Why is my listing 74th on the site?

[Jennifer3640]

I've optimized the listing from a blog post super user, have professional photos, strategic with the first 5 photos, and other changes I made to make my listing appealing.  Listings with less stars and marginal photos are higher up.  I get why new listings might get play, as I did, but I feel like I should be further up. I searched in privacy mode, 2 people, 1 pet. 

Ideas anyone?  

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Jennifer3640 I guess this just shows that blog post super users have no more idea how the Airbnb search algorithm works than us mere mortals.

[Jennifer3640]

Wait! I meant to say Super Host, lol. And a new Host, period! 

So back to the original ask, ideas on how to end up on the first page of a search instead of 75th profile on page 4?

 Sincerely

A mere mortal 

[Helen3]

If you look on Airbnb Help (much more reliable than third party blogs) it gives you a good idea of factors Airbnb takes into account https://www.airbnb.co.uk/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-search-works-on-airbnb-460

IB, availability, reviews and ratings etc , all factor in .

And of course it changes depending on who is searching, the criteria the searcher uses and when you search . 

[Joan2709]

Hi @Jennifer3640 !

Luv your place! You're in a great location and have fantastic reviews! I'm a bit confused, as I did a search by dates and just a general search for Show Low any week, and you appeared as #1 in search results! Can't get any better than that!  See below for a few ideas though.

Some things to try out for 3-4 weeks....

Title

I would not refer to your listing as "Cottage". I would change your Title and all references in your description to "Cabin" instead of "Cottage." Your decor, exterior and location say more "cabin" than "cottage" to me and that fits the area. This might get you more views, clicks and bookings. Not sure what category you're in, but I think "cabins" would be a better category for your listing also. If you do change the title and all references in your listing to cabin, be sure to ask Airbnb to add your listing to the cabins category (you can request this now). If someone is searching by category in your area, I'm sure they would search more under "cabins" than "cottages". 

Cover Photo

I would really try to get a "killer" cover photo.  Exterior, twilight photos do really well. I would reshoot this photo at twilight. Turn on all the lights in the house, outside lights and string lights on the patio. Get a fire started in the fire pit. Now re-take the shot when you see a warm glow from all the lights but can still see the cabin clearly. Try to get the evening sky in the upper 1/3 or the photo. I would take it at a slight angle, looking towards the house from the fire pit area. I would also take another shot straight on. This would make a killer cover photo.

I would also re-shoot the patio photo at twilight with the string lights on. Set the table with placemats and dinnerware. Guests like to see themselves enjoying the space. The drone shot you have now for the cover I would keep to show perspective of the surrounding area, but I think reshooting the photo below would get you more views as the cover photo.

Reshoot @twilight, all lights on, fire going in fire pit, string lights on patio

Reshoot at twilight, string lights/all lights on, set table

Below is a great example of a twilight, exterior cover photo. Try some of these things out for 3-4weeks. If you don't see an uptick in bookings, change it! Never let your Title, Description, or photos stay stagnant. Wishing you much continued success! Let us know how it goes!

Example - twilight cover photo

[Jennifer3640]

Thank you very much Joan! I’m already changing the cottage references to cabin. 

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

Ooops...forgot. I woud also retake the same drone shot (cover photo you have now) at twilight and use both on the listing (be sure all your lights are on).

Those guests with pets would like to see more closeup photos of the fenced back yard, as that would be important to them. Think you mentioned some amenities you provide for pets (dog beds, raised food/water bowls), I would also add photos of those pet-friendly amenities to your listing.

Cheers!