Summary:
Master the Airbnb Algorithm by following these practices:
- Ensure a phenomenal experience for your guests
- Ask for reviews proactively
- Maintain a flexible cancellation policy
- Add detailed property descriptions with high-resolution photos
- Respond to requests quickly
With over 6.6 million listings worldwide, catching potential guests’ attention is difficult without a high search ranking.
An optimized listing is necessary to maximize bookings, whether you are an experienced host or a newbie in the Airbnb rental market. For that, you need to decode the ins and outs of the Airbnb algorithm and frame strategies that accommodate those requirements.
Here’s our guide on how to beat the Airbnb algorithm and rank higher in no time.
But first —
How Does the Airbnb Algorithm Work?
The Airbnb algorithm sorts through millions of properties and determines the best possible matches based on the user’s criteria. Some factors influence this process:
1. Listing Quality
Airbnb takes listing quality metrics into account while ranking your property. This includes property details, picture quality, guest reviews and ratings, provided amenities, etc. The better you stand on these metrics, the higher you will rank.
2. Popularity of the Property
The Airbnb search algorithm ranks popular properties higher in search results. It decides this based on several data points. The algorithm considers how often users save your property on their wish lists or search your vacation rental’s name on the platform. Your property’s booking frequency is also important for Airbnb to gauge your popularity.
3. Pricing
Pricing is another crucial point in Airbnb’s property ranking system. As it says in one of their community guides:
“The first two things guests see are your PHOTOS and PRICE!”
So, whether the algorithm favors your listing or not depends on how competitive your property pricing is and how good you are at giving attractive offers. It benchmarks your charges with other listed properties in the area and gives the highest rankings to those with the best price points.
4. Cancellation Policy
Airbnb search algorithm loves properties with flexible cancellation policies. The platform now offers users a filter to find listings with free cancellations.
5. Variety
The Airbnb algorithm is designed to include variety in the search results to prevent users from getting bored. Instead of just digging out almost similar properties, it shows different types of listings with various amenities, price points, and lodging formats.
6. Response Rate
How quickly you respond to queries and reservations also decides how high you rank on Airbnb. The platform calculates the response rate as the percentage of new inquiries and booking requests a property host has responded to within 24 hours for the past 30 days.
Best Strategies to Master the Airbnb Algorithm
Airbnb’s algorithm is a user-centric system, so if you want your property to rank, put yourself in the user’s shoes and include elements you would have preferred in a listing.
Once you do that, here are some additional measures you can take to make the algorithm work in your favor:
1. Offer competitive prices
To beat the Airbnb algorithm, your pricing strategy has to be competitive and dynamic. Stay updated about the rental accommodation market in your locality and adjust your charges accordingly.
Consider listing your properties in two segments — one with standard pricing and flexible cancellation and one with discount and non-refundable bookings. You should also evaluate seasonal variations to align your pricing with demand.
Deciding on the right pricing for your rental property is tricky. Hence, you can opt for our Airbnb pricing tool to streamline the process. It offers smart customizations according to the rental market trends and automatically sets the most competitive Airbnb prices.
Compare: Airbnb Smart Pricing vs. Pricelabs Dynamic Pricing
2. Respond promptly
Make sure you respond to queries and reservations promptly. This includes accepting or rejecting booking requests and replying to any new questions Airbnb users submit. If you fail to clear these requests within 24 hours, the Airbnb algorithm will consider it a late response and lower your ranking.
3. Curate detailed descriptions
Offering detailed property descriptions goes a long way in leveraging the Airbnb algorithm. Ensure it includes all the details about your property, including the number of rooms, different lodging options, and amenities.
4. Include high-resolution photos
Add high-quality images of your property to your listings. This will increase the perceived value of your property, boost popularity, and get the algorithm’s attention.
Make sure the pictures showcase your vacation rental’s unique features. It should reflect your property’s ambiance and its views. It should also create a sense of warmth and a welcoming space.
5. Maximize positive reviews and ratings
Guest testimonials build credibility and indicate to the Airbnb algorithm that your listing is worthy of ranking high. To get more positive ratings, offering exceptional services is essential. Take proactive efforts to resolve any grievances.
When your guests check out, ask them about their stay. If they seem happy, request them to rate your property and submit their experiences on Airbnb.
Read More: How to Integrate PriceLabs with Airbnb
Conclusion
If you are worried about setting competitive pricing while maintaining profits, our Airbnb pricing tool can help you.
From automated pricing to tracking your listing’s performance, our solution will take care of it all and let you focus on providing a memorable rental experience to your guests.
About PriceLabs
PriceLabs is a revenue management solution for the short-term rental and hospitality industry. It was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL. Our platform helps individual hosts and hospitality professionals optimize pricing and revenue management. It does so by adapting to changing market trends and occupancy levels.
With dynamic pricing, automation rules, and customizations, we manage pricing and minimum-stay restrictions for any portfolio size, with prices automatically uploaded to preferred channels.
Every day, we price over 275,000+ listings globally across 125+ countries, offering world-class tools like the Base Price Help and Minimum Stay Recommendation Engine. Choose PriceLabs to increase revenue and streamline pricing and revenue management. Sign up for a free trial at pricelabs.co today.
