Why Host?

Becoming a DropDesk host allows you to monetize every part of your venue—from idle desks and meeting rooms to creative studios, event spaces and experiences. This additional revenue can significantly offset mortgage payments and utility bills or provide extra funds for personal investments.

Key Host Benefits

Earn Extra Revenue: Earn money from a new stream of customers by promoting services and offering recurring plans.
Increase Local Visibility: Increase your search engine visibility by appearing in local listings and featured blogs. List diverse inventory and offer a wide range of facilities for users to book.
Automate Bookings: Our platform manages all of the bookings, reservations, and communication. No need to worry about new technology or processes.
Get Insights: Track usage and make data-driven decisions on how customers use your services.

What Can You Host?: The 4 Pillars of DropDesk

When adding a location, choosing the correct Venue Type is a critical step to ensure your listing is discovered by the right audience. DropDesk categorizes spaces into four main pillars to help connect you with local users seeking specific experiences.

Pillar 1: WORK (Productivity)

Focus: Productivity and professional environments.

Space Types: Coworking spaces, flexible private offices, boardrooms, and conference rooms.

Target Audience: Remote teams, freelancers, and corporate offsites.

Pillar 2: PLAY (Leisure)

Focus: Recreation and wellness.

Space Types: Gyms, medspas, sports courts (tennis, pickleball), wellness centers, music rehearsal rooms, and other activity spaces.

Target Audience: Fitness enthusiasts, families, and friend groups seeking privacy.

Pillar 3: CREATE (Production)

Focus: Content creation and artistic expression.

Space Types: Photo studios, film locations, podcast studios, art galleries, and industrial warehouses.

Target Audience: Photographers, podcasters, videographers, influencers, and artists.

Pillar 4: CELEBRATE (Social)

Focus: Gatherings and milestones.

Space Types: Event Spaces, wedding venues, event ballrooms, rooftops, dining halls, religious gatherings and backyards.

Target Audience: Event planners, families hosting showers/birthdays, and social mixers.

Getting Started With Listing Your Venue

Step 1: How to List Your Venue

To begin your journey, visit the official DropDesk Host Page. The sign-up process is straightforward, but having the following information ready will help you launch faster.

Essential Listing Data

Venue Name & Address: Provide the exact name and a verified physical address.
Venue Type: Select the category that best represents your space (e.g., Coworking Space or Photo Studio).
Manager Contact: Enter the venue's phone number and email. Pro Tip: Use a mobile number so you receive real-time booking requests/confirmations via SMS.
Venue Description: Write an engaging summary of your location, highlighting its unique features and potential uses.
Venue Amenities: Add included amenities, such as fast Wi-Fi, coffee/tea, parking, or recording equipment.
Opening Hours: Set the regular days and times your space is accessible. DropDesk recommends being open at least 2 days a week and avoiding irregular hours.
Guest Instructions: Input details that guests will see only after they book, such as general information they need to know and specific check-in rules.

You can always re-edit your Venue listing(s) at any point by navigating to the "Locations" tab in your admin portal.

Venue Listing Tips

Visuals: Listings that feature at least 10 high-quality photos showing the space and amenities from multiple angles can see up to 50% more engagement. Professional-looking visuals build immediate trust and help potential guests visualize their experience before they book.
Video: Upload a virtual tour or a quick walkthrough video to your listing. To be effective on the marketplace, these videos should be under 25MB (roughly 22 seconds) to ensure they load quickly and hold the user's attention.
Sell the Experience, Not Just the Space: Rather than just listing a room, focus on the experience it fulfills. Highlight what makes your venue unique and why it is the best choice for your specific target audience, such as freelancers, photographers, or corporate teams.
Be Transparent and Honest: Provide a detailed description of host policies and set clear expectations in your profile to ensure guest satisfaction.
Offer Competitive and Unique Amenities
Guest Instructions: Input details that guests will see only after they book packages at your location, venue-level guest instructions are perfect for general instructions (how to check-in, general wifi, accessing the space, etc) that apply to every package guests purchase.

