Top 10 Airbnb Tips for higher rankings

Airbnb is one of the top platforms for listing your short-term rental (STR), with some hosts relying exclusively on Airbnb. In this article, we'll share our top 10 tips to improve your ranking on Airbnb.

The Algorithm

Airbnb's ranking algorithm remains somewhat of a mystery since they don't disclose its inner workings. However, many experts have analyzed how properties are ranked, providing valuable insights into the factors that influence your placement. Based on our understanding, the algorithm aims for two main objectives: maximizing guest satisfaction and increasing profit.

To achieve higher guest satisfaction, properties that align well with guest requirements, receive positive reviews and feedback, are given priority placement where guests are more likely to show interest in your property.

In terms of profit, when comparing two equal properties, the one with a higher nightly rate tends to be ranked higher.

By considering these factors and implementing our tips, you can enhance your ranking on Airbnb and increase your chances of success.

Airbnb Statistics in 2024

• Every second, there are 6 guests check-in in
• As of February 2024, there are 7.7 active listings
• Europe has twice as many listings as North America (stats from 2021)
• In 2023 Airbnb had a revenue of 9.7 Billion!
• Yet Airbnb only has 20sh% of the vacation rental business
• Airbnb listings are growing, but revenue per host or per listing is dropping

The last statistic is one to always keep in mind. There is more competition on a daily basis, especially in markets with little to no regulation.

Our top 10 tips

These tips come from various sources, including YouTube videos, books, online posts, and our own experiences managing 20 properties.

Tip 1 - Focus on the first 30 days

The initial 30 days are crucial. Airbnb's algorithm prioritizes new listings and places them in higher rankings. Ensure your listing is fully complete with professional photos, a compelling description, and connected to a pricing engine before going live. Avoid starting with low pricing; the algorithm aims to maximize profits.

Tip 2 - Optimize your photos

Your photos, and especially your main photos, are critical. Unless your are a very good photographer, hire someone professional. Professional-looking photos can dramatically improve your short-term rental business. Make sure these photos are:

• High res—Yes, in this day and age, some photographers still use equipment that is now considered subpar in terms of resolution.
• Horizontal photos - All photos should be taken horizontally
• Exposure - These photos should almost be overexposed…..you want your place to glow!
• Angle - The good & eye-catching photos are often taken in an angle.
• Decor - Make sure the decor is well placed, or perhaps even move them around for that great shot.
• Surrounding areas - If you property is in a neat area include some of those photos. If it is near a neat walking path, include the photo of the walking path.
• Collage - We are trying collage photos as our main photo in a couple properties. It is still too early to tell if they help. Some people claim it helps.

Tip 3 - Craft a Detailed Listing Description

Your description holds significant importance. Be comprehensive in describing each room and its features. Look at competitors' descriptions for inspiration and improve upon them. Create a compelling narrative about your property and its location to engage potential guests.

In addition to describing everything, create a narrative about your property and its location. This is also key. The narrative should draw the reader into your Airbnb and its location.

It is ok to make a longer than usual description, but do NOT make a short description.

One of the ingredients in the Airbnb algorithm is time on page. They measure how long potential guests look at your listing. If you have a long and engaging description, the potential guest will spend more time in your listing.

If English is not your strong suit, hire someone to help you write a good description.

Tip 4 - Craft an Attention-Grabbing Title

An often overlooked ingredient of a good listing is the title. Spend a lot of time brainstorming your title. Does your property have a good name? Are there features that make it stand out?

For example, in one of our properties, we have a wood-burning sauna. The word sauna is part of the title. In our property in Kissimmee/Orlando, we have many themed rooms with Disney characters, so the word Disney is part of the title.

If you are in a very competitive market, think creatively. If your market is NOT very competitive, then ‘My Airbnb’ will do 😃

Tip 5 - Utilize Relevant Keywords

Include relevant keywords in your title and description to improve visibility and search engine optimization (SEO). Think about what potential guests might search for, such as "cozy," "ocean view," or "pet-friendly." Each area may have specific keywords. These keywords not only attract the right guests but also improve your search ranking.

Each area will have a different set of relevant keywords.

If you are stuck, Fiver offers cheap deals to get help with Keywords. Services like RankBreeze can also help.

Tip 6 - Respond Promptly

Your response time is a crucial metric. While it may not matter much once your listing is established, in the initial months, it's important to reply to questions and messages as quickly as possible.

Potential guests see the "Host usually replies within xx hours" label, and a high response time may deter them.

With smartphones, this shouldn't be too difficult unless you're in a distant time zone from your property.

Tip 7 - Implement Self Check-In

Self-check-in allows guests to arrive at their accommodation anytime. Delays can occur for various reasons, including flights, traffic, etc.

A percentage of guests filter and exclude properties that do not support self-check-in. This is often the case when travelers arrive from International flights.

The self-check-in does NOT need to be a smart lock; it could be an old-fashioned lockbox with a physical key inside. Most of the properties we have stayed in Europe have a lockbox with a physical key inside. But the smart lock has many advantages:

• More secure as each guest gets their code, which expires when their stay ends.
• There is no physical key to lose
• You have a log of each and every time the door is opened and by whom

A recent statistic mentioned that on the top 3 pages, 75 percent of the properties support self-check-in.

Having a listing in a competitive area almost requires having self-check-in.

Tip 8 - Provide Extra Amenities

Many travelers repeatedly visit the same destinations. By offering amenities and little extras that delight your guests, you increase the likelihood of them booking your place again instead of trying a new one.

For instance, in one of our rehabbed studio apartments, we provide towels, sauna towels, and eucalyptus drops for the sauna. Guests keep returning to this cozy, well-decorated unit. Consider adding thoughtful touches to enhance the guest experience.

Tip 9 - Consider Allowing Pets

Properties that allow pets tend to have higher occupancy rates and ADR. If you're unsure about allowing pets, make a decision before listing your property, as the first 30 days are crucial.

Not all properties are suitable for pets, but if yours has hardwood floors and pet-resistant furniture, it may be a good idea.

We don’t allow pets in some of our properties due to carpet, pool, and close-by neighbors. But for others where that is a good fit, we do so. In fact, in one of our properties that is very season, while thinking about how to increase bookings in the low season, we changed the main photo to include our dog. This definitely increased our bookings in the low season. Our dog is helping advertise our condo.

Tip 10 - Don’t have Crazy Rules

Don’t have crazy rules or crazy fines, as this can be a real turnoff for potential guests. It is okay to state no smoking and a $250 fine for smoking. But don’t have items such as a $1000 fine for touching the pool heater, $500 per extra guest not approved, or $500 for bringing in pets.

These are all real examples of items we have seen in listings.

To illustrate, we recently encountered a post in online forums seeking help for a house that had very few bookings and was incurring significant losses. The property was located in the same community as ours in Kissimmee/Orlando, so we decided to assist. Among the various issues with the listing, the main problem was a list of 3-4 fines for rare occurrences that a troublesome guest might engage in. This included a $1000 fine for tampering with the pool heater. In a competitive market like Orlando, anyone reading such rules would likely pass on the property.

We hope you enjoyed our top 10 tips. With a suitable property priced right in an area with decent demand and following these tips, you should be able to make it to the top page of Airbnb.