Elevate Your Listing to Top Rankings: A Quick Guide

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The Insider @ Houst
Last updated on
September 11, 2023

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Elevate Your Listing to Top Rankings: A Quick Guide

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Houst is a leading property management company specialising in short-term and medium-term bookings in eight countries. With over 7 years of experience and managing over 300,000 bookings, we help homeowners make the most of their properties.

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In the world of marketing, there's a classic saying that goes something like this:

'If you want to make something disappear, just toss it onto the second page of a Google search.'

This saying rings true because it's all about securing a spot in the top 10 search results. You might as well be invisible if you're not there, as clicks become a rare commodity. The importance of visibility holds just as true for Airbnb hosts. If your property isn't featured prominently in Brian Chesky's platform's search results, your chances of keeping it fully booked are slim.

So, as a host, how can you ensure that your Airbnb listings are easily discoverable by potential guests? Let's look at how to get your Airbnb listing to the top!

Table of Contents

How Airbnb Ranks Property Listings

Have you ever wondered how Airbnb always finds the ideal place for you to stay? They use a highly intelligent algorithm that factors in over 100 variables, such as your preferences and saved listings. It's like having a personal search assistant that works tirelessly in the background to provide tailored results just for you. How amazing is that?

The goal is to meet guests' specific vacation rental needs. However, due to the intricate nature of this algorithm and the frequent updates it undergoes, hosts often face a considerable challenge when securing a high position on the search results list for their listings.

Tips to Improve Listing Ranking on Airbnb

 

Now, let’s have a look at how to get your Airbnb listing to the top: 

Get Verified 

Complete verification to become a trusted Airbnb host, especially if you're new. Airbnb places a high value on trust, so becoming verified is a crucial first step. You must share important information and credentials to obtain a verified account.

Visit your Airbnb Profile menu and locate the Trust and Verification submenu. Follow the steps provided to build a more robust and trustworthy profile. The first steps involve confirming your email address and phone number. You can improve your Airbnb account's security and authenticity by connecting your LinkedIn, Google, and Facebook accounts.

If you're a new host and don't yet have guest reviews, you can still boost your trust rating by gathering references. Reach out to friends and family, asking them to provide a recommendation as a host. In your Airbnb Profile, please navigate to the References section and create a request for them to approve.

However, it's important to use this feature wisely. Only request references from individuals who know you well and can genuinely vouch for your Airbnb hosting qualities. Airbnb values the quality of references over quantity, so choose wisely when building your trustworthiness profile. 

Provide Better Guest Experience for Positive Reviews 

Enhancing the guest experience is pivotal to garnering more reviews and boosting your Airbnb listing's visibility. Once you've set expectations with a well-defined title, a detailed description, captivating photos, and a complete host profile, the key is to meet and exceed those expectations during your guests' stay. This goes a long way in motivating guests to leave top-notch 5-star reviews for your property.

The accumulation of positive Airbnb reviews can significantly elevate the visibility of your listing, increasing your booking potential. Here are some cherished ways to surpass guest expectations and pave the way for more glowing reviews:

  • Welcome Packages: Consider providing a thoughtful Airbnb welcome pack or gift basket that includes essentials, a unique local souvenir, a taste of local cuisine or beverages, and a handwritten welcome note. If your guests have a baby or a pet, include a small token gift for them to show your consideration.
  • Personalised Touch: Invest in a blackboard for your entry hall and, before your guests arrive, welcome them with a note in their native language, including their names and perhaps a symbol representing their place of origin.
  • Immaculate Cleanliness: Inform your guests that your property is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. Express sincere gratitude for their stay after they've left, as this can encourage them to reciprocate with a review.
  • Consider Guest Needs: If your guests are travelling with a baby or pet, ensure you're well-stocked with baby wipes, pet treats, spare towels, and even a pet bed. These thoughtful additions convey your care for their beloved companions.
  • Digital Guidance: Replace physical maps with a more modern approach. Visit local attractions on your list, save their precise Google Location coordinates on your phone, and send them to your guests with explanations for each destination. This local insight can enhance their stay significantly.
  • Communication: If you're nearby, visit your guests upon arrival to ensure their comfort and promptly address any needs. For remote hosts, send a message soon after check-in and touch base after the first day to demonstrate your availability and assistance while respecting their privacy.

Always ask your guests for reviews after each booking. Prompt them to share their feedback in goodbye notes, gentle reminders within property reading materials, or when surprising them with a special gift basket or thank-you note.

Make a Distinctive Listing

Ensuring your Airbnb property shines with uniqueness is essential in a vast sea of listings. Begin by leaving no section incomplete when you list your property; this grants guests a comprehensive glimpse into what awaits them. Dive into the details: vividly describe the space, devise an alluring title and captivating description, and provide an informative body text. Highlight precisely what sets your space apart, whether the amenities or house rules create a unique experience.

Moreover, articulate your expectations from guests, should you have any, by documenting them under the 'House Rules' section of your listing. This fosters transparency and understanding. Last but not least, remember that captivating Airbnb photography is the initial allure for potential guests. These visuals often precede reading, so invest in high-quality images that serve your space. 

Improve SEO for Better Airbnb Ranking

Airbnb's search engine optimisation (SEO) shares similarities with platforms like Google, albeit with its unique approach. Unlike Google, where SEO primarily revolves around websites, Airbnb focuses on optimising your property listing for its internal search engine.

The key distinction lies in the strategies employed. Airbnb doesn't place the same emphasis on keywords or the textual content of your ads as Google does. Instead, the primary concern centres on you, the host, and your ability to understand the needs and behaviours of potential guests.

For instance, Airbnb notes the number of clicks your listing receives when it appears in search results. While you have no direct control over this as a host, Airbnb considers it a vital indicator that guests are interested in learning more about your property when they repeatedly click on it. Consequently, even if your booking numbers aren't as high as desired, a high click-through rate can bolster your ranking.

However, it's crucial to note that Airbnb only counts clicks from individual guests. Clicking your listing numerous times won't impact your search result position.

Rank Your Airbnb Listing with Houst

Elevate your Airbnb listing with Houst, your trusted property rental management partner. Houst simplifies the entire process, from seamless guest check-ins to making the perfect Airbnb listing and ensuring spotless Airbnb cleaning. With Houst, you can maximise your Airbnb revenue. Let Houst help you shine as a host and unlock your property's full potential in short-term rentals.

The Insider @ Houst

The Insider @ Houst

The Insider team provides up-to-date and relevant information on short-term rentals to help navigate the world of short lets. If you're interested in publishing your content, please get in touch with us at expert@houst.com.

The Insider @ Houst

The Insider @ Houst

The Insider team provides up-to-date and relevant information on short-term rentals to help navigate the world of short lets. If you're interested in publishing your content, please get in touch with us at expert@houst.com.