Step 2: List Your Packages (Spaces, Activities, Services, or Experiences)

Once your location is live, you must add Inventory (referred to as Packages).

The Analogy: If your venue is a department store, your Packages are the items on the shelves. A store with only one item is rarely visited. You need a mix of products (One Time, Hourly, Daily, and Monthly).

How to Add a Package

Navigate: Log in to the web app, select your location, and click on "Spaces" or the "Packages" tab.
Click "Add Package" and provide a clear, attention-grabbing name.
Market the Experience: In the description, don't just list the dimensions; focus on the experience it fulfills (e.g., "A quiet oasis for deep work" or "Professional-grade studio for creators").
Assign Tags and Keywords: This is vital for search visibility. Use Activity Keywords like #Meeting, #Workshop, #Photoshoot, or #TeamOffsite to ensure your package appears when users filter for specific needs.
Set Pricing and Billing: Choose a charge type that fits your goals:
- Hourly: Best for packages that require a specific reservation time (for example: meeting rooms, appointments, classes)
- One-Time: Ideal for day passes, week passes, or purchases that are not recurring.
- Subscription: Best for recurring subscriptions.

Listing Package Tips

Flexible Cancellation: Users are significantly more likely to book if you offer a flexible cancellation policy. DropDesk provides built-in flexibility, so you can adjust this during the package setup.
Set Up Guest Instructions: At the package level, you can add specific guest instructions for that package. For example, if you have a photography studio package, you might include instructions on how to use the lighting equipment.
Multiple Packages & Upselling: Maximize revenue by offering multiple options. Consider creating a "Basic Package" and a "Premium Package" with additional amenities or extended hours.
Availability Patterns: Avoid manually entering availability for future bookings. DropDesk has built-in functionality with automated availability patterns to simplify this process and minimize potential errors. Further detailed in the Calendar Management section.

Step 3: Managing Bookings & Communication

All bookings are sent directly to the Venue Manager (Host). You will receive real-time alerts via SMS, email notifications, and app notifications to the contact information provided in your account settings. You can view these messages and manage requests through the Inbox on either the web portal or the mobile app.

The DropDesk Inbox is the central hub for managing your guest interactions and ensuring a seamless booking experience. Mastering this tool is critical because timely and clear communication not only sets a professional tone but also directly increases your chances of securing bookings and boosting your visibility in search results.

Where to Find the Inbox

Mobile App: Access the Inbox by clicking the menu bar icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner and selecting "Inbox".
Web Portal: You can also manage conversations through the Inbox page on the web dashboard.

What Messages and Alerts You Will Receive

Pre-Booking Inquiries: Interested users can click "Message Host" from your package details page to ask questions before they commit to a booking.
Post-Booking Communication: Once a guest has booked, they can reach you via the "Bookings" tab to discuss check-in details or specific needs.
Booking Requests (Host Approval): If you have "Host Approval" toggled on, you will receive an alert/SMS to approve or deny a request.
System Notifications: Both you and the guest receive automated SMS updates throughout the booking process.

Communication Tips

Keep Contact Information Current: Ensure your admin phone number and email are always up to date in your account settings; if these are incorrect, you will miss vital SMS and email alerts.
Speed Matters: Aim to respond in less than 1 hour. Fast replies improve conversion and search ranking.
Set Expectations: Clearly outline check-in, cancellation, and payment policies to avoid future disputes.
Be Helpful Beyond the Booking: Provide directions, offer local recommendations, and be available to answer any final questions your guests may have before their arrival.

Step 4: Calendar Management & Availability

The Activity Calendar is your real-time command center for tracking the flow of guests through your space. It allows you to visualize your schedule, manage upcoming reservations, and ensure your availability is always accurate to prevent unwanted booking requests.

