Turning a Side Hustle into a Thriving Hosting Business

For many, hosting on Airbnb begins as a side hustle—an extra income stream from a spare room or second property. But with dedication, strategy, and the right mindset, it’s possible to transform this part-time gig into a thriving, professional hosting business. Whether you’re managing one property or scaling to multiple locations, success requires a shift in approach, from casual hosting to running a fully operational business. Here’s your roadmap to making the leap.

Step 1: Define Your Hosting Brand

Creating a strong, recognisable brand is the first step in moving from hobbyist to professional host. Your brand represents your values, the experience you offer, and what sets your properties apart.

Key Actions:

1. Identify Your Unique Selling Point (USP): What makes your property special? It could be a stunning location, eco-friendly amenities, or a luxury design.
2. Craft a Memorable Name: Choose a name that reflects your brand and resonates with your target audience. For example, "Noki Stays" evokes modern and welcoming vibes.
3. Professional Visuals: Invest in a logo, cohesive colour schemes, and professional photography to create a polished image across your listings and marketing materials.

Example: A host in Cornwall rebranded their beachside cottage as “Coastal Bliss Retreats,” focusing on relaxation and wellness. By adding calming interior touches and offering yoga classes, they attracted high-paying guests and stood out from competitors.

Step 2: Optimise Daily Operations

Running a professional hosting business requires streamlined operations to manage bookings, guest communication, turnovers, and maintenance efficiently.

Key Tools:

• Property Management Systems (PMS): Use platforms like Hostfully or Lodgify to manage multiple listings, automate messaging, and centralise bookings.
• Dynamic Pricing Tools: Tools like PriceLabs help maximise revenue by adjusting rates based on demand and competition.
• Task Management Apps: Use TurnoverBnB or Monday.com to coordinate cleaning schedules and property inspections.

Pro Tip:

Automate routine tasks like check-in instructions or review requests to save time and focus on growth.

Step 3: Master the Guest Experience

Exceptional guest experiences drive repeat bookings, higher reviews, and referrals. Transitioning to a professional host means elevating every touchpoint of the guest journey.

Focus Areas:

1. Personalised Stays: Incorporate small touches like welcome baskets or handwritten notes to make guests feel special.
2. Seamless Communication: Respond promptly to inquiries and mid-stay concerns.
3. Proactive Problem Solving: Address maintenance issues before they escalate and check in with guests to ensure satisfaction.

Example: A host noticed an uptick in family bookings and added kid-friendly amenities, such as cribs and board games. They marketed their property as family-friendly, resulting in a 30% increase in bookings.

Step 4: Shift Your Mindset

The leap from side hustle to business requires a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing hosting as a way to earn extra cash, approach it as a business that requires strategy, investment, and long-term planning.

Key Mindset Shifts:

• From Reactive to Proactive: Anticipate guest needs and potential challenges rather than reacting to issues as they arise.
• Invest in Growth: Allocate profits to property improvements, marketing, and additional properties.
• Measure Success: Track metrics like occupancy rates, average nightly rate, and guest feedback to gauge performance and identify areas for improvement.

Step 5: Scale Your Portfolio Strategically

Expanding from one property to multiple requires careful planning. Ensure your first property operates seamlessly before adding new ones.

Tips for Scaling:

• Start Small: Add one property at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
• Diversify Locations: Choose properties in different areas to reduce reliance on a single market.
• Partner with Investors: Collaborate with investors to fund new acquisitions and expand faster.

Example: A host with a successful city apartment used their profits to invest in a countryside retreat. By targeting different audiences (business travellers and holidaymakers), they created a balanced portfolio with year-round demand.

Final Thoughts: From Side Hustle to Success

Turning a hosting side hustle into a thriving business isn’t just about adding more properties—it’s about refining your approach, investing in quality, and building a brand that guests trust and love. By focusing on operations, guest experience, and long-term strategy, you can create a scalable hosting business that thrives in a competitive market.

Ready to Start Your Property Journey?

If you’re ready to take the leap but don’t know where to start, I can help. Whether you’re exploring property investment or want to maximise the potential of your current property, I’ll guide you every step of the way to create a professional hosting business that stands out.