12 Simple Tips for How to Get More Airbnb Bookings
Are you tired of your listing sitting idle while others seem to be fully booked?
As Airbnb Superhosts with a full calendar and profitable business, we know what it takes to attract guests and keep them coming back.
Today we’re sharing our tried-and-true strategies that you can start using right away to boost your bookings on Airbnb and maximize your occupancy.
Let’s level up your hosting game with these 12 actionable tips!
1. Level Up with Professional Photography
If you want more Airbnb bookings, the single best investment you can make is professional real estate photography. And no, I don’t mean asking your Uncle Joe who just bought a fancy camera.
You need a photographer with real estate experience and a proven track record of capturing properties in their best light.
Your photos are your first impression–and in a sea of listings, high-quality images are what will stop potential guests from scrolling by and make them click.
Professional photos make your space look inviting, polished, and worth booking. It’s an upfront cost that pays off in higher occupancy and better rates.
2. Provide a Quality Experience That Earns 5 Star Reviews
If you want to increase your Airbnb bookings, earning consistent 5-star reviews is key.
Guest reviews build trust and credibility making it easier for potential guests to choose your listing over others.
Here’s how to ensure you get those glowing reviews:
How to Earn 5 Star Reviews on Airbnb
- Spotless accommodations – A clean home is non-negotiable!
- Clear check-in and check-out instructions – Make the process seamless.
- Friendly and prompt communication – Quick, helpful responses create a great experience.
- Set clear expectations – Ensure house rules are clear and easy to follow.
- Go the extra mile – Small touches like snacks, bottled water, phone chargers, games and quality toiletries make all the difference.
- Handle issues quickly – If something goes wrong, address it ASAP. A small discount or thoughtful gesture can turn a bad situation into a great review.
Finally, ask for the 5-star review after checkout! A simple message like:
“Thanks again for choosing our home for your visit! If you enjoyed your stay, we’d be honored to have your 5-star review. We hope to host you again next time you’re in town!”
For more in-depth strategies, check out our complete guide on how to get 5-star reviews.
3. Make Your Airbnb Stand Out
With so many listings on Airbnb, a generic rental can easily get lost in the crowd. If your space doesn’t offer something unique, potential guests will scroll right past.
The key? Incorporate standout features and showcase them in your top five listing photos–especially the hero image, which is the first photo guests see in search results.
Here are some ideas to make your Airbnb stand out from the competition:
- Pool or hot tub – A major draw for vacationers.
- Fire pit – Perfect for cozy evenings and s’mores.
- Yard games or putting green – Adds fun for families and groups.
- Indoor game room – Think pool table, foosball, or arcade games.
- Statement walls – Murals or wood treatments add personality.
- Designer decor – A thoughtfully styled space makes a lasting impression
- Local art display – Showcase regional artists to add character and create a truely immersive experience.
- Record player & vinyl collection – A nostalgic touch we use in our Airbnb that guests love.
- Statement light fixtures – Elevate your space with unique lighting.
- Architectural or historical features – Highlight any special details that are unique to the home.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to Airbnb bedroom design!
4. Price Your Listing Competitively
Pricing plays a huge role in your bookings and overall profit. Overpricing will scare away potential guests, while underpricing leaves money on the table.
The sweet spot? Aligning your rates with market demand.
💡 Skip Airbnb’s Smart Pricing – It often undervalues your listing.
💡 Use a dynamic pricing tool – These adjust rates daily based on local supply and demand.
We personally recommend PriceLabs and love its ease of use. It helps maximize nightly rates while ensuring you remain competitive.
5. Use Social Media to Attract More Bookings
Leveraging social media is a powerful way to drive traffic to your Airbnb listing. Not only does it help you build a brand, but it also allows past guests to tag your property, spreading the word organically.
Here’s how to boost your visibility:
📢 Encourage friends and family to share your listing.
📢 Engage with guests by resharing their photos and reviews.
📢 Run a giveaway – When we launched our Airbnb, we hosted a week-long giveaway featuring prizes from local restaurants, coffee shops and entertainment venues. Many businesses donated prizes, making it cost-free for us while also promoting them. Win-win!
6. Keep Your Listing Fresh
The Airbnb algorithm favors active listings, so making small updates regularly can help improve your ranking.
🔄 Adjust pricing frequently (a tool like PriceLabs does this for you.)
📸 Refresh your photos if you update decor or amenities.
📝 Update your listing description to reflect any new features.
By keeping your listing accurate and up to date, you not only rank better on Airbnb, but also ensure guests know exactly what to expect–leading to happier stays and more 5-star reviews!
