Everything You Need To Know To Successfully Host

Explore how to create a space, market, and scale your concept.

Why Host?

Becoming a host and renting out your unused space can be an incredibly rewarding experience for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to maximize the potential of your property by turning idle rooms or spaces into a source of income. This additional income can significantly offset mortgage payments, utility bills, or even provide extra funds for personal savings or investments. Secondly, hosting enables you to contribute positively to the sharing economy, promoting sustainable living by utilizing existing resources more efficiently. Lastly, being a host cultivates valuable skills in communication, hospitality, and problem-solving, enhancing personal growth and confidence. Overall, hosting is not just about renting out space but also about creating meaningful connections and experiences while making practical use of your property.

Host Responsibilities

A typical day for a host involves a variety of responsibilities focused on ensuring a pleasant and comfortable experience for their guests. In the morning, hosts often start by preparing the accommodations, which may include cleaning and restocking amenities.

Throughout the day, Hosts monitor guest inquiries and reservations, promptly responding to messages and confirming bookings. Depending on the setup, hosts may greet arriving guests, provide keys or access instructions, and offer recommendations for local attractions or dining options.

Hosts are responsible for managing the maintenance of the property, addressing any issues that arise promptly to maintain a high standard of comfort and safety. Daily check ins, with current guests are helpful to ensure their needs are met and prepare for upcoming arrivals or onsite issues. Overall, the role of a host requires attentiveness, organization, and hospitality to create a welcoming environment that guests appreciate and enjoy during their stay.

Choosing The Right Platform To Host

When deciding on which platform to use for becoming a host, several factors should be considered to ensure the best experience and outcomes.

  1. Evaluate the reach and target audience of each platform. Some platforms may cater more to specific verticals, while others specialize in unique industries. Understanding your property’s appeal and the type of guests you wish to attract will help narrow down your options.
  2. Consider the fees and commissions charged by each platform. Compare how much additional income you’ll retain after deducting these fees to make an informed financial decision.
  3. Assess the platform’s reputation and reliability. Look for reviews from both hosts and guests to gauge customer satisfaction, support responsiveness, and trustworthiness.
  4. Evaluate the tools and features offered by each platform, such as booking management, communication tools, and support.
  5. Lastly, consider the level of control and flexibility you desire over your listing, including pricing, availability, and guest screening processes. By carefully weighing these factors, you can select the platform that aligns best with your hosting goals and maximizes your success as a host.

How To List Your Space On DropDesk 

By promoting your listing on DropDesk, you can significantly increase your visibility, attract more customers, and maximize your earning potential.

Choosing The Right Solution 

Before diving into the specifics of how to Become a DropDesk Host, it’s important to understand the different listing options DropDesk offers. Whether you’re an individual with available space, a business in need of advanced marketing solutions, or aiming to build your own marketplace, DropDesk offers tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.

Become a Host

This option is ideal for individuals or businesses with underutilized spaces—like offices, event venues, coworking spaces, or anyone that has a space and wants to generate additional income. Becoming a DropDesk Host allows you to list your space on DropDesk’s marketplace, reaching thousands of potential customers. DropDesk users are able to find and book your space on the DropDesk Spaces Platform. It’s a great entry point for those looking to monetize unused space with minimal setup.

Host+

For hosts or larger spaces looking to take their listing to the next level, Host+ offers enhanced scalable marketing services. With Host+, you can access premium features like featured listings, targeted advertisements, workflow automations, CRM, and keyword ranking in search results. These marketing tools increase your visibility and help you attract more bookings. Host+ is designed for hosts who want to scale their revenue by leveraging DropDesk’s powerful marketing capabilities to drive more traffic and conversions.

MarketSpace Partners

Our MarketSpace Program is the ideal choice for businesses, entrepreneurs, influencers, or community leaders who want to create and manage their own niche marketplace. Whether you aim to create a platform for coworking spaces, fitness studios, or event venues, DropDesk’s unique platform provides the infrastructure to support, manage and market your marketplace. MarketSpace Partners gain access to a white-label solution, allowing you to fully brand your marketplace while leveraging DropDesk’s technology to handle payments, bookings, and user management. This option is perfect for those looking to build a long-term business or add a new incremental revenue stream by connecting their audience with rentable spaces.

