If you're an Airbnb host, you know that the algorithm is everything. It decides how often your listing appears in search results and can make or break your business.
Many factors go into the algorithm, and it can be hard to keep up with all the changes. But if you want to be successful on Airbnb, it's important to understand how the algorithm works and how you can optimize your listing to get more bookings.
Here are some tips for beating the Airbnb algorithm:
Use Strategic Keywords
This is one of the best Airbnb host tips because it is often overlooked. Many hosts only write 2-3 sentences about their property, which harms the Airbnb algorithm. You want guests to spend more time reading about your listing to increase the amount of time they spend on your listing.
This measures how long users spend on your listing before leaving. When you are writing your listing title and description, be strategic in the words you use so you can get to the top of the search results on Google, Airbnb, and social media.
Make Booking Quick and Easy
When a prospective guest contacts a host about their listing, the host should try to respond as soon as possible. A prompt response is essential to the Airbnb algorithm, which also looks at the response rate (how many people a host responds to out of those who contact the listing).
Even if a guest seems suspicious or has terrible reviews, the host should still answer them to maintain good standing with Airbnb. Airbnb wants its users to be able to book accommodations quickly and easily, so it prioritizes listings that have "instant bookings" enabled.
Hotels typically offer an instantaneous booking experience, and Airbnb wants to encourage its users to do the same. You should avoid canceling bookings, as this will make it harder for you to get good search results.
Hire a Photographer
As a host, one of the best things you can do is to invest in high-quality photos of your property. This will not only help you rank higher on Airbnb's algorithm but also make it more likely for guests to discover your listing.
We recommend hiring a local photographer to take indoor and outdoor shots and close-ups of any special features your property might have. In total, aim for 20-30 great photos.
In other words, if you're not a professional photographer, you're better off hiring one who is rather than just taking iPhone photos. This is because the algorithms used by companies such as Airbnb and Google are very sophisticated and are driven by artificial intelligence (AI). These algorithms can tell if a picture is blurry, uninteresting, or lacks proper lighting.
Highlight Your Values
Make sure you take the time to personalize each one of your Airbnb listings. By personalizing your listing, you're making it more likely that guests will want to stay with you. Plus, it'll help you stand out from the competition.
Your values make you unique as a person and as an Airbnb host. Be sure to communicate your values to your guests so they know what kind of person they're dealing with. You may even want to consider creating a "house manual" that outlines your values and expectations for guests.
Your story is what makes your listing unique and exciting to potential guests. Share a little about your background and how it relates to your property. For example, if you're a farmer who hosts a farm stay, tell your guests about your passion for animals and nature. Be proud of your property and let that come through in your listing.
If your Airbnb is located in the mountains, you can use that to your advantage in attracting guests. Mentioning that hikes and nature lovers are welcome can be a great way to get people interested in staying at your Airbnb. A
Conclusion
Beating the Airbnb algorithm is all about playing the numbers game. By understanding how the algorithm works and what factors it takes into account, you can increase your chances of getting your listing seen by more people. By optimizing your listing for the algorithm, you can ensure that it is one of the first results that guests see when searching for a place to stay in your city.
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