How to Write a Winning Airbnb Listing Description

Write an attention-grabbing listing that will have guests clicking “book now.” Photo: Andres Molina.

When it comes to attracting guests to your property, your Airbnb listing should be your number one priority. It's far more than a simple list of amenities the property offers, it should tell a story. Guests want to be able to picture themselves in your home and it's your job to sell them on the vision — whether it be a ski chalet in the mountains, a beach bungalow by the ocean or a modern penthouse in the city.

Potential visitors don't want to have to guess as to whether your property is the perfect fit for them, so it's up to you to write an attention-grabbing listing that will have them clicking "book now." Need help getting started? Here are our four tips for writing the perfect Airbnb description that will boost bookings in no time.

1. Highlights the Property’s Best Features

The very first thing a guest sees is your headline, along with a photo of your place. Make sure both are attention-grabbing and as professional as possible. Hiring a professional photographer may be an investment, but it's certainly worth the cost to help draw in guests. For the headline, you want to keep it short and sweet, while highlighting the best features of your short-term rental. We like to adhere to the following style:

Ski-In/Ski-Out | Jacuzzi | Mountain Views 

Waterfront Property | Kayaks Included | Fireplace 

It's straight to the point, while still enticing to your audience. Keep in mind, Airbnb limits your headline to 50 characters, so you may have to get creative at times.

2. Break Down Your Description into Segmented Sections

Generally, most visitors to your listing will want to do a quick skim of your description to start. Breaking down your listing into segmented sections makes it easy for them to find the exact information they're looking for. A business traveler vs. a family will have very different needs, so it's important to mention any amenities you can think of that will set your listing apart. We recommend breaking it down into the following sections:

• An Introduction 

• The Space

  • Bed & Bath 

  • Living Room & Kitchen 

  • Additional Amenities (think patio space, BBQ, laundry facilities, hot tub) 

  • Guest Access (will they have use of the full space? Be clear on any expectations with shared spaces here)

• Local highlights (we like to include three popular attractions nearby)

• Transportation (Is there a bus or subway nearby? Is the city bike-friendly?)

3. Think Of Your Target Audience For Your Airbnb Description

As previously mentioned, someone who is visiting with a large group of friends will have very different wants from a couple booking a romantic weekend away. It's important to think of your ideal audience when writing your listing to help increase bookings. Just because you focus on one demographic doesn't mean you're going to scare other prospects away. You're simply making it easier for a certain audience to book immediately. More than anyone else, you know exactly who your vacation rental caters to. Use that information, and tweak your description accordingly.

4. Mention Your Unique Selling Points In Your Airbnb Description

This rings particularly true for properties that are located in a competitive market. If you're located in Catskills, for example, ensure you mention your top selling points at the beginning of your introduction. Location is typically a big factor for travelers, so perhaps mention "located less than 90-minutes from the city and just a five-minute drive to nearby Woodstock." If there isn't anything particularly noteworthy about your rental, think of a few extras you can provide to boost bookings:

• Local welcome goodies (could be coffee beans, craft beers, homemade baked goods)

• A favorite bottle of wine

• Access to a bike/kayak/SUP board 

• A fully stocked kitchen

• A free SIM card

• A transportation card

At the end of the day, crafting the perfect Airbnb description is both an art form and a science. Following these four simple steps will help boost conversions and make it easy for guests to click "book now" with confidence. 

Short on time or just not too sure where to start? Let us help you craft the perfect Airbnb listing for your short-term rental! Email us to get started.