Top 7 Tips to Create a Competitive Airbnb Listing

Rise Above the Competition With These 7 Airbnb Listing Tips.

Renting out your apartment or home is an easy way to make passive income, but only with a strong listing. The goal of your Airbnb listing is to generate more clicks that convert to bookings. Here are 7 tips to create a competitive listing and a successful business.

1. Create a Unique Headline

Creating a headline that makes viewers click is your first step to a competitive Airbnb listing. While it is important to mention how many bedrooms your Airbnb offers, that can be done in the description. First off, discover a unique selling proposition for your property and highlight it. What makes your property different? This can be the location, the design, or the reviews (boasting about a perfect 5/5  rating will immediately make you and the listing appear reliable). Your headline should keep viewers from scrolling by.

2. Sell an Experience Not a Rental

How do you feel after reading your listing? Emotions influence what we buy.

“Huge 2 bedroom apartment available immediately” or “Enjoy Downtown Chicago in the Lap of Luxury”- if both listings were at the same price, which would you click first? Lap of luxury sounds pretty sweet to me. If the listing doesn’t make you excited about your destination, it’s time to revise. This leads us to storytelling.

3. Tell a Story in the Description

Your Airbnb listing is receiving all kinds of clicks because of your unique headline, now what? Once you’ve excited readers about their “enchanting getaway bungalow” it’s time to make sure they book your Airbnb, or at the very least make it a favorite.

The layout of your description should be written in a storytelling format. Avoid bullets or dashes. This is boring and what so many Airbnb managers are doing wrong with listings.  Storytelling includes all the details of the rental property. It goes a little something like this:

“ As you approach your getaway bungalow park in the two-car garage with the provided entry remote. You’ll make your way across the pebble footpath…upon entering your home away from home, hang your coat in the entrance closet where you can also store additional luggage…your travel was exhausting so it’s time to melt into your king size bed, hugged by Egyptian cotton sheets.…”

I would book this Airbnb listing long before the guy with the bullet point description.

4. Photos, Photos, Photos

Photos are a HUGE selling point and a great way to let your listing shine. When it comes to your Airbnb listing photos, two rules apply- the more the merrier however quality over quantity.

For the best photos, stage your rental and hire a photographer. Consider this a business investment. Photos are very impactful so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Whatever you do, don’t post terrible cell phone shots. If you want your listing taken seriously, filtered photos won’t help.

If you choose to take your own photos using a high-quality camera, make sure the property is staged for the demographic you are trying to reach. If you are renting a large home for families or large groups, create a comfortable, ready-to-live feel. For the working professional in town for a meeting, you may want to stage a clean-cut functional space. Always keep your renter in mind.

One of the greatest differences between Airbnb and a traditional hotel is being able to see accurate photos of where you’re sleeping. Be as detailed as possible and have at least one photo of each room (though 2-3 is ideal).

5. Go Above and Beyond Amenities

Most listings will have AC and Wi-fi and other essential amenities. This isn’t too exciting. You’ll need more to really have an edge on the competition. Consider offering any of the following additions and features that help your Airbnb listing compete:

• Keurig with ample K-Cups
• Semi-stocked fridge or pantry 
• City guides
• Local takeout menu
• Any promotions you have access to
• A guest Netflix account

Yes, these are additional business expenses but the payout comes in the form of reviews.

6. Maintain Positive Reviews

What’s a great looking listing with terrible reviews? Reviews are powerful and can ultimately sway someone left or right- no matter how fancy the photos are.

A great way to encourage all guests to leave an honest review is with incentives. On the last day of your guests stay, offer a discount, gift card, or even a one-night free stay on their next visit for leaving a review good or bad. This will have a powerful impact on your business and leaves a good last impression.

Great reviews will also get you badged a superhost. Becoming a Superhost is an ideal way to help your listing shine. Check out how to become an Airbnb Superhost to get your badge now.

7. Over Deliver on All Claims

It goes without saying that all claims need to be backed by a positive experience for the guest. Have the property in the best possible shape, ideally reflecting the photos provided. Do something that’s even a little more than promised and be available to your guest. Once the apartment is booked, it is the host’s opportunity to shine, but it all starts with creating a competitive Airbnb listing. Consider your listing the store-front of your business. Do you like what you see? Does it best represent the property? If not, make these changes and what your booking rate increase. Happy listing!

Author: Amina Grace