Airbnb SEO: How to Rank Higher on Airbnb

Your Airbnb faces stiff competition from thousands of other listings. Standing out is not just desirable—it's essential. But how, exactly? In this article, we're unwrapping the secrets to Airbnb SEO and how to rank igher on Airbnb.

Airbnb SEO: How to Rank Higher on Airbnb

1. Use Photos that Make People Want to Book

Your listing photos are often the first impression guests have of your property — they can often be the difference between someone clicking your listing or scrolling past to the next option, which is a factor in Airbnb SEO. Review your listing’s photos critically: are they showcasing the best aspects of your space? Are they bright, inviting, and truly reflective of what guests can expect? If not, it's time for an update.

Take a look at the example below on how to take good photos for your short-term rental:

But taking photos isn't just about your photography skills; it's also about styling, with the best photos combining technical quality with thoughtful presentation. Check out this video from Hannah, Hometime's Portfolio Optimisation Manager, to learn how to style your Airbnb property to keep guests happy:

‍‍Ensure your property photos are light-filled, capture attractive angles, and highlight the unique selling points of your space. Think of adding charming touches like fresh flowers or plush towels to add warmth.

Before you start shooting, make sure to:

• Shoot between 10am and 2pm for best natural light
• Open all curtains and blinds
• Clear surfaces of personal items
• Make beds with crisp, clean linen
• Put toilet seats down
• Remove bins, cleaning supplies and washing baskets
• Set your dining table
• Stand in doorways or corners to show more of each room
• Keep your camera level - no tilted angles

You can also consider hiring a professional photographer who specialises in property photography. Though it may seem pricey, professional photos are an investment that typically pays for itself through increased bookings, better occupancy rates, and higher nightly rates.

‍2. Pricing: Finding the Sweet Spot

One of the key aspects of figuring out how to rank higher on Airbnb is by learning how to set the right price: too high, and you scare away potential guests; too low, and you undervalue your offering, which can lead to a different set of problems. ‍Aim for competitive pricing that maximises occupancy without compromising your property’s worth. More bookings often lead to more rave reviews, giving you a big boost in Airbnb SEO and propelling your listing into the limelight — which can lead to getting a Superhost status in the long run.

Your pricing should reflect both your property's value and market demand, which changes throughout the year. Study your local market, including similar properties in your area. Look at their amenities, locations, and how their prices change with seasons and events. Understanding your competition helps you position your property effectively without undervaluing it.

It's important to develop a flexible pricing strategy that responds to market conditions. Consider:

• Higher rates during major events, school holidays, and peak seasons
• Discounts for longer stays or last-minute bookings during quiet periods
• Covering all your costs (cleaning fees, utilities, supplies, management costs) while still offering competitive value

Hometime tip: Use our Airbnb pricing guide to learn how to determine Airbnb prices to help figure out how much your nightly rates should be. You can also refer to our video guide on pricing:

You should also factor in all your costs when setting base rates: cleaning fees, utilities, supplies, and management costs should all be covered while still offering competitive value to guests.

‍‍Stay vigilant with your pricing strategy, especially during peak seasons. Don't shy away from adjusting your rates to match demand—this doesn't mean gouging prices, but rather smartly capitalising on higher booking trends to increase your revenue without sacrificing occupancy. Remember, the right price attracts the right guests and ensures your Airbnb remains both competitive and profitable.

3. Highlight What Makes Your Property Unique

While stunning photos and smart pricing are obviously important, you should never underestimate the power of a good description. Your property’s description is where you can truly sell the experience. One of the easiest ways to rank higher on Airbnb SEO is to advertise your property's unique elements; for example, including easy access to a popular landmark, a stunning view, or unique cultural elements in your listing is a great way to stand out and attract more guests.

And don't just list features of your property — weave them into narratives that ignite the imagination. Transform 'Large kitchen with stainless steel appliances' into a scene where guests envision themselves cooking a hearty meal with ingredients from the local market. ‍Every word should invite readers to picture themselves enjoying your space, turning contemplation into action—booking your property.

