Short-term rentals are no longer just about posting a listing on Airbnb.
Today, travelers book through a wide range of channels : Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo, local platforms, social media, or even a personal website.
Behind every successful property lies a real ecosystem of skills often invisible, yet essential to deliver a flawless guest experience… and ensure the owner’s profitability.

Here are the professions (and tools) that power a professional short-term rental operation, along with OIQIA’s expert insights.

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1. The professional photographer : first impressions are worth gold.

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In short-term rentals, photos are the traveler’s entry point.

• 90% of bookings are driven by images
• The photographer works on lighting, framing, and angles that highlight the space
• The visual standards differ between Airbnb, Booking, and Expedia
• A strong photo shoot can boost bookings by +30% to +50%

A property can be stunning… yet invisible if the photos aren’t optimized for the platforms.

The photographer’s role is to attract the click, it's the very first step of conversion.

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2. The interior designer or stylist : creating an atmosphere, not just décor.

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A high-performing rental isn’t just “beautiful.”
It needs to be coherent, warm, easy to live in, and memorable.

The designer :

• harmonizes colors
• advises on durable furniture (heavily used in short-term rentals)
• adds signature pieces to make the property recognizable
• prepares the space for both the photos and the guest experience

In a saturated market, interior design is what sets a property apart and makes it “Instagrammable” without compromising comfort — a subtle balance.

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3. The listing writer : selling an experience, not a list of amenities.

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A strong listing requires:

• an algorithm-optimized title
• a clear, warm, guest-oriented description
• well-structured practical information
• storytelling that sparks desire

Their goal: make travelers understand in a few seconds why this property is worth booking.

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4. The revenue manager : optimizing prices to maximize income

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The revenue manager doesn’t just “set a base price.”
They constantly analyze the market and adjust rates to get the most out of every night.

Their responsibilities include:

• analyzing local demand (events, seasonality, holidays, weather, school breaks)
• reviewing competitor pricing across each platform
• adapting prices in real time: raising them when demand increases, lowering them to fill gaps
• defining minimum-stay rules based on periods
• managing smart promotions (not permanent discounts that devalue the property)

The result:

✔ better annual profitability
✔ fewer vacant nights
✔ prices that match the property’s positioning, not random guesses

In professional agencies like OIQIA, this revenue-management strategy is fully integrated into the overall operations.

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5. Professional cleaning and linen management : the foundation of guest reviews.

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Cleanliness ratings are the most impactful in short-term rentals.

Cleaning teams:

• follow very strict checklists
• manage all linen logistics
• prepare the property for each stay
• report technical issues

A property that looks perfect in photos… but lacks cleanliness instantly loses its rating.

A spotless rental = ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ + higher ranking + more bookings.

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6. Maintenance : acting fast to prevent bad reviews

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The most common issues:

• Wi-Fi
• Electronic locks
• Appliances
• Minor plumbing issues
• Light bulbs, remotes, batteries, etc.

In short-term rentals, speed = guest satisfaction.
A small unresolved problem can easily ruin a traveler’s experience.

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7. Guest support : a highly underestimated job

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Responding to guests is a full-time responsibility:

• pre-stay messages
• arrival instructions
• evening or weekend inquiries
• emergency management
• local recommendations
• conflict resolution

Airbnb even measures response time as part of its ranking algorithm.

This job requires availability, empathy, and the ability to handle a wide range of situations.

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8. Communication and the “Owner-Influencer”: visibility as a competitive advantage

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A dedicated Instagram account, a Facebook page, or a small showcase website can help:

• keep the property’s Instagram page active
• build and engage a community
• share updates
• publish reviews
• increase bookings

Some owners go even further and become influencers themselves.
On TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, they share their daily reality:

• overly demanding guests
• unusual mishaps
• behind-the-scenes moments

This type of content performs extremely well because it creates strong engagement.

But be careful: this is not a job, it’s a personal initiative—often very time-consuming.

For some owners, becoming a content creator helps:

• attract a community
• increase direct bookings
• stand out from competitors
• reinforce their expert status

For others, it’s simply an additional visibility tool.

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9. The financial manager : payments, deposits, taxes & legal obligations

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Short-term rentals come with several obligations:

• managing security deposits
• processing payments and refunds
• invoicing
• declaring and remitting tourist taxes
• complying with tax rules (LMNP, régime réel, micro-BIC, etc.)
• meeting legal and administrative requirements depending on the municipality

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It’s a discreet but essential role:

👉 one mistake can be expensive
👉 good financial management protects the owner
👉 clear transparency reassures guests

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Conclusion : short-term rentals mean managing 9 professions… or hiring one team to handle everything

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Behind every highly rated rental lies a combination of complementary roles.
Some are essential, others optional but highly profitable.

Short-term rental management is not a “side job.”
It’s a demanding activity requiring skills, organization, and expertise.

👉 For owners who want to optimize both time and profitability, OIQIA coordinates all these roles and tools, providing professional, stress-free management.

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