Advertised location

[Michelle4686]

We have a home listed in a specific area, yet homes from other areas pop up first.  Why is that?

[Joan2709]

@Michelle4686 

Ahh...this is the question every Host wants to know! Airbnb's algorithm is very specific and some there are some known factors that affect your search rank and some only Airbnb knows. Keep in mind search results also depend on the guest past preferences and what search filters they are using. The algorithm will display listings that meet the guest preferences and filters; even if the algorithm has to display nearby towns/cities instead of the city searched for by the guest. It also knows which listings are likely to get booked; even if in a nearby town:

Some of the know factors the algorithm heavily favors:

1. Price

2. Instant Book

3. Professional Photos (high quality photos)

4. Flexible cancellation policy

5. Amenities

6. Popularity (recent bookings)

7. Good Reviews (Guest Favorite Status)

8. Availability (is your calendar even open for the dates searched?) 

9. Response Time

Most of the above criteria can be controlled by the Host - some aren't. Some of the criteria Airbnb suggests are not necessarily in the Host's best interest though in some cases (Instant Book, Flexible Cancellation Policy). 

Addl Guest Fee

Since price is one of the highest criteria for search results, your additional Guest Fee is probably hurting you. You will be priced higher that other similar listings that can accommodate 4 guests, but don't have the addl Guest Fee. I suggest you price the listing for 4 people and get rid of the addl guest fee.

Professional Photos

I always suggest getting professional photos by an Airbnb photographer (not a real estate photographer). Airbnb (and other research) says professional photos on a listing can mean a 20% increase in bookings based on this alone. The cost will pay for itself in one addl booking and can usually be written off as a business expense on your taxes (talk to your accountant). Your current cover photo and other photos are not doing your place justice. 

How Search Results Work

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/39

Tips for Improving Search Results

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-search-works-on-airbnb-460

Help Your Listing Stand Out

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/help-your-listing-stand-out-658

[Michelle4686 · Accepted solution]

Thanks so much for the ideas.  Our price is a little higher than others in area.  Our house is REALLY NICE in comparison, with many extra amenities.  So far everyone that has stayed, absolutely loved it and gave great reviews.  It's too bad the algorithm is so generic.

[Elisa]

Hi @Michelle4686 😊, 

Thank you for asking this here!

How long have you been hosting?

Did Joan’s reply help you better understand this?
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

[Michelle4686]

Hi Elisa,

Yes it did help.  Have been hosting less than a year.  A traveler many times, set my house up how I would want one to be.  I guess the algorithms take over:(

Thanks so much!

Michelle

[Elisa]

Hi @Michelle4686 😊, 

I'm sorry about this.

Let me know if I can help you further or how things go in the future!