How to Increase Your Toronto Airbnb Bookings
Ever heard the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’? Well, potential guests who surf the Airbnb site in hopes to find “the” perfect accommodation will be judging each listing by how it is presented and the star rating is has. A sloppy listing with minimal stars conveys to the reviewer the host is not serious and most likely the property will not meet their expectations. A well thought out listing decorated by optimal number of stars, on the other hand, gives people more confidence that the host is a “professional” Airbnb host.
So what can you do to make your listing more sought after? And with new Airbnb listings added every day, how can you ensure your listing shows up in the first page of search results (which are the ones more likely to be booked). Compare your current listing to the tips below and see if a major overhaul is due or you’re right on track.
1. Importance of the presentation
Imagine your Airbnb listing as a sales package. You want it to provide a virtual open house tour for your potential guests so when they read your descriptions and view the images, they have a clear picture of what your property has to offer and how it looks like.
The ideal number of pictures to include is around 15 with emphasis on the first 5. So choose wisely. These first 5 images play a crucial part on the decision making since it acts as a sneak peek into the Airbnb property. Pick 5 photographs that shows different aspects of your property. For example, upload individual shots of the master bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor space (if available) and the surrounding neighborhood - if it is a selling feature (located in a prominent area or convenient/centralized part of town). For the remaining 10 shots, include at least 1 photo of each room your guest will have access to. Also throw in images of things that adds character to your property like unique works of art or quirky touches.
2. A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words
A research has found that visuals are processed 600,000 times faster than plain text. This means by glancing at the photos you include in your listing; your potential guest may have already made a decision. Therefore, take the time to photograph quality pictures. Poorly shot pictures makes one question your professionalism and seriousness of being a good host. Airbnb offers free professional photography sessions for certain cities because it is that important. Take advantage of this perk or if you decide to take matters into your own hands, make sure you have these pointers covered:
3. Be Transparent
It’s great when you have a booking, but it’s even better if your guest gives you a raving review. Nothing will hurt your Airbnb standing more than bad reviews. Therefore, don’t give false information on your listing in hopes to increase your bookings. Honesty is best when comes to writing a description for your property. Be transparent and include everything a potential guest should know. A well informed guest is always happier than an unpleasantly surprised guest. As well, don’t promise something you cannot deliver. Just remember, getting the booking is not the most important goal. Receiving a good review is what every Airbnb host sought after because good reviews result in more bookings.
4. Aim for First Place or at Least First Page
To receive a booking, the first and foremost is your listing must be seen. If your listing is buried in the last few pages of search results, chances are, your property will stay vacant, no matter how professional your photographs are or how detailed your descriptions are written.
So, how can you change the fate of your listing? When a potential guest enters their search criteria (arrival/departure date, number of guests etc.), it scours through the Airbnb database of listings to find match properties. These results go through a set of algorithms and are then presented accordingly. Here are some pointers that can improve your Airbnb SEO and in turn, putting you on the top of the search results.
From creating a stand out listing to providing outstanding user experience, cross reference what you are doing already to what we recommend. Remember your listing quality, responsiveness and guest reviews are all important factors that can help you increase Airbnb bookings. Check out our dedicated Airbnb Resources Page for more tips on how to manage and maintain your Airbnb properties. Learn how Dhyana Cleaning can help you achieve 5-star rating for cleanliness for your Airbnb property in Toronto.
So what can you do to make your listing more sought after? And with new Airbnb listings added every day, how can you ensure your listing shows up in the first page of search results (which are the ones more likely to be booked). Compare your current listing to the tips below and see if a major overhaul is due or you’re right on track.
1. Importance of the presentation
Imagine your Airbnb listing as a sales package. You want it to provide a virtual open house tour for your potential guests so when they read your descriptions and view the images, they have a clear picture of what your property has to offer and how it looks like.
The ideal number of pictures to include is around 15 with emphasis on the first 5. So choose wisely. These first 5 images play a crucial part on the decision making since it acts as a sneak peek into the Airbnb property. Pick 5 photographs that shows different aspects of your property. For example, upload individual shots of the master bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor space (if available) and the surrounding neighborhood - if it is a selling feature (located in a prominent area or convenient/centralized part of town). For the remaining 10 shots, include at least 1 photo of each room your guest will have access to. Also throw in images of things that adds character to your property like unique works of art or quirky touches.
