How to set up an effective listing page
Your listing page is your first opportunity to grab the attention of potential guests. Use your title, description, photos and amenities to help guests understand what your listing offers.
Control when and how guests can book
As a Host, you decide when and how guests can reserve your place. Carefully choosing your calendar and booking settings ensures you’re hosting the way you want while helping prevent unnecessary cancellations.
A few of these features include:
Calendar settings: Keep your calendar current by taking actions like blocking dates when you aren’t hosting and setting the minimum and maximum number of nights a guest can book.
Request to book: This feature lets you review a booking request before you accept it. Make sure you respond to the guest within 24 hours.
Instant Book: Guests often search for listings that use Instant Book, which allows them to book without pre-approval. Turning this on signals you’re willing to host anyone who fits your booking criteria, which is a critical part of being an inclusive Host.
Add key details
Sharing important details helps your listing stand out and sets guest expectations.
Write a detailed description. Try to capture what guests should know about your space in your title and description. For example, a Host who has a small space by the sea might write “Cosy beachside getaway” as their listing title. Use inclusive language to make it clear that you welcome people of all backgrounds.
List your amenities. Popular amenities include wifi, self check-in, a laptop-friendly workspace, free parking and a pet-friendly space, so make sure to list any that you offer.
Share your house rules. These set expectations for guests and give them a preview of your hosting style. Use your house rules to share essential info – like a no-smoking policy – with potential guests.
Use compelling photos to attract guests
Your listing photos can showcase your personality and style. Updating them often helps accurately reflect what you’re currently offering.
Show everything guests can access. Upload multiple photos of each room from different angles. An AI-powered tool can help you organise them by room to create a virtual tour.
Add specific details to each room. This includes sleeping arrangements, privacy info, accessibility features and amenities. Use captions to point out noteworthy details.
Select your cover photo. Your listing title and cover photo are the first things guests notice in search results. “When I look for an Airbnb, I always go straight to the photos. So think about what sets your place apart from others,” says Candida, a Host in Joshua Tree, California.
Once you’ve started hosting, try to keep your listing current. Your description and photos should give guests a sense of what you offer while highlighting what’s unique about your place.
Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.