Your accommodation is beautiful, but the bookings lag behind? Often it's not your place, but how your listing is built. These are the seven mistakes I come across most often, and exactly how to fix them.
1. A weak first photo
The first (cover) photo is by far the most important image of your whole listing. In the search results it decides whether someone clicks on your place at all. Yet I often see a dark exterior photo or a messy corner at the top. Choose your strongest, most atmospheric image as the cover, ideally a bright, inviting space that immediately evokes a feeling.
2. A title that doesn't stand out
"Cosy apartment" says nothing. Your title is your shop window: use it to show your unique asset. Think of the view, the location or the atmosphere, for example "Bright design home 5 min from the beach". That's how you stand out among hundreds of similar listings.
3. A description full of bullet points
A dry list of features convinces no one. Sell the experience: how does a stay with you feel? Start with a captivating opening line, describe the loveliest moments (coffee on the terrace, the view at sunset) and only then include the practical details.
4. Incomplete amenities
Many guests filter by amenities like wifi, air conditioning, parking or a washing machine. If you don't tick those, you simply won't appear in their search results. Fill in your amenities completely, it's free extra visibility.
5. The wrong photo order
After the cover photo, guests quickly scroll through the first five images. Put your strongest spaces there, in a logical route through the house. Alternate wide overview photos with atmospheric details, so the story keeps captivating.
6. No clear pricing strategy
A fixed price all year round leaves bookings on the table. Respond to season, weekends and local events. A smart, dynamic price means you're not too cheap in peak season and still book in quiet months.
7. Leaving reviews unused
Positive reviews are your best salespeople. Reply to every review (even the less positive ones), and subtly weave recurring compliments into your description. That builds trust with new guests who are hesitating.
Most listings don't need a nicer place, just a better presentation.
Recognise a few of these points? Good news: they're exactly the things you can improve quickly with a targeted optimisation. Often you'll see more views and enquiries within a few weeks.
Prefer that I take a look?
With The optimisation analysis I go through your entire listing and you get concrete improvements, or I carry them out for you straight away.
Book a free intro callFrequently asked questions
How do I get more bookings on Airbnb?
Make sure you have a strong first photo, a title that stands out, a description that sells the experience and complete amenities. Together these decide whether guests click through and book.
What is the most important photo in a listing?
The first (cover) photo. In the search results it decides whether someone clicks on your listing. Choose your strongest, most atmospheric image, not an exterior or a dark photo.