How to Access Your Calendar

While you can view your activity on the web portal by clicking the "Calendar" tab at the top, it is highly recommended to use the DropDesk Spaces mobile app for the most reliable and up-to-date experience.

In the Mobile App: Navigate to the "Activity" tab to see a chronological list of all your reservations.
Calendar View: Within the Activity section, you can tap the calendar icon at the top right to switch from a list view to a date-picker view, which is particularly useful for managing availability.

Understanding Statuses

Pending: Requires your approval (reply "YES" or "NO" via SMS/App).
Paid/Confirmed: The guest is confirmed to arrive.
Declined: Archived for your records.

Using Blackout Dates

If your space is closed for a holiday or private event, do not wait for a booking to decline it (declines hurt your ranking).

Open the mobile app calendar.
Tap the "+" icon.
Select the dates to block (highlighted in blue) and tap "Save".

Step 5: Setting Up Payouts

To ensure you are paid for your bookings, you must connect your account with Stripe, the industry gold standard for online payments and DropDesk's secure payout partner. This integration ensures security and compliance while allowing for ACH funding directly to your bank account.

How to set up your Payouts:

Navigate to your venue listing(s) page in the admin portal.
Click the "Link Payout Method" button. This will launch a secure Stripe setup where you will be prompted to provide your business and bank details.
Once you add your details, these same details can be used for your other venues (if applicable) or you can assign a different bank account for each unique location by following the same process above.

Payout Schedule: Once your account is connected and bookings are made, you can view your payout dashboard. Funds are typically processed and distributed to your bank account on the 15th of the following month after the booking takes place.

Service Fees: Listing your space on the platform is completely free; DropDesk only earns a service fee on the successful bookings brought to you. The standard fee schedule is a 30% commission for on-demand and month-to-month packages and 15% for fixed, longer-term bookings. Please note that in the event of a host-issued refund, the original Stripe fees are non-refundable.

Day-to-Day Operations: The Host Routine

Successful hosting isn't just about setting up a listing; it's about the daily habits that ensure a 5-star guest experience. This section outlines your daily workflow.

Part 1: Essential Operations

Check the Inbox: Open the DropDesk mobile app or web portal. Speed matters—aim to respond to all inquiries in less than 1 hour. Fast replies boost your ranking.
Review "Pending" Requests: If you have "Host Approval" enabled, you must accept or deny requests within 24 hours, or the system will auto-deny them.
Check the Calendar:
- Look for "Paid/Confirmed" bookings for the day.
- Verify Blackout Dates: If your space is unavailable for a holiday or private event, block those dates immediately using the "+" icon in the app. Never wait for a booking to decline it—declines hurt your search ranking.

Part 2: Sample: The "Guest-Ready" Protocol (15 Minutes)

Before your first guest arrives, perform this 15-minute walkthrough to ensure the space is pristine.

☐ Access: Ensure the smart lock / keybox code matches what is in your "Guest Instructions."
☐ Facility Prep: Unlock the venue, turn on lights, and adjust HVAC to a comfortable temperature.
☐ Visual Scan: Ensure furniture is reset to the default layout shown in your photos.
☐ Sanitization: Wipe down high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, tables, whiteboard markers).
☐ Consumables: Restock coffee, toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap.
☐ Tech Check: Verify Wi-Fi is active and any screens/projectors are powered on.

Part 3: During the Booking (The Experience)

The Virtual Greeter: You don't always need to be on-site, but you should be "digitally present." Send a message 15 minutes before arrival: "Hi! Just checking that you have the access code. Let me know if you need anything."
Privacy: Respect the guest's time. If you are on-site, offer a warm welcome, show them the amenities (coffee, restrooms), and then withdraw to give them privacy.
Troubleshooting: Keep your phone on. The most common issues are Wi-Fi access and door codes. Resolving these in less than 5 minutes saves the review.

Part 4: The Reset (Closing Routine)

Once the guest leaves, perform this 10-minute reset to prepare for the next day.