LL DropDesk Partnerships

Landlord Partnerships are tailored for large landlords, real estate brokers, or commercial property owners who want to maximize occupancy across their properties. With this partnership, DropDesk helps landlords fill their spaces with flexible tenants through advanced marketing strategies, appointment-setting systems, and direct leads. The platform also helps manage booking logistics, automate lead generation, and streamline the leasing process. This partnership is ideal for those with a portfolio of properties and want to optimize them for flexible leasing or are landlords looking for a solution to help minimize vacancy rates.

What Types Of Spaces Can You List?

VerticalsExample(s):

Residential Properties

Houses, Apartments, Condos, Vacation homes, Townhouses

Commercial Properties

Office spaces, Co-working spaces, Meeting rooms, Retail spaces, Event venues, and Studios

Hospitality Accommodations

Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), Guesthouses, Hostels, Boutique hotels, Inns, Shared kitchens, Shared living spaces (co-living apartments)

Outdoor Spaces

Gardens, Yards, Camping grounds, Parking spaces, Rooftops

Event Venues

Wedding venues, Party spaces, Conference centers, Retreat centers, Workshops/seminar spaces

Experiential Rentals

Wellness retreats, Farm stays, Vineyards, Eco-friendly accommodations, Cultural experiences

Storage Spaces

Self-storage units, Attics, Basements, Garages

Equipment and Tools

Tools/machinery, Sports equipment (bikes, surfboards), Musical instruments, Vehicles (cars, RVs)

How To Become A DropDesk Host

Step 1: Apply To Become A Host

  • Visit DropDesk’s website
  • Click on the “Become a Host” button.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
  • Once your Host account has been approved, login and start the listing process.

Step 2. Add Your Locations

  • Access the Spaces Tab: In the DropDesk admin portal, navigate to the Spaces Tab to add a new venue. Provide detailed information about your Venue, such as its location, size, and amenities.
  • Upload Visuals: Add a logo, venue photos, and high-quality photos (and short-for video) of your space to make it visually appealing.
  • Set Default Opening Hours: Specify the regular days and times your space is accessible.
  • Review all information and click “Publish Venue” to publish your location.

Step 3. Create Packages and Memberships For Your Venue(s)

Once you have listed your location(s), the next step is to add Packages (inventory) for users to book at each location.

  • Click on a location, then click on “Venue Inventory” to begin creating packages.
  • Click “Add Package“: Initiate the process by clicking the “Add Package” button within the Venue Inventory section. Tip: You can bulk add the same package (for example a membership) to more than one location at a time.
  • Add Your Package Details: Provide a package name, select the appropriate space type from our category list (e.g., Meeting Space, Event Space, PodCast Studio, Day Pass, Membership), add a detailed description outlining what’s included, specify the quantity available, and set the capacity.
  • Set Pricing and Billing: Define the pricing for your packages, choose a suitable billing cycle (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, monthly), and configure any applicable taxes or fees. Determine the pricing for your space based on factors like location, amenities, and demand. Consider offering discounts or promotions to attract more bookings.
  • Add Amenities: Specify any additional amenities included or available for an extra charge, such as Wi-Fi, parking, printers, or refreshments.
  • Configure Booking Options: Set your package to Instant Book or Host Approved (to accept each booking).
  • Determine who can view and book your package. Choose from options like “Members Only,” making the package exclusive to your existing members, “Public” for general visibility on DropDesk and your brand’s platform, or “Memberships” for private listings accessible only through direct links.
  • Save Package: Review your listing to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
  • Publish your listing to make it visible to the DropDesk Community.

Other Best Practices & Host Listing Tips:

  • Optimize your listing: Use relevant keyword tags & synonyms to make your space easier to find on the Marketplace search.
  • Provide clear instructions: Give detailed instructions on how to access your space and any rules or guidelines that users should follow when at your space.
  • Offer unique amenities and services: Consider offering additional services, such as catering or event planning, to increase your revenue.  
  • Respond to inquiries promptly: Communicate effectively with potential renters to address their questions and concerns.
  • Consider Host+: This premium service provides marketing assistance to maximize leads and customer conversions. DropDesk’s in-house marketing team helps develop effective sales funnels and acquire new customers.

Unique spaces at the drop of a pin.

Scan the QR code or click your preferred platform to download the DropDesk Spaces App.

Find a Space

Explore and book unique spaces for work, play, meetings, events, and more.


Become a Host

Join thousands of hosts and maximize the use of your space during downtime.