Listing Optimization That Is More Than Just Professional Photos
- Citrus Velvet
- Dec 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 3
How to Optimize Your Airbnb Listing (Without Breaking the Bank on Professional Photos)
So, you’ve got your Airbnb up and running, and you’re ready to welcome guests—but there’s just one little problem: your listing isn’t getting the attention you hoped for. You’ve heard that professional photos are key (and they are! They very much are!), but what if you’re working with a budget or just don’t want to drop big bucks on a photographer? No worries! There’s so much more you can do to make your listing stand out and get booked. I’m going to show you some fun, easy, and budget-friendly ways to optimize your Airbnb listing and start attracting guests in no time!
Craft a Killer Title
Your title is like your listing's first impression — make it count! It’s the first thing potential guests will see, so it needs to be catchy and informative. Think of it as the "headline" that grabs attention.
Here’s the trick: don’t just say “Cozy Apartment in the City”—get specific. Try something like “Charming 2-Bedroom Loft with a City View & Free Parking!” or “Sunlit Cottage Steps from the Beach – Pets Welcome!” Your title should tell guests exactly what makes your place special, and using descriptive, appealing language will set you apart from the crowd.
Write a Compelling, Guest-Centered Description
Nobody wants to read a boring, generic description. Let’s be real—when was the last time you clicked on a listing that said, “Nice house, close to everything”? Zzz...
Instead, write your description in a way that paints a picture of what staying in your space will feel like. Additionally, write a description that is catered to the type of guest you want to attract. Maybe the winter time is slow for you, but you’re by many different mountains. Add a line or so in there that demonstrates how your house is a great place to relax after a day of hitting the slopes!
Start by highlighting the features guests will actually care about:
Comfort: Mention the luxurious king-size bed or the fact that the living room has the comfiest couch ever.
Amenities: Talk about the cool stuff they’ll love—think hot tubs, coffee stations, or that extra-large Smart TV.
Location: Share what’s nearby, from local coffee shops to quirky shops, parks, or must-see tourist spots.
And don’t forget to focus on your guests. Use “you” and “your” rather than “we” and “ours.” It’ll feel more personal, like you’re speaking directly to them.
Pro tip: You can even sprinkle in a bit of humor or warmth to make your description stand out. People want to know what they’ll experience, not just what they’re renting.
Show Off Your Space in the Best Light (Even If You’re Not a Pro Photographer)
I get it—professional photos are great, but you can still make your listing pop without spending a ton of cash. The secret? Good lighting and a little creative styling. Here’s how:
Light it up: Natural light is your best friend! Open the blinds and take your photos during the day to let the sunshine in. If you don’t have a ton of natural light, grab a cheap ring light from Amazon or use floor lamps to brighten up dark corners.
Declutter like a pro: A clean, clutter-free space looks bigger, brighter, and more inviting. Tidy up before snapping any shots, and remove personal items or anything that distracts from the beauty of your space.
Angles are everything: Try to take photos from wide angles to show off the whole room. Stand in the doorway or corner of a room for the best perspective. And don’t forget to snap a few fun details—a comfy chair, a coffee station, or the stack of fluffy towels in the bathroom can help make your place feel like a home away from home.
Make Your Amenities Pop (Even If They’re Basic)
Guests love knowing exactly what they’re getting, so don’t be shy about showcasing all the little things that make your space special—whether it’s a fancy coffee machine or that microwave with the “fancy” popcorn button.
Be sure to highlight your best amenities in your listing details. And if you have extra perks that guests will love (like free Wi-Fi, a hot tub, or a fully stocked kitchen), shout it from the rooftops (aka your listing). Include a clear list of what’s included, and if you can, go a step further by providing personal touches, like a welcome basket or a list of recommended local restaurants. These extras might seem small, but they can help you shine above the competition.
Show Off Your Unique Selling Points
What makes your space stand out? Maybe it’s the jaw-dropping view from the balcony, the fact that you have an in-house petting zoo (okay, maybe not), or a vintage record player with a curated vinyl collection. Whatever it is, make sure to highlight those unique selling points in your listing. These quirks are often what make your place memorable to guests, and they could be the deciding factor when someone is choosing where to stay.
If your place has something unexpected and delightful—like a hammock in the backyard, a rooftop garden, or an epic game room—don’t bury it in the middle of your description. Mention it early, and give it a little extra love.
Use Guest Reviews to Your Advantage
If you’re lucky enough to already have some glowing guest reviews, USE THEM. People trust other guests’ opinions—so don’t be afraid to showcase the positive feedback you’ve gotten. You can even quote a review or two in your listing description to highlight just how much guests love your space.
If you haven’t gotten many reviews yet, don’t panic. Think about asking friends or family who’ve stayed to leave an honest review. And most importantly, provide an experience that will make your future guests rave about your place!
Update Your Calendar Regularly
Nothing says “I’m serious about hosting” more than keeping your calendar up-to-date. If you have available dates, make sure they’re listed; if your schedule changes, update it ASAP. Guests want to know they can book your space without a hassle. An active, well-maintained calendar shows that you’re on top of things and dedicated to hosting.
Additionally, if you're on Airbnb updating your calendar regularly will change the algorithm and move your listing to a different spot on the list. No guarantees on how far up it will change, but it's something to think about.
Use Pricing Wisely
No one wants to feel like they’re overpaying for a place, so make sure your pricing is competitive. Use Airbnb’s Smart Pricing tool or check out similar listings in your area to get an idea of what’s standard. You don’t have to lower your rates too much, but a little flexibility can go a long way in helping you attract more bookings.
PriceLabs is also a great tool! It isn't free like Airbnb's Smart Pricing Tool, but it seems to work better than Airbnb's tool in my opinion. It has helped us tremendously with our STR. We actually wished we used it sooner!
Also, keep an eye on the calendar. If you notice a slow week coming up, offer a discount or a special deal to boost your chances of getting booked.
Create an Awesome House Manual (Digital or Paper)
A well-organized house manual can make your guests feel more at ease and help them navigate your space like a pro. Include details like:
Check-in/check-out times
Wi-Fi password
Instructions for the TV or appliances
Any house rules (pets, smoking, etc.)
Emergency contacts and nearby attractions
You can easily create a digital manual or leave a printed one in the room. Either way, guests will appreciate the helpfulness.
Fun fact: we didn't have a house manual at first in our STR (mostly from trying to get it open quicker). We use guests' feedback all the time (and actually show them the changes that we implemented from their feedback in our email campaigns - more on this in a different post!). One of the feedback comments that we received from multiple guests is that they wished we had a House Manual. So if you think no one is reading, think of this as proof that they are!
Optimizing your Airbnb listing isn’t just about professional photos—it’s about making your space shine in a way that speaks to potential guests. By crafting a catchy title, writing a compelling description, and showcasing all the little details that make your space unique, you’ll set yourself up for success. And don’t forget: keeping your calendar updated, offering clear communication, and incorporating guest reviews will help you get even more bookings. You’ve got this! Now go ahead and make that listing work its magic!
If you have any questions or comments (or just want to chat), don't be afraid to ask us!
We loved hosting you and glad you had a good stay! Come again soon!
x Citrus Velvet Interiors
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