Airbnb SEO
If you own a website, you will need to optimise it for search engines, and the same is true for your listing on the Airbnb search engine. But unlike the typical Google ranking factors, keywords or blog posts are not taken into account when we are dealing with Airbnb SEO, it's more about how you, the host, can meet the seachers needs.
Let's talk about the Airbnb search algorithm. It's no secret that the algorithm is a secret, and that there are more than 100 different factors that are taken into consideration when determining your listing's search ranking. Sounds like lot of work? No so much as those elements are mainly broken down into three main categories.
Guests Needs
A bit out of your control but good to know nonetheless. Airbnb will look at a number of factors relating to the guest:
- location the search is being made from
- previous trips history
- contents of Wish List
- listings they have clicked on
Details of your listing
Here's an area where you will have much more control over:
- How many five-star ratings a property has
- Price
- Location
- Does the property offer Instant Book?
- How quickly does the host reply to messages?
Details of the searchers trip
Again, difficult for the host to have much influence over but you need to be aware:
- How many guests
- Length of trip
- How far in advance the booking is
- Max or Min prices
So how do we get more Airbnb bookings?
Here's a few tried and tested suggestions to increase your bookings:
- Keep your bookings calendar up to date. Will improve your SEO with immediate effect by updating your availability and help you show up in the algorithm.
- Create your listing for your ideal traveller. Tailor the content to match whether you are looking to attract a single traveller, a business person, remote worker, or family.
- Always use professional photographs. You only get one "first impression" so make sure it's a good one!
- Be responsive to your guests communication. Response rate and time are both measured by the algorithm so make sure you take no longer than 24 hours to reply. By keeping on top of things you'll close more deals and thus rank higher.
- Offer Instant Book. Airbnb boosts listings that offer this service to guests.
- Aim to cancel as few bookings as you can. Refusals and cancellations will affect your search ranking so make sure your listing covers the house rules as clearly as possible.
- Be competitive on price.
- Encourage past guests to leave a review and star rating.
- Think of areas where you could "over deliver". A complimentary bottle of wine can go a long way to boost your guests' impression.
- Make sure your Airbnb personal profile details are filled in and up to date and that you are offering a welcoming description of yourself.
- Keep promoting your property on all social channels.
A lot to take in, but if you implement the points above you will soon see your bookings and rankings improve.
