Insider Airbnb Algorithm Tips from an SEO Expert: Conquer the Algorithm
Have you ever wondered why some listings get a lot of love from the Airbnb Algorithm while others, not so much? You’re not alone. I wondered the same thing when I got started, which is why I made a career out of it. And so, after four years of teaching Airbnb SEO strategies to over 1,000 hosts worldwide, I’m spilling the beans on what really makes the Airbnb algorithm tick.
Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to get into the nitty-gritty of boosting your listing’s visibility and, let’s face it, your bank account. Trust me, by the time we’re done, you’ll be working that algorithm like a pro – and maybe even outsmarting it a little. Ready to become the host with the most (bookings)? Let’s do this.
Understanding the Airbnb Search Algorithm
Mastering Airbnb’s algorithm and understanding Airbnb’s search algorithm can have a great impact on your listing’s visibility and booking potential. As Airbnb points out on its website, numerous factors influence a listing’s search ranking (they’ll never give away everything, it’s their secret, after all), but they do list a few. Here they are:
Quality
Is, listed first, perhaps for a reason. Under the quality umbrella, Airbnb takes into consideration your listing photos (the ideal range is 16 or more with captions below each photo), ratings and reviews (Hosts with a minimum 4.9 rating are considered “Superhosts,” amenities, and your cancellation policy. The more lenient, the better.
Next, they list Popularity, but I am going to park that one for a second.
Price
Let’s talk money. The Airbnb algorithm isn’t just window shopping – it’s looking at the whole price tag. It’s comparing your listing’s total price to similar listings in your area for the same dates. And guess what? If your place is a bit cheaper than the competition (with similar guest capacity and amenities), you’re *apparently* more likely to appear higher in search results.
However, lowering your prices usually causes more headaches than not. If you’ve been around any Airbnb Facebook groups, you’ll probably have read a thread or two that complains about the quality of guests you attract when you heavily discount your nightly rates – so take this with a grain of salt.
Now, let’s talk about cleaning fees because that is the elephant in the room. Back in September 2023, Airbnb’s CEO Brian Chesky announced that Airbnb would “essentially” eliminate cleaning fees over the next year or two. If you haven’t rolled up your cleaning fee into your average nightly rate, it may be wise to do so now.
Location
This is essentially out of your control, but what you can do is make it very clear (with keywords and search engine optimization) exactly where your listing is. Don’t assume that everyone is finding your listing solely in the Airbnb app. Many guests begin their search on search engines like Google to narrow down where they want to stay. Think of terms like “downtown,” “mid-town,” “historical center,” etc, and include them in your title and listing description to help you rank higher.
Popularity
Last but not least, let’s talk about popularity. If you’ve read the Airbnb article “How search results work,” then you’ll know that engagement and how often guests save your listing to a wishlist, is an Airbnb Search Algorithm factor.
But since this isn’t my first rodeo, I can tell you that asking other hosts (as it’s popular to do so on Facebook Groups) to save your listing to their wishlist can backfire if you’re not careful.
Imagine that tens, hundreds, maybe even thousands of people or Airbnb Hosts alike save your listing to their wishlists – but never book. That in the world of Airbnb SEO, and sales to be quite frank, can be a negative signal and considered as gamification.
Filters and Settings
If you have an Airbnb listing that’s been graciously organized by one of the new categories released in the Summer 2002 release like “A-Frames,” “Castles,” (umm, yes, por favor!) or “Yurts,” then pretty please with a cherry on top, include this keyword somewhere in your listing description! Preferably in your Listing Title and or in the first line of the first paragraph of your property description.
Here’s a perfect example. *I love it when this happens.
How Guests Influence the Search Ranking Factors
Just like where your property is located, how guests influence what they see when searching in the app is mainly out of your control.
Airbnb’s search algorithm considers what specifics guests feed the algorithm, like location, dates, headcount, and even Fido’s vacation status (aka being a Pet-friendly Airbnb).
They can dive into categories, fiddle with filters, or go all cartographers on the map. But the twist is if the algorithm’s cupboard is lacking, it might just throw in some curveballs that don’t quite match the guest’s wishlist. Because, hey, sometimes you don’t know what you want until you see it, right?
How Hosts Can Influence Airbnb Search Results
Now, here is where your power lies. You have more power to influence the algorithm than you think.
You can appease the “Airbnb Search Gods” by:
Keeping Your Calendar Up-To-Date: the more dates you show available, the more likely it will coincide with a guest’s availability.
Dollar, Dollar, Bills Ya’ll: your price matters. Whether higher or lower than your competitors IS up to you.
Photos: Verified Airbnb photos (taken by an approved Airbnb photographer) can help you rank higher, as can including captions and keywords in every photo.
Host Responsiveness: How quickly and consistently a host responds to inquiries and requests is crucial. Good communication can significantly boost listing visibility
Review Rating: Listings with higher reviews and more bookings typically rank higher. Positive guest feedback and a solid booking history are key.
Settings: Your leniency has the greatest effect on how you can influence your listing’s search criteria. Instant booking, minimum night requirement, pet-friendly, etc., can make you successful. The stricter you are, the bigger the barrier you create and the fewer booking requests you might receive.
How Your Listing Affects the Algorithm
Again, Airbnb makes it no secret what they want to see on a listing on their platform. The boxes you check off, the better your chances of ranking.
Is your listing complete? Is every section filled in? Can you max out the number of available characters per section with exceptional copy and text? Have you included keywords for search engine optimization and Airbnb SEO? Do you have more than 16 photos, and does each one have a caption?