7. Enable Instant Booking
Airbnb favors listings with Instant Booking, meaning guests can book immediately without requiring host approval.
Enabling this feature may help your listing rank higher in search results and increase your bookings. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros of Instant Booking
- Better ranking on Airbnb – The algorithm prioritizes listings with this feature.
- More convenient for guests – Many travelers prefer hassle-free booking.
- Faster reservations – You won’t risk losing guests who don’t want to wait for approval.
Cons of Instant Booking
- Less control over guests – You can’t screen their reviews or ask pre-booking questions.
- Higher cancellation risk – Less communication up front can sometimes lead to last-minute cancellations.
👉 Note: If you’re concerned about guest quality, Airbnb allows you to set requirements, such as only accepting guests with positive reviews. I highly suggest you utilize this feature if you decide to enable instant booking.
8. Consider Allowing Pets
One of the easiest ways to increase your Airbnb bookings is to allow pets. Many families and travelings with pets struggle to find accommodations, meaning you’ll attract more guests and stand out from competitors.
Pros of Allowing Pets
- More potential bookings – Pet-friendly listings are in high demand.
- Higher nightly rates – You can charge a pet fee, increasing revenue.
- Less competition – Many hosts don’t allow pets, giving you an edge.
Cons of Allowing Pets
- Increased cleaning needs – Pet hair, odors, and potential messes require extra attention and cleaning costs.
- Possible property damage – Scratches on floors or furniture aren’t a quick fix.
💡 Tip: If you decide to allow pets, set clear pet policies (e.g., no pets on furniture, must be crated when left alone) and charge a pet fee to cover additional cleaning and wear.
9. Ask Guests to Fill Orphan Days
“Orphan days” are single-night gaps between reservations–and they can be tough to fill. Instead of letting them sit empty, offer a discount to guests with adjacent bookings.
➡️ Example: If you have a guest staying May 1-5 and another booking for May 6-8, the night of May 5 is an orphan day. Before opening it to new bookings, message the guests on either side and offer it at a discount.
When I first heard this tip, I was skeptical. But to my surprise, guests often take the offer, making it a win-win–more revenue (and less turnovers) for you, and an extra night of vacation for them!
10. Encourage Repeat Stays with Discounts
A great way to boost occupancy is to incentivize past guests to book again. A small 5-10% discount on a future stay can be the encouragement they need to return.
💡Best Practices:
✔️Only offer discounts to guests who took great care of your property.
✔️Sent a personalized follow-up message after checkout: “We loved hosting you! As a thank-you, we’d love to offer you a special discount on a future stay. Let us know when you’re planning your trip, and we’ll send over a promo code!”
A small gesture like this can turn first-time guests into loyal, repeat visitors.
11. Build an Email List
One of the most powerful ways to market your Airbnb is by creating and nurturing an email list.
Collecting emails from past guests and social media followers gives you a direct way to stay in touch, promote special offers, and encourage repeat stays–especially during slow seasons.
How to Grow Your Email List
- Add a guestbook or QR code in your Airbnb encouraging sign-ups.
- Offer a small incentive (e.g., “sign up for exclusive discounts on future stays!”)
- Collect emails from social media followers interested in your property.
Use a tool like Kit to automate newsletters and send occasional promos–keeping your Airbnb top of mind for past and potential guests.
12. List Your Property on Other Platforms
In addition to listing your property on Airbnb and VRBO, utilizing other booking platforms and marketing tools can be a great way to get more reservations. Check out this list of additional platforms to decide which may be the best fit for you.
- Booking.com
- Furnished Finder
- Peerspace
- Zillow
- Facebook Marketplace
- Google Vacation Rentals
- HomeToGo
- Homestay
You can even create your own direct booking website! As a reminder, if you are using multiple booking platforms you will want to have a property management software that links your calendars to avoid double booking. Lodgify and Guesty are popular options.
How do I get More Bookings on VRBO?
Good news! You can use all of these tips for Airbnb listings for your VRBO listings as well! I recommend listing your short term rental on both of these booking sites to grow your exposure. Just don’t forget to link the calendars to avoid double booking your space! You can do this in the calendar settings.
Start Filling Your Calendar Today!
With competition at an all-time high, simply listing your Airbnb and hoping for bookings isn’t enough.
To truly stand out, you need to be proactive–optimizing your listing, adding unique “wow” factors, and using creative marketing strategies. Implementing even a few of these tips can boost your occupancy rate and increase your revenue. 🎉
Give them a try and see the difference for yourself!
💡Just getting started? Don’t miss our guide on how much it costs to start an Airbnb– It’s the perfect resource to help you get started and set yourself up for success.