Hometime tip: Our guide on what makes a good Airbnb property can help you pinpoint what features to highlight in your description.

4. Respond to Guest Concerns ASAP

Keeping your guests happy leads to great reviews, and getting great reviews is one of the best tips on how to rank higher on Airbnb. One of the first things you should do as an Airbnb host is to set up automated messages on Airbnb; this helps you address frequent guest concerns in a timely manner, such as check-in/check-out times and key exchanges, without any extra effort on your end. You should also add printed guides on how to use features of your property to help guests once they've checked in, without having to send messages through the app.

Always stay on alert for any incoming guest messages — this helps you respond to their queries in a timely manner, especially if the guest is reporting an urgent concern that needs to be addressed quickly. And should you ever run into a difficult or bad guest, it's important to know how to handle the situation from all stages: before, during, and after their stay (including writing reviews to help future hosts). This helps you avoid any retaliatory reviews from them.

And if you're finding it difficult to deal with guest concerns 24/7, you can always consider working with Airbnb managers who can manage guests on your behalf.

5. Add Thoughtful Touches that Guests Remember

The difference between a good review and a great one can come down to small details. Start with high-quality essentials: comfortable bedding, fluffy towels, and reliable WiFi are non-negotiable. Then think about what would make a stay more comfortable and convenient.

In the kitchen, stock basic items like coffee, tea, cooking oil, and salt and pepper. Provide quality cookware and sharp knives - guests who cook appreciate these details. Include practical items like paper towels, bin bags, and cleaning supplies so guests can maintain the space during their stay.

Create a welcome guide that goes beyond basic house rules. Include your favourite local cafes, walking routes, and hidden gems that tourists might miss. Add emergency contacts, transport information, and wifi details. These local insights help guests feel like locals and often lead to better reviews.

Consider small touches that show you've thought about guest comfort. Multiple device charging points, spare pillows with different firmness options, and basic toiletries make a stay more comfortable. A welcome basket with local treats or fresh flowers can help make a memorable first impression.

Learn How to Rank Higher on Airbnb with Hometime

Managing all these aspects of your Airbnb takes time and attention to detail. At Hometime, we help property owners maximise their returns through professional management services. Our team offers the following services:

• Property onboarding:
  We’ll help you set up your short-term rental as quickly as we can so you can start getting bookings ASAP.
• Listing optimisation:
  Our team constantly works on improving your Airbnb listing through great content, showcasing the best of your property with high-quality professional photos and detailed guides for your guests. This also includes property styling and photography to make your Airbnb stand out and to maximise its appeal.
• Multi-channel management:
  We list your property on Hometime, Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo to maximise bookings. Calendars between each platform are synced, so there's no risk of double-booking.
• Dynamic pricing strategy:
  Hometime’s pricing analysts and market experts will help optimise your revenue while increasing occupancy at the same time.
  
• Airbnb cleaning services:
  We’ll find the best cleaners to look after your home, whether it’s for regular cleans, deep cleans ready for peak season, or even restocking essentials. We use the built-in cleaning fee from the booking, so there’ll be no need to pay for it out of pocket.
  
• Guest vetting, communication, and management:
  We go the extra mile to ensure your guests enjoy every part of their stay, from making the booking, checking in, checking out, and everything in between. This includes taking care of maintenance issues quickly, providing alternatives for late-night arrivals, and even meeting them in person when needed!
  
• Property maintenance:
  Hometime’s local Airbnb experts will sort out all your maintenance needs to make both you and your guests happy. We’ll also do our best to get you the best rates for services in the area due to our close relationships with local businesses.
• Homeowner Portal access: Easily monitor your property's performance at a glance, view detailed breakdowns of your earnings, and view a detailed calendar of guest bookings.
• Exclusive Hometime partnerships: We have a range of supplier partners across categories such as cleaning, furniture, and consumables to provide high-quality amenities in your property for a great price.