Night minimum: It’s your business, but it’s clear that Airbnb prefers one-night minimums.
Instant Booking: The algorithm favors listings that are easy to book.
Cancellations: Having a flexible cancellation policy and a clean track record of not canceling confirmed bookings is a huge factor as well.
Dynamic Pricing: Probably the least favorite function of Airbnb Hosts worldwide, the dynamic pricing tool can boost your rankings. To not lose your shirt and the farm, so to speak, make sure you set your minimum price accordingly!
Understanding these aspects can help you optimize your listing and increase its visibility. For detailed strategies, check out our 10 proven strategies to boost your Airbnb listings visibility.
New Listing Visibility Boost
Airbnb provides new listings with a visibility boost to help them gain traction. For the first three months, new listings receive increased visibility, even without initial reviews or ratings (Hostaway).
To maximize this period, ensure your listing is fully optimized from the start. Here are a few tips:
Your Title: Don’t be afraid to add “NEW” to your title. You’d be surprised at how often a guest will ask why you have no reviews when you’re just starting out.
Set up automated messages: To keep your response time as low as possible and your response rate as high as possible (under 1 hour ideally), set up a friendly auto message that thanks the guest for their inquiry, outlines your business hours, and tells the guests that you’ll respond as soon as possible.
Professional Photos: Invest in high-quality photos to make your listing stand out. For tips on creating stunning visuals, visit our airbnb photo gallery guide.
Pricing: Set your pricing competitively to attract initial bookings and reviews, then strategically increase them as you gain traction. Avoid common pricing mistakes by reading our airbnb pricing mistakes guide.
Airbnb Algorithm Tips: Optimizing Your Listing Strategy
By optimizing your listing strategy, you can also attract guests, especially during off-peak seasons, through pricing, active engagement, and leveraging local attractions.
Benefits of Allowing Short Stays
Allowing shorter stays can lead to increased bookings and higher visibility on Airbnb’s search results. Listings that offer flexibility in stay duration tend to attract more guests. Allowing one or two-night stays can fill gaps in your booking calendar and keep your listing active.
Stay Duration Booking Potential
1-2 nights High
3-5 nights Moderate
7+ nights Low
Maximizing Long-term Stay Earnings
Offering long-term stays is another strategy that can help improve your earnings and potential algorithm ranking. Long-term bookings (28 nights or more) have recently represented a significant portion of Airbnb bookings and tend to generate higher income (Hostaway).
Stay Duration Earnings Increase
28+ nights 45% more
7-27 nights 25% more
< 7 nights Standard
Have a pricing strategy that works well in conjunction with long-term stays. For more details on setting the right prices, check out our article on 7 common airbnb pricing mistakes and how to avoid them.
Enhance Booking Potential with Amenities and Services
Unlocking the full booking potential of your Airbnb listing is sometimes hidden in the amenities you offer. Here are the top Airbnb amenities and services that attract the most potential guests.
Flexible check-in
Hot tubs, pools, washers, and dryers offer the greatest boost in revenue potential
Dedicated workspace or office
Pet-friendly
Self-check-in (lockboxes and Smart locks)
Wi-fi *do we even need to list this anymore?
Free Parking
AC/ Heating/ Fireplace
TV and Cable
For more tips on optimizing your listing, check out my previous article, 10 Proven Strategies to Boost your Airbnb Listings Visibility.
Enhancing A Guest’s Experience
Over and above your Airbnb listing, providing excellent customer service is essential to your success. Let’s explore two key components: hosting quality and the impact of achieving Superhost status (becoming a Guest Favorite)
Key Aspects of Hosting Quality
Prompt Communication: Respond to all inquiries and booking requests within an hour.
Cleanliness: Maintaining high levels of cleanliness can result in positive reviews.
Accuracy: Provide accurate descriptions and photos of your property to set expectations. This includes disclosing security cameras and other smart home devices.
Amenities: Niche amenities like a dedicated workspace or office, a crib, a high chair, or toys for family-friendly properties can enhance a guest’s experience. Check out my guide to Essential Airbnb Amenities to find out which ones help the most.
Recent Developments and Impacts
Airbnb’s Hosting Quality System Update
As an Airbnb host, staying updated with platform changes is also key. In April 2023, Airbnb launched an updated hosting quality system to improve guest experiences. Within the first three months, Airbnb removed 12,000 low-quality listings. Since the update, a total of 100,000 listings that were subpar have been taken down (Airbnb Newsroom).
Airbnb also announced its commitment to eliminating cleaning fees, created new categories, and now allows for smart lock integrations for stress-free check-ins.
Catch up on all past Product Releases.
So there you have it, folks – the inside scoop on conquering Airbnb search results ranking. We’ve covered everything from competitive pricing strategies to the power of a hot tub.
Remember, this algorithm isn’t just some mystical creature living in the Airbnb cloud – it’s a beast you can tame with the right tricks up your sleeve. Keep your calendar fresh, your prices competitive, and your amenities list longer than a grocery receipt. And don’t forget to caption those photos for an Airbnb SEO boost!
Whether you’re a newbie host or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you climb the search ranking faster than you can say “Superhost.” Now go forth and dominate that Airbnb game – your bank account (and future guests) will thank you.
Happy hosting, and may the algorithm be ever in your favor!
Sincerely,
Amylee Silva, the mama-bear of Airbnb Hosts worldwide!
