How to make your Airbnb home stand out

It's easy to see why you might become an Airbnb host. As the third most visited travel website worldwide, Airbnb allows you to generate passive revenue that's especially welcome if you're keeping a close eye on your finances amid the burgeoning cost-of-living crisis. But the benefits go beyond your wallet, too, as hosting allows you to share cultures and connect with travelers worldwide.  

It's not quite as simple as throwing up a listing and waiting for paying guests to roll in. Airbnb is a competitive marketplace; you'll need to go further to make yours stand out. So how can you do just that? 

Invest in quality photos

Photos are essential for inspiring travelers. Airbnb itself says guests spend more time exploring photos than any other part of a listing – and without good ones, it's unlikely they'll click on your listing in the first place. 

It's usually worth hiring a professional photographer for this. Write down the key features of each room to capture and schedule the shoot during daylight hours. Clear away clutter, too, so your home looks inviting. 

You can easily find airbnb cleaning service on this page, or through a quick online search. Remember, a picture tells a thousand words – make sure yours are saying the right ones.

Make your listing description accurate and informative

Your listing description is your opportunity to talk up your home's appeal and highlight its features. Don't forget to describe the local area, as factors like nearby shops, restaurants, and transport hubs could be crucial to your potential guests.

At the same time, try to avoid overpromising and don't lie. False advertising might win bookings but could also lead to refunds and bad reviews.  

Create a welcome pack

After a long, hard day traveling, personal touches can instantly put your guests at ease. Ideas for welcome packs include local delicacies and a stock of basics such as coffee, biscuits, and toiletries. 

Make sure to include clear instructions for Wi-Fi and other amenities too. You could go further and become a local tour guide, providing recommendations for local attractions, activities, and restaurants. 

Respond promptly

Running an Airbnb might not be your full-time job, but it's essential to act like it is regarding communication. Your guests could have a wide range of queries, and responding promptly will help them enjoy their overall experience. 

Key discussion topics include check-in and check-out, as well as urgent maintenance issues such as leaks and faulty appliances. Potential guests will be able to see your average response time, too – lengthy wait times could be enough to deter them.

Does your Airbnb listing have any room for improvement based on these tips?