As an Airbnb host, your listing's performance will largely depend on search engine optimisation. But fixing your search ranking doesn't have to be a daunting task. There's no shortage of actions you can take, both in the immediate and long term, to improve your ranking in airbnb search results. Here's our recommendations for more bookings.

1) Don't be afraid to look up your competitors.

Being on a platform like Airbnb has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, you're stuffed into a competitive market. On the other, you can leverage Airbnb's database of listing to do your own competitive research.

As a host, you should look out for similar listings. How do other listings talk about their amenities? How might their pricing strategy differ than yours? What's their occupancy rate? When is it at its highest? What are the common positive and negative feedback that guests give? There's a lot of insight to gain on Airbnb. And they all affect your listing's visibility.

Attend any meetups, workshops, or or, use Airbnb's own forum to do the same. It's this exchange of information that can you refine your own hosting techniques and identify innovative ways to differentiate their listings from competitors'.

2) Want to attract guests? Be active.

Are you an active host or do you just collect the check? Your guests can tell the difference. Make sure to set up your profile in a way that lets guests know you care. Being active isn't just promptly responding to guest inquiries, but also providing helpful information, and being attentive to guests' needs throughout their stay. Hosts who demonstrate responsiveness and attentiveness build trust and credibility, leading to higher guest satisfaction and repeat bookings.

Make sure to also regularly update your photos, descriptions, and amenities to accurately reflect the property potential guests expect to see.

3) Write a compelling listing description and listing title.

A great title and description basically sells itself. Look at similar properties in your area. How are they choosing to describe their listings? You want a title and description that can be picked up by search engines. It's important to use relevant keywords to your audience. A guest might not know to search for "123 Bywater Street, Chelsea, London" but they might search for a "beautiful manor in central London" for example.

If you want more guests, use terms that they are likely to search for, such as "central location," or "luxurious amenities"– they want all the details! And, it increases the likelihood of your listing showing up in Airbnb's algorithm. Ultimately, a keyword rich title and comprehensive description for your rental property will go the extra mile to push your Airbnb listing to the top.

4) Choose high quality photos.

Selecting the best photos for your Airbnb listing captures the attention of potential guests and enticing them to book your property. Start by investing in professional photography or utilising high-resolution images taken with a quality camera.

Clear, well-lit photos that accurately depict your property's features and amenities can significantly enhance its appeal and increase the likelihood of guests booking a stay. Highlighting key selling points, such as a cozy reading nook, a fully equipped kitchen, or a tranquil outdoor patio, can help guests visualise the experience they can expect when staying at your property.

5) Avoid cancellations like the plague.

A flexible cancellation policy might be your downfall. We want more bookings– not less. While a flexible cancellation policy may seem appealing initially, it can increase the risk of last-minute cancellations by guests. Penalise confirmed bookings with no refund policies or half refund policies to ensure the right type of guests are booking your rental property.

In cases where cancellations are unavoidable due to unforeseen circumstances, hosts should strive to handle the situation with empathy and professionalism. In cases where Airbnb hosts receive last minute cancellations, encourage guests to move their booking to other dates instead of cancelling completely. Ultimately, avoiding cancellations like the plague is essential for maximising positive guest reviews for Airbnb's algorithm.

6) Instant bookings are your secret weapon.

Embracing Instant Booking can be a game-changer for hosts with a short term rental. Instant Booking helps hosts streamline the booking process, allowing guests to confirm reservations without the need for host approval. This convenience not only attracts more bookings but also improves the overall guest experience, as guests appreciate the immediacy and simplicity of securing their accommodations.

Instant bookings are prioritised in search results and subsequently, guests are more likely to choose listings with Instant Booking enabled.

7) Come up with competitive prices.

Dynamic pricing or competitive pricing will beat static pricing strategies when it comes getting more Airbnb bookings. Hosts should utilise data-driven pricing tools and algorithms to adjust their rates in response to changing market demand, seasonal trends, and competitor pricing. Use factors such as local festivals, holidays, and supply and demand dynamics to set prices.

Hosts should consider the overall value proposition of their listing when setting competitive prices. While pricing plays a crucial role in attracting guests, it's essential to strike a balance between. We're looking to increase inquiries and booking requests, but not at the expense of revenue.

8) The off season is your "on" season.

During periods of low demand, such as off-peak seasons or weekdays, hosts can adjust their pricing strategies to offer competitive rates and entice guests looking for discounted accommodations. Hosts can leverage promotions and special offers to incentivise bookings during these slower periods, such as offering extended stays at discounted rates or including complimentary amenities to sweeten the deal.

The off-season also presents hosts with the chance to focus on improving their property and enhancing the guest experience. With fewer bookings to manage, hosts can dedicate time and resources to maintenance and upgrades, ensuring that their property is in top condition for future guests. From refreshing decor and furnishings to implementing eco-friendly amenities or technology upgrades, hosts can invest in enhancements that enhance the overall appeal and value of their property.

9) Highlight your unique amenities.

Guests love unique amenities and so does Airbnb's algorithm. Whether it's a breathtaking view, a private hot tub, or a cozy fireplace, highlighting these standout features in the listing description and photos can pique guests' interest and entice them to book. Hosts should emphasise any special amenities or experiences that enhance the guest's stay, such as complimentary breakfast, access to recreational facilities, or personalised concierge services.

Hosts should also consider the preferences and interests of their target audience when highlighting unique features and amenities. For example, if targeting families, hosts may emphasise child-friendly amenities such as a playground or game room, while a listing targeting couples might focus on romantic touches like a private balcony or couples' spa package.

