How To Use Airbnb's Search Rank Algorithm To Rank Your Listings Higher
Geographical Variability
The correlation between property attributes and search rank can vary significantly by geographical location. This means the optimization strategies that work in one city might not be as effective in another. For example, the number of positive reviews might be crucial in one city but less important in another where pricing is the dominant factor.
Price Optimization
While having the right price is universally important, the degree to which it impacts search rankings can vary. In some cities, offering discounts for long-term stays greatly enhances rankings, while in others, such discounts might even negatively impact ranking.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Consistently, having positive guest reviews and high ratings remains a critical factor for better search rankings. This is particularly important in markets with a large number of properties and varied quality levels, where reviews help listings stand out.
Listing Freshness
New listings on Airbnb often receive a temporary rankings boost. This is likely because new properties lack reviews or other traditional metrics to rank higher, so Airbnb gives them a chance to perform well initially. This strategy also encourages new hosts to continue using the platform.
Active Host Management
The frequency with which a host updates their calendar is a significant factor. Active hosts are rewarded with better rankings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an up-to-date listing.
Instant Book and Responsiveness
Listings that allow for instant booking and have quick response times (e.g., replying to inquiries within an hour) are favored in the search algorithm. This suggests that Airbnb values hosts who provide a seamless and efficient booking process.
Professional and Detailed Descriptions
Listings with longer, detailed descriptions tend to rank higher. This could be due to these listings being perceived as more professional or simply because more descriptive listings convert better by providing potential guests with all the information they need.
Number of Reviews and Wishlist Saves
The quantity of reviews and how often a listing is saved to a wishlist positively correlates with search ranking. More reviews not only indicate popularity but also provide more data for potential guests to make informed decisions.
High-Quality Photos
There is a strong positive correlation between the number and quality of photos and a listing's rank. Professional photos can enhance the appeal of a property, increasing its chances of being booked and thus improving its rank.
Market-Specific Optimization
Angel Host's approach highlights the importance of tailoring listing attributes to the specific market. Understanding local preferences and adjusting listings accordingly can provide a competitive advantage.
Special Banners
The presence of "Rare find" or "New lower price" banners can improve search rankings. These banners often reflect unique or competitive pricing and high booking activity, further emphasizing the importance of strategic pricing and calendar management.
Overall Relevancy and Conversion Rates
The ultimate goal of optimizing listings is to enhance relevancy and conversion rates. Airbnb's algorithm appears to prioritize listings that are more likely to convert based on past guest behaviors and search trends, making continuous data analysis and adaptation crucial for maintaining high rankings.
Conclusion
By focusing on these aspects and continuously adapting to market-specific trends and data insights, hosts can significantly improve their listings' performance in Airbnb's search rankings.
If you'd like to join a discussion on the best way to rank higher on AirBnB make sure to post on this Reddit thread.
