There are millions of short-term rentals out there. Airbnb alone has more than 8 million listings. As someone breaking into the biz, this can feel intimidating. We get it. However, there are actionable things you can do to learn how to make your Airbnb stand out. From optimizing your listing page to offering high-quality amenities, this guide will break down how to make your Airbnb stand out in a few easy-to-follow-steps.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Why is this important?

As you can clearly see, guests are truly spoiled for choice when looking for short-term rentals. Your first line of defense in attracting guests is your listing. To have a good listing, you need to have a variety of elements in place. This is everything from great photos (the Airbnb Pro Photography Program is a great place to start) to Super Host status and consistent 5-star reviews.

Pro tip: Always read your guest reviews to see how you can improve. Be sure to respond to them as well if they are less-than-stellar.

How to make your Airbnb stand out

1. Take great photos

Your photos are the first thing guests notice. The reality is that we judge a book by its cover. Strong photos that really show off your Airbnb property can dramatically improve your listing’s visibility.

• Use professional lighting to highlight your space.
• Stage each room with aesthetically pleasing decor.
• Include exterior shots, especially if there’s cool outdoor space like a garden or patio.
• Work with a professional photographer

Pro Tip: If there is a cool little reading nook or you have something like a cedar-barrel sauna…highlight it! These are the types of images that stop people mid-scroll.

2. Write a strong description

This is your chance to let browsing eyes know exactly why your home is the one they should choose. This matters; consider your words wisely!

• Create an overall description of your home that highlights any particularaly cool features
• Have a great view? Include phrases like “Wake up to the sunrise over Lake Michigan.”
• Add info about any great amenities like gym access, a sauna, free parking, etc.

Example:

“Relax in our sunlit urban retreat just minutes from downtown. With stylish interiors, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a private patio, it’s the perfect home away from home for your city adventures.”

3. Make it personal

In our overstimulated society, it can feel all-too-easy like you’re just a number. Adding personal touches to make your guests feel important can go a long way in this industry.

• Provide a welcome note or gift (like coffee samples or local snacks).
• Share your personal favorite spots, like a coffee shop, hiking trail, or place to grab dinner, etc.
• Write a personalized note addressing the guest by name.

4. Share your house rules

Clear house rules set expectations and minimize misunderstandings. Keep your rules short and easy to follow.

• No smoking indoors.
• Please respect quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM.
• Only registered guests are allowed on the property.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Host Tools to automate your house rules communication and ensure every guest is informed without requiring constant follow-up.

5. Include personalized amenities

Surprise your guests by stocking your space with thoughtful extras like:

• A well-curated selection of books or board games.
• Local coffee beans with a grinder and a French press.
• Luxury toiletries

6. Automate your communication plan

Guests value clear and quick communication. Automate your messaging with tools like Host Tools so that you can provide check-in instructions, send reminders about house rules, and even request reviews after a guest leaves.

7. Sync calendars across platforms

To prevent double bookings, you need to make sure your calendars are up-to-date. Double bookings happen when someone books your property on Airbnb and another guest books it on Vrbo. This can be a disaster. Luckily, Host Tools will automatically sync your reservations so you never ever need to worry about this headache happening.

8. Use pricing tools

Host Tools integration with PriceLabs can help you capitalize on high-demand seasons while staying competitive during slower periods. Adjust your rates using intelligent pricing tools to maximize income while keeping bookings flowing.

9. Provide upsell opportunities

Host Tools now integrates with Host Co. to help you easily work with local partners to provide experiences to your guests. This means you can earn extra income when a guest books a local experience through you. These experiences are already vetted by Host Co., so you don’t need to worry about quality control. After all, travel is all about immersing yourself in the local community.

10. Encourage repeat guests

Encourage guests to return by offering exclusive deals or perks for booking with you again. Things like discounted rates for returning guests or personalized thank-you notes can make all the difference. Be sure to create a direct booking site so you don’t lose out on income from commissioning fees.

Bonus Tip: Create a hashtag for your property so guests can post on social media when sharing their experiences. Examples might include #StayAt[PropertyName] or #Explore[YourCity].

As you can see, learning how to make your Airbnb stand out is a very important part of this industry. It’s really just about the details. With so many listings out there, you want to focus on the little things that can elevate an experience. When you deliver on the details consistently, you start to see real-world results like 5-star reviews, full calendars, and, ultimately, more income.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!