May 23, 2025
How to Get More Airbnb Bookings: The Ultimate Host’s Guide
Boost your visibility, win more guests, and build a 5-star reputation
Are you struggling to fill your Airbnb calendar? Or maybe you’re getting bookings, but not enough to meet your goals? Whether you're just starting or looking to level up your hosting game, this guide will walk you through proven strategies to attract more guests, earn better reviews, and grow your income—all from the comfort of your cosy home.
🏡 1. Perfect Your Airbnb Listing
Think of your Airbnb listing as your shop window. If it’s not attractive, detailed, and well-lit, guests will scroll past.
🔑 Optimize Your Title
Keep it short, specific, and highlight your best feature:
Examples:
“Bright Garden Flat near City Centre 🌿”
“Family-Friendly Cottage with Wood-Burning Stove 🔥”
📝 Write a Compelling Description
Break your description into sections:
The Space: What's special about your home? Mention layout, views, and decor.
Amenities: Highlight conveniences like fast WiFi, free parking, a workspace, or a fully equipped kitchen.
Neighbourhood: What’s nearby? Pubs, parks, transport, landmarks?
Guest Access & Notes: Clarify access, quirks (like steep stairs), or house rules.
📸 Upgrade Your Photos
Photos are everything. Use natural light, tidy up, and show off each room.
Tips:
Start with your best feature (a garden, view, or stylish bedroom).
Add lifestyle shots—like a cup of coffee on the patio or a cozy reading nook.
Use captions to guide guests through your space.
Airbnb has specific guidelines on how to shoot a property, one of which is the type of lens used. The distorted property photography look some photographers use to enlarge a space goes against the intimate and cosy feel of an Airbnb photo. Choose a photographer that uses a 16mm lens and who uses natural and ambient light, as opposed to a flash.
💬 2. Communicate Like a Pro
Guests love fast, friendly, and clear communication. Airbnb even boosts listings with quick response times.
Use These Message Touchpoints:
Pre-booking: Answer questions quickly, help them decide.
Post-booking: Send a warm thank-you message.
Pre-arrival: Share check-in instructions and local tips.
Mid-stay check-in: Ask how everything is going.
Post-checkout: Thank them and ask kindly for a review.
💡 Tip: Use Airbnb’s automated messages to save time while staying personal.
🌟 3. Focus on 5-Star Guest Experiences
Airbnb guests are quick to review, and those reviews make or break your future bookings.
Essentials for 5-Star Reviews:
Cleanliness: Hire a cleaner or use a strict checklist. Think hotel standards.
Accuracy: Your listing should match reality—down to the smallest detail.
Thoughtful Touches: Include a welcome card, snacks, or a bottle of wine.
Clear Instructions: A digital or printed guidebook is a guest favourite.
💸 4. Price It Right
Underpricing means lost income. Overpricing scares guests away. Smart pricing wins every time.
What You Can Do:
Use Airbnb’s Smart Pricing but set sensible minimums.
Research nearby listings to stay competitive.
Offer discounts for:
First few bookings (to build reviews)
Longer stays (weekly/monthly)
Last-minute gaps
🛠️ Tools like PriceLabs or Beyond Pricing can automate this for you.
🧹 5. Design for Comfort and Wow Factor
Make your Airbnb memorable, functional, and irresistibly cosy.
Must-Have Amenities:
Hotel-quality bedding and pillows
Blackout curtains
High-speed WiFi with visible login info
Kitchen basics + extras (tea, coffee, oil, condiments)
Smart TV or streaming access
Nice Touches:
A local snack basket
USB chargers at the bedside
Games, books, or even yoga mats
Local artwork or thoughtful decor
🚀 6. Promote Beyond Airbnb
Don’t depend entirely on Airbnb’s algorithm. Take control of your traffic.
How to Market Your Listing:
Instagram or TikTok: Share photos, reels, and stories about your space.
Facebook Groups: Look for “holiday rentals in London” groups.
Build a direct booking site: Use platforms like Lodgify or simply link from your own site
Partner locally: Offer packages with nearby cafés, yoga studios, or tour guides.
📊 7. Use Tools and Analytics to Improve
Stay informed, make data-driven decisions, and keep refining your offer.
Tools We Recommend:
AirDNA: See how your listing stacks up against competitors.
Hospitable / Guesty for Hosts: Automate messaging and cleaning schedules.
TurnoverBnB: Coordinate cleaning seamlessly.
Keep an eye on your Airbnb dashboard for:
Views and Conversion Rate
Booking Window: When do people usually book your space?
Cancellation Rates: If high, improve clarity or flexibility.
🔁 8. Never Stop Improving
Successful hosts know: great listings are always evolving.
Update photos seasonally.
Change up decor occasionally.
Respond to reviews with gratitude—and action when needed.
Keep learning: Airbnb newsletters, Reddit threads, and hosting communities are gold mines.
✅ Bonus: Quick Wins
Turn on Instant Book to get more visibility.
Allow pets or children (if suitable).
Offer flexible check-in/out when possible.
Add experiences like bike rentals, firepit kits, or breakfast baskets.
✨ Final Thoughts
Hosting on Airbnb is part hospitality, part marketing, and part experience design. If you treat it like a business—and put love into every detail—your bookings will follow.
From optimizing your listing to going the extra mile for your guests, each step you take improves your visibility, reputation, and income.
Where can we help?
At cosy-home.co.uk, we’re passionate about capturing beautiful spaces. Our Airbnb Photographers are on hand to tick off step 2 of this guide! Book your Airbnb Photographer today.
