10 Expert Tips to Increase Your Airbnb Bookings

Feel Like Your Airbnb Should Be Getting More Bookings? You’re Not Alone.

It’s frustrating when your calendar has more empty days than check-ins. You’ve got a great space, but guests just aren’t clicking that “Book Now” button. Don’t worry—it’s not just you.

Here are 10 tried-and-true tips from seasoned hosts (and SHD experts!) to help boost your Airbnb bookings without burning out or spending a fortune.

1. Nail the First Impression with a Killer Title & Photo

Guests scroll fast. Your cover photo and listing title need to grab attention immediately.

Use bright, high-resolution images (natural light is your best friend).
Make your title pop: “Sunny Bungalow Near Downtown | Fast WiFi + Free Parking” > “Cozy Place”

💡 Tip: Your first photo should show the main room looking clean, cozy, and inviting.

2. Use Bullet Points in Your Description

Nobody wants to read a giant paragraph. Make your listing easy to scan with short bullet points.

✅ Fast WiFi
✅ Free driveway parking
✅ Fully equipped kitchen

💡 Keep it simple and focused on what guests actually care about.

3. Offer Self-Check-In (Yes, It Matters)

Guests love convenience. If they can check in without coordinating schedules, it’s a win.

Use a smart lock or lockbox
Mention “24/7 self-check-in” clearly in your listing

💡 It’s one of Airbnb’s most searched-for filters.

4. Lower Your Minimum Stay (at First)

Shorter stays = more potential guests. Especially when starting out, a one-night minimum can help build reviews.

💡 Once you’ve got solid reviews, you can raise your minimum to cut down on turnovers.

5. Respond to Inquiries Fast (Even If It’s Automated)

Airbnb’s algorithm rewards responsiveness. Even a quick “Thanks for your message—I’ll get back to you shortly!” can help.

💡 Use tools (or SHD!) to automate your replies and keep response times under 1 hour.

6. Get Professional Photos

Bad lighting and phone photos = fewer bookings.

Hire a pro or use Airbnb’s photography service
Or just borrow a friend’s DSLR and shoot during daylight

💡 Listings with pro photos earn up to 40% more.

7. Update Your Calendar Regularly

Even if nothing changes, Airbnb bumps listings that look “active.”

💡 Little updates = higher visibility.

8. Use Competitive Pricing (But Not Too Low)

Check what similar listings charge in your area and stay competitive.

Too high? Guests move on.
Too low? You look suspicious.

💡 Use dynamic pricing tools or SHD’s smart pricing service to stay on target.

9. Ask for Reviews (Politely!)

Reviews build trust fast. If a guest had a great stay, follow up with a short thank-you and reminder to leave a review.

💡 More reviews = more bookings. It’s that simple.

10. Promote on Social Media or Direct Booking Sites

Don’t rely only on Airbnb. Share your listing on:

Instagram
Facebook groups
Local travel pages

💡 SHD can even help set up a direct booking site with your own branding.

Bonus: Let SHD Handle the Heavy Lifting

Want more bookings without doing all the work? SuperHost Depot (SHD) offers:

Listing optimization
Dynamic pricing
Guest communication automation
Professional cleaning coordination

💡 We help you earn more while doing less. Get Started with SHD