How to set up an effective listing page
Your listing page is your first opportunity to grab the attention of potential guests. Use your title, description, photos, amenities, and price to provide a complete and accurate reflection of what you offer.
Control when and how guests can book
As a Host, you decide when and how guests can reserve your place. Carefully choosing your calendar and booking settings ensures you’re hosting the way you want while helping prevent unnecessary cancellations.
A few of these features include:
Calendar settings: Keep your calendar current by taking actions like blocking dates when you aren’t hosting and setting the minimum and maximum number of nights a guest can book.
Request to book: This feature lets you review a booking request before you accept it. Make sure you respond to the guest within 24 hours.
Instant Book: Guests often search for listings that use Instant Book, which allows them to book without pre-approval. Turning this on signals you’re willing to host anyone who fits your booking criteria, which is a critical part of being an inclusive Host.
Add key details
You can help your listing stand out and set guest expectations by sharing important details.
Write a detailed description. Try to capture what guests should know about your space in your title and description. For example, a Host who has a small space by the sea might write “Cozy beachside getaway” as their listing title. Use inclusive language to make it clear that you welcome people of all backgrounds.
List your amenities. Popular amenities include wifi, self check-in, a laptop-friendly workspace, free parking, and a pet-friendly space, so make sure to list any that you offer.
Share your house rules. These set expectations for guests and give them a preview of your hosting style. Use your house rules to share essential info—like a no-smoking policy—with potential guests.
Use great photos to attract guests
Your listing photos can showcase your personality and style. Updating them often helps accurately reflect what you're currently offering.
Pay attention to your first photo. Your listing title and cover photo are the first things guests notice in search results. “When I look for an Airbnb, I always go straight to the photos. So think about what sets your place apart from others,” says Candida, a Host in Joshua Tree, California.
Use images of your whole space. Upload multiple photos of each room from different angles to give guests a virtual tour of your space.
Write descriptive captions. Your captions are a great place to point out noteworthy details, like a pool table, soaking tub, or views.
Highlight accessibility features. Many guests search for accessibility features. Add photos of these to your listing, and mention them in your listing details.
Keep your price competitive
As a Host, you control your nightly price and overall pricing strategy. A few things to keep in mind:
Local demand: You can compare your place to similar listings nearby to make sure you’re offering a good value for the location and amenities you provide.
Smart Pricing: Our Smart Pricing tool helps you set a competitive price by automatically adjusting it based on demand.
New listing promotion: As a new Host, you might be eligible to offer 20% off to your first three guests to help you get your first bookings and reviews.
Once you’ve started hosting, try to keep your listing current. Your description and photos should be an accurate reflection of what you provide, highlighting what’s unique about your place while helping explain the price you’ve set.
Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.