Airbnb SEO: 10 Proven Tips to Boost Your Ranking

Optimizing your listing using Airbnb SEO is the first step to getting more bookings. It’s no wonder as listings on the first page of the Airbnb search results always get more views and inquiries. To become one of those top listings, you need to know how the search algorithm actually works.  

If you want to rank higher, you should get ready to stand up to the serious competition. There are currently over 7 million Airbnb listings throughout the entire world! This is why cutting through the noise is getting harder each year.  

To help you boost your Airbnb search ranking, we have compiled a list of 10 key tips.

1. Be prompt in your guest replies

The first thing Airbnb takes into account is your response rate and response time. The response rate is the percentage of inquiries you responded to within 24 hours. The response time is the average amount of time that it took for you to respond to new messages. Airbnb calculates both metrics based on data from the past 30 days.

Your task as a host is to maintain a high response rate and reply as quickly as possible. If you are prompt in your replies, Airbnb and potential guests will regard you as a responsive host. The platform rewards such hosts with a higher Airbnb ranking. You should also keep in mind that failing to respond within 24 hours can affect your response rate. Consequently, it may have an impact on your ranking position.

Hosts confess that sometimes communication with guests gets overwhelming. Inundated with messages at times, hosts struggle to maintain a high response rate. To be able to reply quickly, you should know right away when a potential guest sends you an inquiry. To help you operate on the go, download the Airbnb app to your smartphone.

Also, save your replies as guests usually ask about the same things. Mostly, they might inquire about parking, transfer from the airport or the check-in time. Keep your pre-written responses on hand and copy and paste them when necessary.

To improve your response rate and hence Airbnb SEO, try vacation rental software such as iGMS. iGMS allows you to automate your communication by creating templates of your replies. Also, you can send triggered messages on preset dates and times. Your guests will stay informed and you will maintain a high response rate.

2. Keep your calendar updated

Hosts who update their calendars have higher chances to increase their Airbnb SEO. If you update your calendar regularly, the Airbnb algorithm tags you as an active host.

Moreover, it is in your best interest to keep your calendar updated, unless you want to miss a potential booking.

Though, if you manage several properties on more than one platform, this may turn into a real headache. Logging in and out of your accounts is not the most productive way to use your time. This is why property managers employ software solutions to track bookings across platforms. Vacation rental software also helps to prevent double-bookings. So, you will stay sane, retain your good reputation and your position in the search results.

3. Get more 5-star reviews

Good reviews are paramount for building up your reputation and optimizing your Airbnb SEO. Search ranking on Airbnb looks at the number of guests you’ve hosted and the ratings left by them. The great news is that a small percentage of bad reviews won’t affect your ranking if you have many good reviews.

Though, at the beginning of your hosting career, a bad review can be devastating. Do your best to grow the number of positive reviews, if you have just started.

To get good reviews, email your guests right after their stay and ask for any feedback. Mention that you are ready to work on improving the guest experience. If their feedback is good and doesn’t have any critical remarks, leave a review for them on Airbnb. If they were not satisfied with their stay, refrain from reviewing them on the platform.

To get more reviews and increase Airbnb SEO, use a software solution that allows you to automate reviews. For example, iGMS enables you to build templates and publish reviews right via the system.

4. Use Instant Book

Instant Book allows travelers to book properties immediately. Guests appreciate this opportunity to book fast and without any obstacles. Moreover, the Airbnb algorithm pushes listings that are more likely to get booked to the top. That’s why listings with Instant Book on occupy the top positions in the search results.

Sometimes people who are searching for accommodation limit their searches only to listings that allow Instant Book. This means that if you have turned this option off your listing won’t even appear in their search.

Enabling Instant Book also helps to secure more bookings and increase revenue. If you are still worried about using Instant Book, add requirements that guests should meet if they want to book with you. You can make your listing available only for guests who have submitted their IDs. Another option is to accept guests who have recommendations from other hosts. You can even opt for both of these requirements to feel less troubled when turning your Instant Book on.

5. Avoid rejections and cancellations

To please the requirements of the Airbnb SEO algorithm, you should avoid cancellations. By keeping your calendar updated and listing complete, you reduce the chances of having a canceled booking.

Rejections can also result in a drop in your search ranking position. Airbnb looks at how often guests request to book with you and how often you reject them. The platform compares you to other hosts. So, if you reject more guests than other hosts, your Airbnb ranking may decrease.

6. Fill in your Airbnb profile and keep it updated

A completed listing and host profile are essential for Airbnb SEO. Usually, filled in listings attract more bookings as guests want to feel safe and only book with hosts who look trustworthy. Get your profile verified and make sure to complete each and every section of your listing.

Don’t forget to edit your profile once you have updates to share. You don’t want to have any inconsistencies between your profile and your answers to guest inquiries.

7. Promote your account on social media

Once you have set up your listing on Airbnb make sure to showcase it on social media too. Share it on your Facebook or LinkedIn page and ask your friends to do the same.

Having a presence on social media is essential for your Airbnb SEO strategy. Airbnb will appreciate your move by boosting your ranking immediately. External links are incredibly useful for your position in the search results. So, go beyond Airbnb and use other platforms to promote your business.

8. Create a guidebook

Another step to boosting your Airbnb SEO is by creating a guidebook for your listings. A guidebook is a great resource for guests as it is full of valuable recommendations. Hosts can share their favorite local spots, restaurants or things to do in the area.

When creating a guidebook, make sure to include a list of top attractions and landmarks. By including the most popular destinations, you will increase your chances to rank higher.

9. Use professional photos

A picture is worth a thousand words, they say. This holds true for Airbnb listings as well. Your Airbnb SEO will increase if you complement your listing with professional photos. Great photos can highlight the best features of your property. This, in turn, will attract more travelers to your listings.

What is more, Airbnb will watermark your photos and this will also automatically optimize your listing’s ranking.

10. Price competitively

When you are starting out, getting your first booking can seem a bit challenging. How are you going to compete with no reviews and ratings? The only way to win your first guest is to lower your listing price. By charging less than your competitors, you can attract travelers who are ready to explore a new property at a reduced price.

Once you have enough reviews and reached an occupancy rate of 80% or higher, you can justifiably increase your pricing. However, when increasing your pricing, you have to make sure that it is appropriate and competitive within the market. The Airbnb SEO algorithm takes into account your price as it is one of the factors that are the most important for guests.

Keeping up with the competition in terms of pricing is easier said than done, though. Usually, hosts don’t have time for completing data research or analyzing the prices of competitors. So, it makes sense to use pricing management tools to save time and remain competitive. These tools take into account seasonality, events, occupancy rates of your competitors which help you to come up with the most appropriate pricing.

Conclusion

Although optimizing your listing for Airbnb SEO may take some time, it is totally worth your effort. It doesn’t matter how great your accommodation is if your listing still falls behind. The list of Airbnb SEO principles can go on and on, but if you start by improving the basics you can already give your listing a substantial boost.

To have more time for making your listing better, you need to reduce the number of routine operations. This is where vacation rental software comes into play. Moreover, it may come in handy to improve many aspects of your rental management. Use vacation rental software such as iGMS to enhance your guest communication, grow the number of positive reviews and streamline the whole process of your business management.