Easy ways guaranteed to boost Airbnb SEO rankings

Your Airbnb faces stiff competition from thousands of other listings. Standing out is not just desirable—it's essential. This makes it one of the most crucial aspects of managing an Airbnb.

But how, exactly, do you boost Airbnb SEO rankings? In this article, we're unwrapping the secrets to Airbnb Search Engine Optimisation and how to rank higher on Airbnb.

What is Airbnb Search Engine Optimisation?

Also known as Airbnb SEO, Airbnb Search Optimisation is the process of optimising your Airbnb listing to rank higher and increase its visibility both on the Airbnb platform itself and on external search platforms such as Google.

Airbnb SEO typically involves improving the listing itself and marketing your short-term rental property outside of Airbnb to get more bookings and reviews.

Airbnb ranking factors

The Airbnb ranking algorithm takes the following into account:

1. Location

Potential guests typically look for properties located around key destinations that they plan to visit during their trip. Properties in holiday destinations, particularly those near local landmarks, popular attractions, or even venues for any seasonal events, tend to be the most profitable Airbnb destinations in Australia.

2. Price

It's important to note that guests also have a particular price range in mind when browsing properties to book. Properties with competitive rates tend to be booked more and much faster compared to properties that don't seem worth the expense.

3. Popularity

Engagement with your listing also affects its visibility — the more guests that interact with it through clicks, saves, and actual bookings, the better it will rank.

4. Guest reviews

Guest reviews are a key indicator of your Airbnb's quality; it's important that you give your guests a good overall experience — this means responding to any questions and concerns at all stages of their stay: before booking, during their stay, and after checkout.

How to rank higher on Airbnb and improve Airbnb search ranking

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 huge 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.

Airbnb photography tips

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, the cost of professional photos for Airbnb pay for themselves in the long-term, as they result to 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
• Using Airbnb dynamic pricing tools to set a benchmark for prices

Hometime tip: 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:

‍‍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. An Airbnb welcome basket with local treats or fresh flowers can help make a memorable first impression.

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. Aside from listing management, our team also offers the following services:

• Property onboarding: We’ll help you navigate local Airbnb rules for homeowners so you can list your home on Airbnb and alternative websites as quickly as we can so you can start getting bookings ASAP.‍
• Airbnb cleaning services: We’ll find the best cleaners for regular cleans and restocking between stays, paid for using the built-in cleaning fee from the booking. No need to pay out of pocket between guest stays.‍
• Revenue and booking management: Hometime’s pricing analysts and market experts use Airbnb dynamic pricing strategies and customised minimum night settings to help you calculate your Airbnb prices, allowing us to optimise your revenue while increasing short-term rental occupancy at the same time.‍
• Guest 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 guest vetting to avoid problem guests and potential Airbnb damage claims, 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.
• Access to Hometime's all-in-one property management software to manage your Airbnb remotely.

Frequently asked questions

What is SEO for Airbnb?

SEO for Airbnb is all about optimising your property's listing and guest experience in order to increase visibility and get more bookings.

How can I improve my Airbnb SEO?

Some of the things you can do to improve Airbnb SEO include:

• Using better photos and improving descriptions to increase engagement with your listing
• Give guests a top-quality experience so they leave great reviews
• Make personalised recommendations about what guests can do in the area; such as any local pubs, cafes, and restaurants that you think they should visit
• Ensure that prices remain competitive, relative to the property's value compared to other similar properties in the area

Does blocking dates affect Airbnb SEO?

​It's important to keep your Airbnb property's calendar open for as many days as possible — this ensures that more guests can see your property's listing more often.

If you need your property for personal use, it's better to block out specific dates rather than snooze it for extended periods of time.

What factors affect the Airbnb ranking algorithm?

Airbnb ranking factors include location, price, popularity, and guest engagement/reviews.

Can I rank higher on Vrbo using these methods?

While Vrbo has its own ranking algorithms compared to Airbnb, optimising the aforementioned ranking factors can improve your Vrbo rankings too.