How to rank higher on Airbnb and get more bookings

To rank higher on Airbnb, your listing needs a competitive price, an up-to-date calendar, quick replies to guests, no cancellations, good ratings and complete information and photos. Airbnb also takes into account how likely a traveller is to book the property after seeing it in the results.

Factors that can improve your property's visibility in Airbnb search results.

Increasing your property's visibility on Airbnb and other holiday rental platforms is essential to attract more guests and secure a steady flow of bookings. Appearing in the top search results gives you a competitive edge, because it increases the chances of travellers finding and booking your property. However, getting a better position is not a matter of luck; these platforms' algorithms take a range of factors into account.

Below we set out some of the aspects that affect the algorithm and how you can optimise them to improve your listing's performance.

Listing popularity

The Airbnb algorithm assesses your listing's popularity using several indicators, such as the number of bookings, views of the listing and how many users add it to their wishlists. Listings that generate more interest are more likely to appear higher in the search results.
To increase your listing's popularity, it is important to highlight the unique features of your property. Describing in detail what the guests' experience will be like can make all the difference. It is also crucial to add high-quality photos that show your space at its best, because attractive images tend to catch potential guests' attention more.

Value for money

Another key factor in improving your property's ranking is value for money. The algorithm prioritises listings that offer a competitive price relative to the quality of the property. Quality is assessed through several elements, such as the photos, guest ratings and the features of the listing.

Offering an attractive price compared with similar properties in your area will help you appear in a better position in searches. To set that price, it is worth understanding Airbnb and Booking commissions properly. On top of that, keeping a consistent quality of service can lead to better ratings and, in turn, improve your listing's ranking.

Amenities offered

The amenities you offer at your property also affect its visibility. Travellers look for comforts that make their stay more pleasant, such as high-speed wifi, self check-in and free parking. Including these amenities, or any other that sets you apart from the competition, can increase guests' interest and improve your listing's ranking.

Availability and response time

The property's availability and how quickly you respond to guest requests also affect your place in the search results. The more dates you have available, the more likely travellers are to find your listing when they search for accommodation in your area.

To improve on this, make sure you respond to booking requests within 24 hours at most and do not decline too many. Turning on «Instant Book» can also be a big advantage, because it lets guests book your property without waiting for your confirmation, which speeds up the process and improves the user experience.

It is also a good idea to reduce unnecessary restrictions, such as minimum or maximum stay lengths, to widen the range of possible bookings.

Good hospitality

Finally, offering an excellent hospitality experience is key to long-term success. If guests get what they expect, or even more, they are more likely to leave good reviews, which will have a positive impact on your listing's ranking. Here are more strategies to get more positive reviews.

It is essential to provide accurate descriptions of the property and keep clear, effective communication with guests. Solving any problem they may have quickly and efficiently will also stop them turning to the platform's customer service, which can likewise hurt your listing's performance.

How can beBalmy help you?

At beBalmy, we understand how important it is to optimise your listing to improve its visibility and attract more bookings. We offer a full management service for property owners, making sure your listing is always optimised and gives guests the best possible service. We handle pricing, optimise photos and descriptions, respond quickly to bookings and put in place the amenities travellers ask for most. With our help, your property can stand out on the platforms and appear in the top search results. And if you are still unsure which platforms to advertise on, here we explain where to advertise a holiday apartment.

If you are looking to get the most out of your property on platforms like Airbnb, beBalmy is here to help you do it. You can contact us through this form, or send us a WhatsApp message.