Airbnb is one of the largest vacation rental platforms around the world. With 800 million visitors and more than 6 million active home listings (and counting), its popularity with travelers and homeowners alike is indisputable. This means there is both plenty of competition and opportunity for making money.
We’ve rounded up many of our own top techniques for driving bookings, commanding higher rates, and staying ahead of the competition. These nine tips will help you make top dollar on every booking on Airbnb, all year round.
1. Identify your target market
Consider who’s likely to book a stay at your vacation home, then aim to maximize your bookings from that audience. One way to do it: Tailor your marketing—from your listing description to your social media posts—with that audience in mind.
Your target guest can depend on home size (smaller homes are likely to attract more couples) and location (ski-in/ski-out cabins are a favorite for families and ski enthusiasts), among other factors. Your target market should also influence your decisions on how to decorate your property and which items you’ll stock it with.
2. Check out your competition
Look at the other Airbnbs you’re up against. Which are similar to yours in the area? What unique amenities do they offer? How do they decorate? How much do they charge at different times throughout the year? Most importantly—read their reviews. What do their guests like and dislike? Scoping out the competition on Airbnb is one of the smartest ways to gather intelligence on what visitors want, what they’re paying elsewhere, and how to stand out.
3. Decorate your vacation home to outperform
Design can make a massive difference on your earnings. After all, today’s guests are willing to pay more for a remarkable experience and appealing interiors versus a home filled with mismatched used furniture. According to the experts, professionally designed homes net:
- 116% more unique views of their listing
- 73% more revenue per available night
- 51% more nights booked
Designing for max income takes more than pretty patterns and colors. Some tips for success include:
- Consider who you’re designing for
- Anticipate how guests will use your space
- Select durable materials that can withstand multiple uses
- Stay away from outdated trends (ahem, matching bedding sets and cheap furniture)
4. Offer amenities guests want
A vital key to a profitable Airbnb—knowing what travelers need, want, and are willing to pay for. Start with the essentials every modern traveler expects, like napkins, a coffee maker, fresh sheets, laundry detergent, and high-speed WiFi. Make sure you’re covering it all with our vacation rental inventory checklist.
Then, invest in extra amenities that’ll elevate your home above the competition. Base this on your location and target market. For instance, to attract more pet owners (a smart move since dog-friendly vacation homes typically earn 10–20% more) offer items like a dog bed, leash, dog towels, dog bags, and food and water bowls. Own a beach house? Add beach towels, beach toys, and beach umbrellas to your shopping list.
5. Catch their eyes with professional photography
When capturing guests’ attention on Airbnb, looks do matter. When Airbnb users search for a home, they’ll see up to 20 homes on one page—so your photography has to stand out from the rest. From there, the formula is simple: The more people look at your listing, the more bookings you’ll get. Hire a professional photographer—preferably one experienced in capturing interior design or real estate images who understands the right lighting, angles, and details that appeal to potential guests.
If you work with Vacasa to manage your home, we’ll conduct a professional photo shoot of your entire home (at no extra cost) even before you get your first booking.
6. Write a compelling description that also sets expectations
Photos grab a traveler’s attention on Airbnb. An enticing description holds it. The best vacation rental listing descriptions shine a spotlight on all the great aspects of your vacation home, but with full transparency—gaining trust, building excitement, and closing the deal. (Professionally written listing descriptions are included with Vacasa’s full-service vacation rental management.)
Some tips when writing your rental description:
- Vividly describe the guest experience
- Mention your vacation property’s unique traits upfront
- Consider what visitors will want to experience in your destination
Some samples of Airbnb profiles and descriptions, written by our Vacasa copywriting team:
Modern, oceanfront cabin w/ stunning ocean views & nearby beach access!
Spacious Home w/ Private Pool & Golf Cart - 2 Blocks to Beach, Snowbirds Welcome
Cute Cottage by the Lake W/ Private Hot Tub, Firepit, Screened Porch & Fast WiFi
