How to Increase Airbnb Bookings (10 Things Top Hosts Do Differently)

The Truth About Getting More Airbnb Bookings

At the time this was written, Airbnb had millions of active listings. Whether it's 7.7 million or "too many to count," the feeling is the same: guests have options.

I've found that getting more bookings rarely requires some genius trick. It's usually about removing the small reasons people hesitate.

They click. They skim. They compare. Then they either book… or keep scrolling.

Here are 10 habits I see from hosts with consistently booked calendars.

1. Aim for "Wow" in the First 10 Seconds

One of the best pieces of advice I've heard from top-performing hosts is simple: the moment guests walk in, you want a "wow."

That doesn't mean expensive. It means memorable.

Examples I've seen work:

• a real coffee setup (not two sad pods and a prayer)
• a standout tub, firepit, or deck moment
• heated throws, nice towels, good lighting
• a tiny "we thought of you" detail

I've found that when guests feel taken care of, they treat your place better and review you better. Both of those lead to more bookings.

2. Anticipate Needs Before Guests Ask

Under-promise and over-deliver is cliché for a reason.

Guests don't want to message you for:

• Wi-Fi
• parking instructions
• how to work the coffee maker
• where the extra towels are

What's worked for me:

• step-by-step check-in instructions with photos
• simple appliance guides (one page beats a 90-page manual)
• short Wi-Fi password printed somewhere obvious
• "here's what to do if X happens" basics (power, water, emergency contacts)

Fewer questions = smoother stays = better reviews.

3. Treat Reviews Like Fuel, Not a Trophy

A great listing can still struggle if guests don't trust it yet.

Reviews do two important things:

• help guests decide faster
• confirm that your listing matches reality

I've found the easiest way to protect reviews is to handle issues generously and quickly. Not by throwing money at every complaint—just by being fair and responsive.

A simple system helps:

• make it easy to contact you
• fix problems during the stay, not after the review
• send a short thank-you after checkout

4. Invest in Photos (Even If You Can't Hire a Pro Yet)

Photos don't just "look nice." They sell the stay.

Top hosts obsess over first impressions for a reason: guests decide whether to click in seconds.

If you can use a pro photographer (or Airbnb's program in your area), do it. If you can't, I've found these basics get you 80% there:

• shoot in daylight with curtains open
• keep the camera at eye level (about 5 feet)
• show the room from corners so it feels spacious
• stage lightly: tidy, warm, not fake
• lead with the money shots (bed, living area, outdoor space, view if real)

And label your photos. It sounds minor, but it reduces confusion when guests skim.

5. Make "Easy" Your Brand

"Easy" books.

Easy check-in. Easy parking. Easy instructions. Easy to reach you.

I've found that when guests feel like your place will be smooth, they're less price-sensitive too. They'll pay a little more to avoid stress.

6. Add Location-Based Touches That Feel Personal

The best extras aren't random. They match the area.

Ideas that actually get used:

• wildlife area: binoculars + a one-page "where to spot what"
• city: a short list of your go-to spots (not Yelp's top 10)
• beach/family: buckets, chairs, small toys
• rainy season: a simple "movie night" basket

These don't need to be expensive. They just need to feel intentional.

7. Communicate Like a Calm Professional

Guests don't want a novel. They want confidence.

What I've found works:

• short, clear messages
• proactive info before arrival
• quick replies during daytime hours
• one mid-stay check-in that isn't clingy

Something like: "Hope you're settling in well—anything you need?" is enough.

8. Fix the "Expectation Gap"

Most bad reviews start with one thing: "This wasn't what I thought."

So I'd rather be honest than clever.

Common gaps to close:

• parking reality
• stairs / noise / layout quirks
• distance to the "walkable" stuff
• bedroom setup (especially for groups)
• what "stocked kitchen" really means

Looking at description examples that work can help you see how top listings set clear expectations. If you want a quick gut-check on clarity, running your listing through AirbnbOptimizer can highlight what's unclear or missing. I use the same logic when I review my own listings after a slow month.

9. Build Relationships Without Being Weird About It

Some hosts meet guests in person. Some don't. Both can work.

What matters is warmth and helpfulness, without hovering.

I've found personal touches help most when they're simple:

• a welcome note
• local tips tailored to their trip
• remembering repeat guests

Treat people like friends you're hosting… while still keeping boundaries. That's the balance.

10. Be Consistent (It's Boring, But It Wins)

The hosts with booked calendars aren't always the fanciest.

They're the most consistent:

• clean, every time
• responsive, every time
• accurate listing, every time
• easy check-in, every time

Airbnb rewards consistency because guests do.

Final Thoughts

There isn't one secret to increasing Airbnb bookings. It's a stack of small advantages that compound.

If your calendar is empty, I'd start here:

• upgrade the cover photo
• tighten the title
• make pricing competitive
• remove friction from check-in and questions

Then keep polishing the guest experience until reviews start doing the selling for you.

That's when it gets fun.