50. Software We Use to Run Our Airbnbs for Us

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website Episode Summary In this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap Podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I manage our Airbnbs in about 30–45 minutes a week—while still keeping 5-star reviews rolling in. I share the very real side of setting up Airbnb #4 and #5 (aka: BOXES EVERYWHERE, neighbors texting about our “embarrassing” amount of packages, and my love–hate relationship with assembling furniture)… and then I walk you through the actual software stack that keeps our business running on autopilot. From Hospitable as the main hub, to Schlage for keyless entry codes, PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, Turno for cleaners, QuickBooks for bookkeeping, and Blink cameras for security, I break down what we use, how it all connects, what I love, and where the hiccups are. I also share why “value” matters more than just charging sky-high nightly rates—and a fun New Zealand dive bar story that proves why personal recommendations still matter more than Google. Key Takeaways How I manage multiple Airbnbs in 30–45 minutes a week using automation and smart systems. Why Hospitable is the “hub” of my STR tech stack and what we actually use it for. How Schlage keyless entry codes auto-generate and make early check-ins feel like VIP treatment. What PriceLabs does better than Airbnb’s “smart pricing” and how pricing ties into your value rating. The pros and cons of using Turno for cleaners (and why it’s not truly “set it and forget it”). How QuickBooks ties everything together on the financial side and keeps my CPA happy. Why consistent security cameras (like Blink) matter—even if the batteries are annoying. The power of personal local recommendations vs. generic “top-rated” spots on Google. Why Listen to This Episode? If you’re tired of feeling glued to your phone managing guests, cleaners, pricing, and messages, this episode will show you what to automate, what to keep an eye on, and what tools are actually worth paying for. I’m not a techie or a numbers-nerd (that’s Clay’s department), so if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by software options, I break it down in normal-human language with real examples, mistakes, and what I’d do again. Whether you’re about to launch your first Airbnb or you’re adding property #4 and #5 like we are, you’ll walk away with a plug-and-play software roadmap you can model. Mentioned in the Episode Mentioned in the Episode Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes Let’s Connect Thinking about automating your Airbnb with software? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what you’re using now! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me Buy or Sell in Wisconsin Looking for an agent who actually understands short-term rentals, numbers, and guest experience? I help investors and homeowners buy and sell in Wisconsin through Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC. Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want step-by-step help launching your first (or next) Airbnb—from finding the property to automating it like I talk about in this episode? Use promo code 5STARPODCAST to save $50 on the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator: Chapters 00:00 – Coffee, chaos, and prepping Airbnb #4 and #5 00:37 – Neighbors, packages, and growing up in a cul-de-sac community 03:00 – The pain of assembling furniture (and extra screws… always) 05:25 – Introducing my software stack + why Hospitable is the hub 07:50 – Schlage keyless entry, early check-ins, and “going above and beyond” 12:15 – PriceLabs vs. Airbnb pricing & why “value” matters more than maxing out rates 16:11 – Quick break: Airbnb resort listing outside La Crosse, WI 18:02 – Turno for cleaners: what works, what glitches, and settings you must change 22:51 – How QuickBooks, Airbnb, Vrbo, and Hospitable all connect behind the scenes 25:12 – Blink cameras, battery drama, and why we stick with one system 27:33 – Why I still like personal recommendations over software for local spots 28:30 – New Zealand dive bar story, hot springs fail, and being “that” tourist 29:54 – Final thoughts, freebie listing description, and how to reach out Subscribe and Share If this episode helped you see how much of your Airbnb can be automated, hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. 💛