2. A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words
A research has found that visuals are processed 600,000 times faster than plain text. This means by glancing at the photos you include in your listing; your potential guest may have already made a decision. Therefore, take the time to photograph quality pictures. Poorly shot pictures makes one question your professionalism and seriousness of being a good host. Airbnb offers free professional photography sessions for certain cities because it is that important. Take advantage of this perk or if you decide to take matters into your own hands, make sure you have these pointers covered:
- Clean, neat and tidy: Before your photo-shoot, thoroughly clean and tidy up the property. After all, cleanliness is one of the most important factor for travelers when selecting where to stay for their trip.
- Natural lighting: Choose a day that is sunny to take the pictures. Sunlight is the best choice when photographing interior space. It shows how bright and airy the space is.
- Angle: Add dimension and perspective by shooting into the corner.
- Quality camera: It is best to use a DSLR camera with output setting at the recommended 1024 x 683 px for prime resolution. Some advanced phone cameras can also do the trick.
- Focus: Make sure everything in the frame is focused. Out of focus images do not give a clear picture of how your property looks like.
- Image orientation: Keep the orientation of the pictures consistent for better “flow” when potential guests are scrolling through your gallery. As well, landscape, rather than portrait, fit best on the listing page. If you have to take a portrait shot (i.e. narrow room), take a couple of portrait shots and collage them together into one landscape image with a photo editing software.
- Composition: Make sure each room presents its assets. For example, bedroom pictures should feature a made bed organized with pillows and shams; bathrooms should have clean towels hanging on a towel rack and if providing, tumblers and toothbrush holders. A few wine glasses, fruit basket and/or pastries by the kitchen or dining table along with coffee table books in the living room area gives off a luxurious, well organized impression. One of Airbnb’s appeal is the cozy, homey feeling. Whenever applicable, play it up.
3. Be Transparent
It’s great when you have a booking, but it’s even better if your guest gives you a raving review. Nothing will hurt your Airbnb standing more than bad reviews. Therefore, don’t give false information on your listing in hopes to increase your bookings. Honesty is best when comes to writing a description for your property. Be transparent and include everything a potential guest should know. A well informed guest is always happier than an unpleasantly surprised guest. As well, don’t promise something you cannot deliver. Just remember, getting the booking is not the most important goal. Receiving a good review is what every Airbnb host sought after because good reviews result in more bookings.
4. Aim for First Place or at Least First Page
To receive a booking, the first and foremost is your listing must be seen. If your listing is buried in the last few pages of search results, chances are, your property will stay vacant, no matter how professional your photographs are or how detailed your descriptions are written.
So, how can you change the fate of your listing? When a potential guest enters their search criteria (arrival/departure date, number of guests etc.), it scours through the Airbnb database of listings to find match properties. These results go through a set of algorithms and are then presented accordingly. Here are some pointers that can improve your Airbnb SEO and in turn, putting you on the top of the search results.
- Listing Quality: This refers to both the presentation of your listing (as mentioned above) and the reviews you receive. If your listing is clicked on frequently, it will positively affect your placement in the search results. Add quality and quantity of good reviews to the mix, your property will climb the placement ladder in no time.
- Booking Experience: Response time of any inquires received also factors in to the ranking. Hosts who answer within the hour not only helps with the ranking of your listing but also shows potential guests you are responsive and reachable. As well, the more guests you accept, the better it is. Rejecting guests frequently or cancelling booked appointments can negatively impact where your listing appears.
- Up-to-date Calendar: Keeping your booking calendar current means you’re well organized and on top of things. Airbnb takes note of this and includes it in the algorithm. Therefore, check your calendar frequently. This not only will help improve your listing position but also a good habit to get into for reminders of upcoming bookings.
- Get Verified & Connected: At the end of it all, Airbnb and potential guests do not know you on a personal level. By completing your profiles and ensuring all sections and ID verification’s are complete, it not only builds trust with potential guests but Airbnb rewards these hosts for their commitment. Take it a step further and connect social media accounts like Facebook or Twitter to your profile.
- Be Super: Airbnb award hosts who achieve 90% or more response rate as well as at least 80% 5 star reviews a Superhost status. One of the benefits in being a Superhost? They are all ranked highly in Airbnb search results.
From creating a stand out listing to providing outstanding user experience, cross reference what you are doing already to what we recommend. Remember your listing quality, responsiveness and guest reviews are all important factors that can help you increase Airbnb bookings. Check out our dedicated Airbnb Resources Page for more tips on how to manage and maintain your Airbnb properties. Learn how Dhyana Cleaning can help you achieve 5-star rating for cleanliness for your Airbnb property in Toronto.
