If you’re an Airbnb host who’s ever struggled with visibility in search results, you’re not alone. The good news is: you don’t need to lower your prices to get more bookings. Instead, you can use other strategies to boost your rankings. They will attract the right guests while keeping your rates higher.
This post will share high-impact tips to improve your Airbnb listing’s rank. They won’t cut into your nightly rate. These strategies have helped me and, my coaching clients stay competitive in saturated markets.
Why Does Airbnb Ranking Matter?
Think of Airbnb’s search algorithm as the gatekeeper to your ideal guests. When guests search for a place to stay, Airbnb prioritizes listings. It ranks them based on relevance, amenities, flexibility, and guest appeal. If your listing fails to meet their standards, you get buried in the search results.
But Airbnb rankings aren’t static. They’re dynamic and can be influenced by the changes you make to your listing. And no, you don’t have to drop your prices to climb higher in search results. Once you have a high occupancy strategy, dropping prices should be your last resort.
Highlight Must-Have Amenities
A fast way to boost your Airbnb ranking is to have and list the most sought-after amenities. Imagine you own a beautiful property with a hot tub, but you forgot to check the “hot tub” box in your listing. Guests filtering for properties with a hot tub will never even see your place.
Pro tip: Tools like AirDNA can show you what amenities are in your market. For example, in Big Bear, California, 42% of guests filter for properties with hot tubs. However, only 36% of listings actually have one. If you don’t have one, or didn’t mark it in your listing, you’re missing a big advantage in searches.
High-impact amenities to consider adding include:
- Hot tubs
- Air conditioning (especially for warmer climates)
- Washer and dryer
- Cribs or high chairs for families
- Accepting Pets
Don’t just add these features. Highlight them in your listing to catch both guests and, Airbnb’s algorithm.
Flexibility Is Key
Another major factor in Airbnb rankings is how flexible your listing is. The algorithm rewards the hosts with the most flexibility.
Here are some ways to increase your flexibility:
- Lower Minimum Stay Requirements: In many markets, 1-2 night stays rank higher than listings with longer minimums. Even seasonal adjustments can help. Shorter stays in slow months, and longer stays in peak seasons.
- Flexible Cancellation Policies: Moderate or flexible cancellation policies boost a listing’s rank. This is especially true for last-minute searches.
- Turn on Instant Book: Airbnb prioritizes listings that allow guests to book immediately without approval.
Consider each of these options carefully, and make adjustments when needed. You want to make sure you’re attracting your ideal guests.
Optimize Your Keywords
You wouldn’t create a website without considering SEO. Your Airbnb listing is no different. Keywords matter, and not just in your title. Use them throughout your description, photo captions, and even your amenities list.
Focus on keywords that resonate with your ideal guest. For example:
- “Steps to the beach” for coastal properties
- “Mountain views” for cabins and ski resorts
- “Pet-friendly” for guests traveling with animals
These keywords attract clicks and boost conversion rates. The algorithm loves that. The more people click and book, the higher Airbnb ranks your listing.
Use Photos That Convert
Your photos are often the first impression potential guests get – and Airbnb knows it. Listings with high-quality, well-lit photos of key features tend to rank better.
I use a method I call “The 5-Photo Death Punch” to select my listing photos strategically. If you don’t know where to start, at least highlight your property’s key features in the first few images. Also, use an eye-catching cover photo that shows your property’s best feature.
Final Thoughts: Small Tweaks, Big Impact
You can raise your Airbnb ranking without cutting prices and profits. It’s about smart optimizations. Add amenities, improve flexibility, use keywords, and show your property with great photos.
These strategies work. They align with what Airbnb’s algorithm values most: guest satisfaction and conversion rates. And when you combine these tactics, you can stay competitive even in crowded markets.
Want more strategies like these? Join our free Facebook group. I dive deeper into topics like ranking, pricing strategies, and optimizing your listing for maximum bookings.
