Fall Clean-Up for Airbnb Hosts (The Digital Edition)

Rachel Kate Knapp
Aug 6
5 min read

When we talk about “fall clean-up” as Airbnb hosts, our minds usually go to switching out throw blankets, dusting baseboards, and maybe adding a few faux pumpkins to the porch.

(Note: if you're in an area with wildlife—looking at you, mountain towns and bear country—skip the real pumpkins unless you want a surprise guest on your Ring cam. Nothing ruins a five-star review like a furry intruder on the front steps.)

But while we’re out here fluffing pillows and lighting cinnamon-scented candles, we can’t forget the other space that needs a little love: your digital presence.

Your listing, your socials, your guest guidebook, all of it plays a huge role in how guests experience your space before they even step inside.

So if you haven’t peeked at your online setup in a while, this is your sign to give it a little seasonal tidy-up.

Keep reading for your Fall Digital Clean-Up Checklist, starting with what guests see first and working all the way in.

Seasonal Airbnb Marketing: Fall Digital Updates to Attract More Guests

❑ 1. Start With Your Social Media

This example from our faux Hidden Pine Cabin account highlights exactly what potential guests want to see: a sense of place, a connection to the season, and a stay that feels like something special. — This example from our faux *Hidden Pine Cabin* account highlights exactly what potential guests want to see: a sense of place, a connection to the season, and a stay that *feels like something special.*

Think of Instagram as Your Front Porch

Before guests ever open your front door, they’ve already stepped onto your digital front porch—your Instagram profile.

So take a moment and ask yourself:

Is your bio clear?

Are you highlighting what makes your Airbnb special?

And… does it feel like fall?

Start with the basics:

Update your bio to reflect any seasonal offerings or fall availability.
Make sure your Link in Bio works—and that it leads directly to your listing (not the generic Airbnb homepage).(I see this all the time—it’s a small fix that makes a big difference. You want guests landing on your space, not wandering the Airbnb abyss.)

First Impressions Happen on the Grid

Your Instagram feed isn’t just a collection of photos, it’s often a guest’s first impression. Within seconds, they’re deciding:"Could I see myself here?"

That’s why your grid should be cohesive, clear, and inviting, a visual elevator pitch that tells the story of your space.

Take the faux Instagram example above:

The top three pinned posts instantly show what matters most:

A cozy, inviting corner of the home
A favorite local fall activity
A warm, personal moment that makes the stay feel like more than just a rental

📌 Pin your first three posts to guide potential guests through your story:

A styled space or seasonal vignette
A nearby highlight like cider stops or hiking trails
A “What to Expect” detail that shows off the experience

Keep Your Grid Cohesive

Use consistent tones, lighting, or fonts to help everything feel connected. Your feed should feel like a slow scroll through a beautiful weekend, not a random collection of images.

Pro tip: Include a mix of lifestyle and space-focused content in each row.

Think:

Morning coffee
Cozy bed setup
Fall trail or town moment= a full guest experience in one scroll.

Don’t Forget Your Highlights

This is another spot guests often click right away.Add or update your Instagram Highlights to showcase:

Fall stays
Local recommendations
Booking info
Behind-the-scenes moments

These small updates go a long way in building trust—and getting guests dreaming.

➡️ Want more guidance on creating a scroll-stopping feed that turns lookers into bookers? I’ve got a full blog for that: 📲 Attract More Guests: How to Promote Your Airbnb on Instagram Effectively

➡️ Bonus Tip: Share some behind-the-scenes stories of your fall setup or guest welcome basket. It builds trust and gets potential guests dreaming.

Let your guests hear the vibe before they arrive.

And if it’s been a while, now’s the time to plug in a few fresh photos to your Airbnb listing

❑ 2. Refresh Your Airbnb Listing

Once they find you, this is where guests decide to book. Make sure your listing does the job.

Swap in new seasonal photos (especially lifestyle shots that show how your space feels)
Update your description if you’ve made any changes to layout, amenities, or policies
Double-check that your amenities list is accurate (yes, even the tiny things, like that record player you finally set up or the hot cocoa bar you swapped in)

➡️ I offer photography sessions that highlight your space in an authentic, story-driven way, perfect for showing off those fall vibes.

Ready to Make Fall Your Busiest Season Yet?

If you're short on time but know your listing needs a seasonal refresh, check out my newest offering:

🍂 The Fall Content Sprint — a quick Airbnb listing makeover designed for busy hosts.

In just a couple of hours, I’ll capture cozy, storytelling-rich photos and deliver fresh captions to help your Airbnb stand out this season. It’s fast, effective, and totally seamless (no deep cleans or pumpkin explosions required).

A simple, seasonally inspired one-page insert can elevate your guidebook in seconds. Your aren't just showcasing the cozy features like the fireplace or streaming services, you want to help guests enjoy them with ease. From where to find extra firewood to our favorite fall movies, this guide delivers the details they didn’t know they needed, all in one beautiful page.

❑ 3. Tidy Up Your Guidebook

Your guidebook is more than an info dump, it’s a chance to connect. It’s a powerhouse move that positions you as the expert on your home and your community. It shows guests they booked the right place and that they don’t have to waste time scrolling Google or Yelp because you’ve already handed them the secret intel.

Add updated passcodes, instructions, and clear check-in/check-out info
Swap in fall-specific suggestions: local pumpkin patches, cider donuts, scenic drives, cozy cafés, and indoor recs for rainy days
Make sure your tone feels warm and easy to follow, and bonus points if you include your personal favorites or hidden gems

➡️ Want to create a digital guidebook or custom Google Map but don’t know where to start? I help hosts create branded, beautiful, and actually helpful versions for their guests.

❑ 4. Click Every Link

It sounds basic, but it’s often skipped. Comb through your digital presence and make sure:

All links in your bio, listing, guidebook, and welcome emails work
Local recs still have the same hours, websites, and offerings
You’ve removed or replaced any outdated PDFs, menus, or maps

➡️ Guests are relying on your insider info, let’s make sure it’s accurate (and makes you look good in the process).

What guests remember most?

The moments in between. A guitar in the corner. A cozy spot to unwind. The feeling that someone thought this through

❑ 5. Audit the Guest Experience

Finally, zoom out and think like a guest: Is your space ready for cooler temps and cozier stays?

Are fall blankets, mugs, and extra pillows easy to find?
Is there a basket of games or books for a rainy afternoon?
Have you added small touches like a seasonal playlist, cocoa packets, or local event flyers?

These thoughtful layers often lead to glowing reviews and yes, they’re also the kind of moments I love capturing in photos for you.

➡️And if you don’t want to go full on pumpkin patch, click here for a few quick and subtle tips for how to make your Airbnb feel cozy for the fall season!