☐ Kitchen/Café: Load and run the dishwasher; clear sinks.
☐ Trash: Empty bins and sanitize the bin itself to prevent odors.
☐ Security: Confirm all windows and doors are locked; lights off.
☐ Energy: Adjust HVAC to energy-saving mode.
☐ Reviews: 24 hours after the booking, send a polite follow-up: "Thanks for visiting! We'd love a 5-star review if you enjoyed the space."

Marketing Your Space for Maximum Revenue

Top hosts don't just wait for DropDesk to bring them leads; they hunt for them. Listing your space is only the first step. To truly stand out in a growing marketplace, you must take a proactive approach to marketing.

Driving Your Own Traffic & Leveraging Personal Networks

Direct Website Integration: Your website is your most valuable digital real estate. You should add clear "Book Now" or "View Availability" buttons to your homepage or pricing pages. By linking these buttons to your unique DropDesk listing, you allow visitors to see live inventory and book immediately, converting curiosity into revenue. When creating a package, you can easily copy the public URL and share it with your community.
Strategic Email Outreach: Your email subscribers are your most engaged audience. Use your newsletter to announce your partnership with DropDesk, emphasizing that users can now view real-time availability without the need for back-and-forth phone calls or emails.
Incentivize Word-of-Mouth: Don't underestimate the power of your professional network. Inform friends, family, and colleagues about your available space or promotions. To supercharge this, implement a referral program that offers discounts or rewards to those who successfully refer new renters.
Physical Signage & Foot Traffic: Turn passersby into guests by displaying decal stickers or QR code signs on your front door, windows, or reception desk. This allows people visiting your location to scan the code and book a session or membership instantly on their mobile device.
Email Marketing: Announce your listing to your existing newsletter, emphasizing real-time availability without back-and-forth emails.

Establishing a Dominant External Digital Presence

To capture users before they even reach the DropDesk marketplace, you must be visible where they start their search.

Google Business Profile (GMB) Mastery: Setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile is a primary strategy to attract local users. A well-maintained profile allows your venue to appear in local search results and the "map pack," making it easier for nearby professionals or creators to discover you.
Social Media Engagement: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are essential for visual industries like event venues or photo studios. Beyond simply creating a profile, you should post high-quality photos and videos that highlight the space's potential uses. To drive growth, engage with your audience by responding to comments and running contests or promotions.
The "Link in Bio" Strategy: One of the most effective social media tactics is adding your unique DropDesk booking link directly to your social media bios. This ensures that whenever a follower sees a post they like, they have a direct path to book instantly.

High-Impact Content Marketing & Prospecting

Content acts as a long-term magnet for your listing, providing value to potential guests while improving your search engine visibility.

Blogging and Guest Posting: Creating informative blog posts about your local area or the benefits of your specific location can attract guests interested in what you have to offer. Pitching guest posts to local business directories or travel blogs helps establish your authority and includes a Call to Action (CTA) that points readers to your rental listing.
Proactive Prospecting: Identify potential leads in your area—such as local freelancers, photographers, or event planners—who would benefit from your space. Reach out with a compelling offer that emphasizes your amenities and ease of booking, and always follow up if you don't receive an initial response. Tip: Share your DropDesk listing or bookable links for a convenient booking experience.
Virtual Video Tours: Video marketing significantly enhances a listing's appeal. Produce short virtual tours that showcase the layout, ambiance, and specific amenities of your space. These videos can be shared on social media, embedded on your website, or sent directly to prospective guests.

Scale Your Reach with Featured Listings

Once your listing is optimized with the right keywords, you can further maximize your revenue and reach new customers by utilizing specialized advertising tools. By opting for Featured Listings, you can proactively showcase your venue or unique activities to a wider audience, helping you stay ahead of the competition. For more information on how to highlight your space through active promotions, visit the DropDesk Advertise page.

The Ultimate Guide to Hosting on DropDesk