With Airbnb becoming one of the most popular ways to make extra income from your property, the competition is fierce. You can no longer rely on just having a nice space in a good location—there are countless properties just like yours fighting for bookings. So how do you stand out and get those calendars filled?

If you’ve been wondering how to get more bookings for your Airbnb property, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re an experienced host or new to the game, there are strategies you can adopt to increase the visibility of your property and attract more guests. In this article, we’ll dive deep into methods that work, including pricing strategies, understanding your audience, and how to use the platform to your advantage.

Pricing and Availability: Getting the Basics Right

The pricing of your Airbnb listing plays a huge role in attracting bookings. One of the easiest ways to get more bookings is to price your property competitively. This doesn’t necessarily mean charging the lowest price, but instead offering value that aligns with guest expectations for your location and property type.

Price is one of the most important deciding factors for guests. Offering a competitive rate while ensuring you’re not undervaluing your property is key to maintaining high occupancy and profitability.

Use Dynamic Pricing Tools

Dynamic pricing tools can help you adjust your rates based on demand, seasonality, and local events. Airbnb itself offers a Smart Pricing tool that adjusts your price based on market conditions. However, third-party tools like PriceLabs or Beyond Pricing might offer more control and data-driven insights . If there’s a high demand in your area due to a local event, for example, these tools can automatically raise your prices to maximise your earnings. Conversely, if bookings are slow, they can reduce rates to increase interest.

Flexible Booking Options

Consider turning on the Instant Book feature, which allows guests to book without waiting for approval. Listings with Instant Book tend to appear higher in search results and may attract more spontaneous travellers . Furthermore, offering flexible cancellation policies can make your listing more appealing to guests who are unsure of their plans and don’t want to be locked into a non-refundable booking .

Last-Minute Discounts and Promotions

Airbnb’s promotional tools, like last-minute deals, early bird discounts, and special weekly or monthly rates, can significantly boost your chances of getting bookings . Offering a 10% discount for last-minute bookings or long stays can entice guests who are looking for a quick deal or planning a long-term stay.

Appeal to the Right Audience: Know Your Niche

Understanding who your target audience is can make all the difference in filling your calendar. The key is to tailor your listing to specific types of travellers. Once you know who you want to attract, you can make adjustments to your property and listing to match their expectations.

Family-Friendly Stays

If your property is suitable for families, make sure that’s clear in your listing. Adding amenities like cribs, high chairs, and childproofing can help you attract family travellers . Family-friendly accommodations are often in high demand, and being able to cater to this market can provide a steady stream of bookings.

Cater to Remote Workers

With remote work on the rise, there’s an increasing demand for properties that cater to digital nomads. Consider offering high-speed Wi-Fi, a comfortable desk space, and extended stay discounts. These are features that appeal to professionals looking to work while travelling .

Target Adventure Seekers

If your property is in an area known for outdoor activities, like hiking, skiing, or beachside locations, make sure to highlight that in your listing. Include gear storage, proximity to trails or the beach, and other amenities that will appeal to adventure travellers.

Luxury or Unique Experiences

Some guests are looking for something special, whether it’s luxury or a unique stay like a yurt or a treehouse. If your property has any standout features, be sure to promote them. A hot tub, rooftop deck, or even a fireplace can be the reason someone chooses your listing over others .

Effective Listing Management: Presentation and Responsiveness

Your listing is your primary marketing tool. The photos, description, and details can make or break a booking decision. You need to ensure that everything about your listing is geared toward giving potential guests the best possible first impression.

High-Quality Photos

This cannot be stressed enough: invest in professional photos. Listings with high-quality images stand out more in search results and generally receive more bookings . Bright, clear photos showing every part of the property will help potential guests imagine themselves in your space. If you have great natural light, highlight it. If your property has a unique feature, like a garden or patio, be sure to showcase it.

Optimised Descriptions

Your description should be thorough but concise. Guests want to know the essential information without having to wade through paragraphs of text. Include details about your amenities, the neighbourhood, and nearby attractions. Use bullet points for clarity and avoid using too much jargon. A clear, detailed description can help reduce the number of questions potential guests ask before booking, which saves you time and makes the booking process smoother .

Respond Quickly

Being responsive to inquiries and requests is crucial for keeping potential bookings alive. Airbnb rewards hosts with quick response times by boosting their listing in search results. Set up notifications so you can reply as soon as possible, and if you can, use automated message templates for common queries . The more you engage with potential guests quickly, the more likely they are to book your property.

Stay Updated

Keep your listing updated with any changes to your property, pricing, or availability. This shows potential guests that you are an active and attentive host, which can build trust. You’ll also avoid any miscommunications about what your property offers, which can lead to cancellations or poor reviews.

Extra Features: How Small Details Can Make a Big Difference

Sometimes, the smallest changes or additions can significantly impact your property’s appeal. By offering something extra, you can differentiate yourself from other listings and enhance the guest experience.

Provide Local Recommendations

Guests appreciate a local’s insight into the best spots to visit, eat, and explore. Offer a guidebook or list of recommendations for things to do nearby. You could even partner with local businesses to offer discounts or vouchers to your guests .

Amenities Matter

Simple amenities like coffee machines, Netflix, or free parking can make your property more attractive to potential guests. If you can afford to add a few luxury touches like complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, or even a bottle of wine on arrival, you’ll create an experience that guests will remember and share in their reviews .

Cleanliness is Crucial

It may seem obvious, but cleanliness is non-negotiable. Guests expect a clean space, and any signs of neglect can lead to bad reviews and fewer bookings. Make sure your cleaning process is thorough and consistent, and consider hiring a professional cleaner if necessary .

Eco-Friendly Options

More and more travellers are seeking sustainable travel options. If your property is eco-friendly, make sure to highlight this. Features like energy-efficient appliances, recycling bins, or even organic linens can appeal to environmentally conscious guests .

The Path to Increased Bookings

In today’s competitive Airbnb market, getting more bookings requires more than just listing your property. You need to be strategic, from pricing and availability to how you market your property and cater to different guest types. By making use of Airbnb’s tools, staying responsive to guest inquiries, and providing an exceptional guest experience, you can increase your bookings and build a loyal base of repeat visitors.

Start by understanding who your target guests are and what they value. Whether it’s families, business travellers, or adventure seekers, tailoring your property and listing to their needs can help you stand out in the crowd. Pair this with a competitive pricing strategy, great photography, and thoughtful amenities, and you’ll be well on your way to maximising your Airbnb bookings.