is more targeted to what the market is doing each season and that you can have more success with it. I personally would not use the Airbnb auto pricing as it tends to underprice. 

 Topic 4. Five-Star Hospitality: Delve into the art of providing exceptional guest experiences. Learn how to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and earn those well-deserved five-star reviews. Create digital guidebooks for your property and print them off so guests can feel welcome right when they get to your house. I highly recommend using Touch Stay for your digital guidebook! I also offer up a local grocery delivery service so people can have groceries ready for them right when they arrive. 

-Mastering the Guest Experience 

1. Effective Communication: Discover the importance of prompt and friendly communication with guests. Make sure to handle inquiries, and pre-booking questions as fast as possible so guests can have you at the top of their mind. The better your communication time of Airbnb the higher your listing will rank in SEO. I use Guesty for Hosts to fully automate my messaging which includes a custom welcome message after they book, a message 2 days before they arrive with arrival instructions and directions, a follow up message the morning after their first night asking if everything went well and if they need anything else, and lastly, I send an automated messaging the night before checkout asking about a 5-star review and checkout instructions. With any questions that are asked I always give very personalized messages and give as many local recommendations as possible. With this automation I am able to spend less than 1 hour per week on my listings. It has taken me a very long time to get to this point of automation, but it is very worth it if you have the ability and time to do it. 

 2. Amenities That Impress: Uncover the must-have amenities that make your Airbnb a true home away from home. From high-speed Wi-Fi to thoughtful personal touches, you want to impress. In my listings I have amenities ranging from BBQ hangout areas, hot tubs, game rooms, hammocks, fire pits, to rocking chairs and much more to complete that mountain experience. 

3. Superb Cleanliness and routine maintenance: Understand the significance of cleanliness and how to maintain spotless spaces. Discover efficient cleaning routines, handy supplies, and the secrets of achieving sparkling reviews. Without a clean place and reliable cleaners, you WILL not succeed in this space. I pay a lot for my cleaners, but they also provide me with no headaches ever and all the supplies I could ever need. They restock everything for me, and I never have to worry about purchasing supplies. They also leave wine, snacks, toiletries, hotel towels/makeup rags, dish pods and laundry detergent. Yes, I pay a lot for my cleans but for the longevity of my business this is so worth it to impress people. DON’T cheap out on cleaners. If you are an out of state host or can’t spend time at your property it is essential for someone you trust to have eyes on the property. I also HIGHLY recommend hiring someone who can go once a month or bimonthly to check on the property and report back with anything that needs to be fixed, addressed, or replaced. Cleaners will miss things and not be able to report things sometimes so this is crucial for the longevity of the health of your property. 

4. Personalized Recommendations: Learn how to provide personalized recommendations to your guests, showcasing the hidden gems and local experiences that make their stay truly unforgettable. Spend a lot of time in your area so you can give these recommendations.

1. Guest Reviews: Understand the significance of guest reviews and how they impact your reputation. Learn strategies to encourage positive feedback and handle any negative reviews. A small refund is always worth it in the long run vs letting someone give you a bad review. The more reviews you get the more you will be trusted in the community and the higher you will rank in SEO on the platform. 

2. Host Protection: Discover the essential host protection measures offered by Airbnb. From insurance coverage to security measures. Make sure you have a short-term renter's policy! 

3. Legal Considerations: Gain insights into the legal aspects of hosting on Airbnb, including local regulations and tax obligations. Stay compliant and avoid any potential issues.

Are you ready to elevate your Airbnb game? 

Connect with me for valuable tips, practical advice, and expert guidance. Feel free to ask questions and share your own experiences. Together, let's make your Airbnb journey a resounding success at Elevate Your Stay!