10) Get guests to leave positive reviews.

Ensuring guests have a smooth booking process is one way to get good reviews. Providing clear and timely communication can go a long way in fostering goodwill and encouraging guests to leave with a great experience. Sending a follow-up message after checkout expressing gratitude for their stay and kindly requesting feedback is one way to garner favour. Offer discounts or special perks to past guests that leave more positive reviews. It gives them motivation to leave great feedback and come back again!

Respond promptly to negative reviews. If left unexplained it may keep future guests from checking out your listing. Literally. Try to minimise negative reviews by talking to guests throughout their stay. If you make yourself available, guests will be less likely to leave reviews stating otherwise.

11) Provide an exception guest experience

Providing an exceptional guest experience gives you exceptional guest feedback. From the moment guests inquire about booking to their departure, hosts should prioritise hospitality and attentiveness to ensure every aspect of their stay exceeds expectations. Personalised touches, such as welcome notes, help finding nearby attractions or local events, and customised amenities tailored to guests' preferences, can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that fosters a memorable experience.

Ultimately, providing an exceptional guest experience not only enhances the reputation of the listing but also strengthens the host-guest relationship and contributes to long-term success.

12) Enlist the help of a property manager

Tired of trying to beat Airbnb's search results? Enlisting the help of a property manager can be a strategic decision for hosts seeking to streamline operations. They bring expertise in property management, marketing, and guest relations, allowing hosts to focus on other aspects of their lives or businesses while ensuring their property is well-maintained and profitable. They will handle day-to-day tasks such as guest communication, check-in/check-out procedures, cleaning and maintenance.

Hosts can benefit from their expertise and resources to achieve their financial goals with their property.

13) Target your audience with ads

For hosts looking to maximise their property's visibility and attract their ideal guests, utilising targeted advertising can be a valuable strategy. With the data points and insights gathered through your ad platform you can refine your target audience and obtain more bookings.

BONUS: Become an Airbnb Superhost

Superhosts are recognised for consistently providing exceptional hospitality. If you've followed our extensive list of tips, you'd easily qualify for the honour. Airbnb awards the title only to those that:

• Have at least one active Airbnb listing

• Maintain a high overall rating

• Meet a set number of stays within a year

• Have a low cancellation rate

By meeting these criteria, hosts gain access to exclusive benefits such as priority support increased visibility in search results.

Beat Airbnb's new fees with direct booking

While Airbnb search engine optimisation goes a long way to promote many properties. It's never been easier to start getting your own booking requests. It's the easiest way to offer competitive pricing to guests and eliminate unfair taxes and commission for yourself. Get started with:

Personalised Website

Creating a personalised website for your rental property can significantly increase direct bookings by providing guests with a seamless and branded booking experience. Invest in professional website design that reflects the unique features and ambiance of your property, allowing guests to easily navigate through photos, descriptions, and booking information.

Dynamic Pricing

Implementing dynamic pricing strategies can help hosts remain competitive and maximise revenue despite the new tax levy on cross-currency bookings. Utilise data-driven pricing tools and algorithms to adjust rates based on market demand, seasonal trends, and competitor pricing.

Channel Managers

Channel managers play a crucial role in managing direct bookings and maximising occupancy rates across multiple distribution channels. Choose a reliable channel manager that integrates seamlessly with your booking system and allows you to manage inventory, rates, and availability in real-time across various platforms, including your personalised website, OTAs, and listing sites.

Great PMS

Investing in a robust property management system (PMS) can streamline operations and enhance the guest experience, making direct bookings more appealing to potential guests. Choose a PMS that offers comprehensive features such as booking management, guest communication tools, automated messaging, and integration with channel managers and payment gateways.

Surprise and Delight Guests

One way to incentivise guests to book directly is by offering personalised touches and surprises that enhance their overall experience. Consider implementing a surprise and delight program that includes complimentary upgrades, welcome amenities, or exclusive experiences for guests who book directly through your website.

Streamline Bookings/Prevent Overbooking

Ensuring a smooth booking process and preventing overbooking is essential for attracting and retaining guests who prefer to book directly. Invest in a reliable booking system that integrates seamlessly with your PMS and channel manager, allowing you to manage inventory, rates, and availability in real-time. Implement booking rules and controls to prevent overbooking and ensure that guests can book with confidence, knowing that their reservation is guaranteed.

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FAQ: Changes to the Airbnb Algorithm 2024

Can I avoid the 2% cross-currency fee?

Yes, by encouraging direct bookings through your personal website or other direct booking channels, you can avoid the 2% cross-currency fee imposed by Airbnb.

What is the best strategy to optimise my listing for better visibility?

Optimising your listing involves using high-quality photos, ensuring your pricing is competitive, regularly updating your availability, and collecting positive reviews from your guests. Engaging actively in promotions and utilising SEO strategies for your personal website can also significantly enhance visibility.

How important are guest reviews in the Airbnb search algorithm?

Extremely important. Positive reviews not only improve your listing's visibility in the search results but also build trust with potential guests. Encouraging your guests to leave positive feedback and responding to all reviews is key to this strategy.

How can I achieve and maintain Superhost status?

To achieve and maintain Superhost status, you need to provide exceptional guest experiences consistently. This involves maintaining high response rates, ensuring your listings are accurate and of high quality, and avoiding cancellations. Meeting and exceeding guest expectations will naturally lead to better reviews and repeated bookings, reinforcing your status.