Help a host’s listing stand out

Share the knowledge you’ve gained hosting to put together a great listing. Work with the host to create a new listing or update an existing one.

Guests tend to prioritise a listing’s photos, description and guest reviews when deciding whether to book.* Focus on these factors, plus amenities and pricing, to set up a listing for success.

User research has shown that high-quality images are one of the top factors for guests when considering which listing to book. If a host doesn’t have recent professional photos of their place, explain the importance of photos and recommend a photographer or the Airbnb pro photography programme.

Hosts should understand that the description is one of the most valuable aspects of an effective listing. Jimmy, a co-host in Palm Springs, California, says that “every listing description can be optimised”, so he always offers to help hosts write theirs.

“I focus on the facts,” Jimmy says. “You either have a saltwater pool or you don’t. The community is private or it isn’t. So many adjectives are feelings, which are subjective and don’t lead to an accurate description. Writing facts paints the picture.”

Guests often filter their results to find listings with the amenities they want. The top-searched amenities include a pool, wifi, free parking, a kitchen, a hot tub, air conditioning, a washing machine and self check-in.**

Reflect on what’s worked in the listings you’ve hosted and share your knowledge with hosts. This could include:

• Making sure their listing isn’t missing any amenities they offer
• Explaining the value of adding or upgrading amenities like wifi or a smart lock
• Giving examples of how guests have responded to upgrades on other listings you support
• Reviewing safety and accessibility features with hosts to find out what else they could add to their listing

Hosts may not have experience with pricing. You can use your local expertise and Airbnb’s pricing tools to provide guidance. Strategies could include:

• Adding a weekly or monthly discount
• Lowering or removing fees for cleaning or pets
• Adjusting the nightly price with seasonal demand

Work together to choose an approach and how much control you have. Dominic, a co-host in Cornwall, England, suggests continually adjusting the nightly price.

“Weekly or every other week, I’ll review the properties,” he says. “If they’re booking up quickly, then you know there’s potential on the price. But if people are looking and not booking, potentially it’s priced too high.”

Many guests read reviews to find the listing that meets their needs. Help hosts understand that responding to reviews is an opportunity to show guests you care about their experience and are open to suggestions.

Decide who will respond to guest reviews. If the host prefers to handle them, you can provide sample responses to address different types of feedback.

• Thanking guests: “Thanks for your review! We really appreciate that you took the time to reflect on your trip.”
• Sharing improvements: “We’re sorry the beds were uncomfortable. Your sleep is important, so we’ve added mattress toppers.”

“I don’t expect any host to have 100% flawless reviews,” says Andrew, a guest who’s also a Superhost in Berlin. “I’m much more impressed by those who take critical feedback seriously.”

Remember to update the listing description and photos any time you or the host make improvements to the space.

*According to Airbnb research conducted in November and December 2023 with nearly 7,000 guests in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, South Korea and Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

**According to Airbnb internal data measuring the most frequently searched amenities worldwide from 1 January to 30 June 2024.

Co-Host Network is available in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico (powered by Airbnb Global Services Limited), Canada, the United States (powered by Airbnb Living LLC) and Brazil (powered by Airbnb Plataforma Digital Ltda).

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.