Hello again @Linda4721
The first thing I do is check how a listing ranks compared to other similar listings in the area. Itโs crucial to aim for a spot on the first few pages of the 25 pages and 300 listings that Airbnb shows for any given search. Currently, your listing is being boosted because itโs โ*New,โ but this boost doesnโt last forever, so itโs something to keep in mind in the long run. (And itโs something you have a lot of control over if you work strategically on it.)
Firstly, Iโd like to reiterate that your family property has all the potential to become a great success because it truly โhas it all.โ Architecturally, itโs a fantastic house with a sleek, luxurious interior, a pool, etc., so you just need to understand what will ensure a good position on Airbnb in the long term. I have put together a list of key points to consider below:
Cancellation Policy: I see youโve chosen a strict cancellation policy, which is reassuring for hosts as it secures bookings. However, guests on Airbnb, Hotels.com, etc., have become accustomed to the flexibility of canceling closer to the arrival date. Many guests hesitate to book a place with a strict cancellation policy. Airbnb's search algorithm takes this into account, so having a strict policy might negatively impact your ranking.
Instant Booking: I'm not sure if youโve enabled "Instant Booking," but if not, consider doing so. Airbnb offers an option where only guests with good reviews can book instantly, while others must request to book. This is also said to improve your ranking.
Photos: Your photos should be high-resolution, bright, and of the real estate quality you often see in property listings. Your current photos are already attractive, partly because your place is so appealing. However, I would suggest brightening them up, hiring a professional photographer to retake them, and ensuring that 75% are taken on bright, sunny days. Also, make sure to include captions and visual descriptions for all your photos.
Description: Itโs said that the Airbnb algorithm favors longer descriptions. Make sure to fill out all the sections, including "Listing Description," "Your Property," "Guest Access," and "Other Details," which together form the description guests see. Ensure you complete ALL fields in the Airbnb listing panel. This can give you a ranking advantage.
Pricing: In the beginning, itโs very smart to price slightly below the market level, both to rank higher on Airbnb and to attract guests who can leave 5-star reviews. Once you start receiving good reviews, you can begin to raise the price to market level and eventually above if youโre doing exceptionally well. Consider using Airbnbโs option to create special offers as wellโthis can also boost your listingโs visibility.
These are five important tips. If you really want to dive deep into how to improve your visibility on Airbnb, try Googling โHow to beat the Airbnb search algorithmโ or something similar. There are plenty of great suggestions on how to improve your listing, and itโs worth the effort since not everyone takes these steps. This will give you a competitive edge.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions. Iโm a relatively new host myself, but Iโve managed to rank highly and receive excellent reviews by researching how to โdo everything rightโ on Airbnb. Iโm keeping my fingers crossed that this continues, but Iโve been surprised at how much you can influence your success with the right strategies.
Best of luck with everything!
Best regards,
Karen
