How to raise an apartment’s position on Airbnb?

Airbnb is one of the most popular accommodation platforms today, where every owner wants their listing to stand out and bring in plenty of bookings.

Costa del Sol, our sunny coast, is particularly valued among tourists. How then can you increase the visibility of your Costa del Sol apartment on Airbnb?

Since Airbnb earns money with each booking, the platform’s goal is to quickly find a suitable accommodation for the searcher. SEO stands for search engine optimization. Airbnb SEO is the process that helps increase the visibility or search ranking of your property in guests’ search results. The higher you are in the search results, the greater the likelihood that you will be noticed.

The Airbnb algorithm includes over 100 different factors, but let’s look at what you could immediately use or consider.

 

1. Create an engaging and detailed description

Your apartment description must be interesting and informative.

Why is your apartment special? What nearby attractions or unique features distinguish your listing from others?

• Location: If your apartment is located by the sea or near popular beaches, definitely highlight this. For example: “Enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.”
• Historical or Cultural Value: If the apartment is situated in a historic building or area, such as the old town of Marbella or Malaga, mention this.
• Furnishings and Amenities: Describe what makes your apartment special. Scandinavian design, smart home features.
• Added Value: If you offer something that others do not, like a PlayStation 5 or bike rentals, emphasize it.
• Tourist Attractions: Mention nearby popular places. For example: “Just a 2-minute walk away is Marbella’s old town with its charming streets and excellent dining options.”

• Activities: If there are activities near your apartment that might interest your clients, highlight them. Whether it’s golf, wine tastings, chocolate making, macaron workshops, a flamenco evening, a tapas tour, or something else.

The description must capture attention and provide enough information to persuade visitors to choose your listing.

2. Professional Photos

High-quality photos are essential. Invest in a professional photographer who can highlight the best features of your apartment.

• Good Lighting: Natural light makes spaces appear more open and warm. Plan your photo shoot during the day when sunlight is optimal.
• Clean and Organized Spaces: Before taking photos, ensure that the apartment is clean. Remove personal items and leave only decorative elements that add character to the space.
• Focus on Details: Small details like fresh flowers, artwork, or quality bed linens can be very enticing in photos.
• Various Angles and Views: Take photos from different angles to show the layout of the apartment and the connections between rooms. Be sure to include views from the terrace, especially if they open up to the sea or mountains.

• Virtual Tour: If possible, arrange for a virtual tour that allows potential visitors to walk through the apartment virtually with a 360-degree view.

High-quality photos not only attract more visitors but also help potential clients better understand your offering and increase trust.

3. Respond Quickly and Friendly

Responding quickly and friendly to client inquiries creates a positive first impression. Excellent customer service is key.

• Response Speed: Always try to respond to inquiries as quickly as possible, ideally within an hour. This shows that you care about your guests and their needs.
• Mobile App Usage: The Airbnb mobile app allows you to respond to messages quickly, even when you’re not near a computer.
• Friendly Tone: Always use a friendly and polite tone. Even if the question seems simple or silly, respond patiently and helpfully.
• Helpfulness: If a visitor has questions or problems, try to solve them as efficiently and helpfully as possible.
• FAQ: If you frequently receive similar questions, create an FAQ section. This can speed up the response process while retaining a personal touch.
• Local Recommendations: In addition to answering questions, offer additional information, such as recommendations for nearby restaurants or attractions.
• Follow-Up: After a guest’s departure, take the time to send them a thank-you message and encourage them to leave feedback.

4. Competitive Pricing

Market research is essential. Set a price that is competitive while reflecting the value of your offering.

• Research Similar Listings: Look at the prices of similar accommodations in your area. This provides an overview of the average market rates.
• Understand Differences: Consider how your apartment stands out. If it offers added value, such as a prime location or exceptional amenities, this can justify a higher price.
• Seasonality: Costa del Sol is a popular destination where demand fluctuates with the seasons. During summer, when demand is high, you can charge higher rates. In low-demand periods, consider lowering your prices.
• Special Offers: During the low season, attract visitors with special deals and discounts.
• Flexible Pricing: Use Airbnb’s pricing tools to automatically adjust rates based on demand. For instance, set higher prices for weekends or holidays.
• Early Booking or Last-Minute Discounts: Offer discounts to those booking early or at the last minute to boost occupancy.
• Additional Fees: Be transparent about any extra charges, such as cleaning fees or fees for additional guests. Guests dislike unpleasant surprises.
• Monitoring and Adjusting: Continuously monitor prices and adjust according to market changes. Be ready to adapt based on feedback and booking patterns.

5. Offer Something Special

To stand out on Airbnb, it’s essential to provide something unique and memorable. Small but meaningful details can make your Costa del Sol apartment much more appealing.

• Personalized Welcome: A small welcome package, such as local sweets, a bottle of wine, or fresh fruit, leaves a positive impression on guests.
• Local Products: Include items from local producers, such as food or handmade crafts, to showcase the local culture and support the community.
• Personalized Recommendations: Create a guide with local attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems typically off the tourist radar.
• Local Events: Provide information about local events, festivals, or unique experiences like wine tastings or whale watching.
• Transport and Tour Services: Assist with arranging transportation or recommend reliable taxi companies. You could even offer guided tours or collaborate with local tour companies.
• Custom Requests: Allow guests to make special requests, such as flowers for a birthday or organizing a romantic dinner.
• Extra Amenities: Offer additional comforts like premium bed linens, a high-end coffee machine, or fast internet access.
• Sports and Leisure Equipment: If your apartment is near the beach, consider providing beach gear (e.g., umbrellas, towels) or sports equipment (e.g., bicycles, snorkeling gear).

These thoughtful details and added value create a memorable and exceptional experience for guests, increasing the likelihood they’ll recommend your accommodation to others and return themselves.

6. Optimize Titles

Your title should be short, catchy, and descriptive. Use keywords that help your listing stand out in searches.

7. Use Airbnb Settings Wisely

Airbnb offers a range of settings to help hosts better manage their listings and target the right clientele.

• Choose the Right Cancellation Policy: Airbnb provides several cancellation policies, from flexible to strict. Select the one that best suits your property and target market. For instance, a flexible policy may attract more bookings, while a strict policy can help avoid last-minute cancellations.
• Use Booking Filters: Set requirements like a minimum number of nights or a booking window. This helps avoid short stays during peak seasons or ensures last-minute bookings don’t cause inconvenience.
• Guest Screening: Decide whether to allow only verified guests or those with previous reviews. This ensures you welcome more reliable and quality visitors.
• Dynamic Pricing: Use Airbnb’s pricing algorithms to automatically adjust rates based on demand and market conditions. This ensures competitive pricing and maximizes revenue.
• Calendar Management: Manage availability by blocking dates when the property is unavailable or when you prefer not to host guests.
• Feedback Analysis: Monitor guest feedback and reviews. This helps identify areas for improvement to enhance guest experience and increase positive reviews.
• Compliance with Safety Requirements: Ensure your listing settings comply with all local laws and regulations, including safety and health standards.

8. Gather Positive Reviews

Positive reviews build trust and improve visibility. Encourage guests to leave honest feedback.

• Provide Memorable Experiences: Focus on offering an excellent experience, from comfortable and clean accommodations to personalized recommendations.
• Attention to Details: Small gestures, like a welcome package or a list of top 10 attractions, help create a positive impression.
• Be Accessible and Helpful: Communicate with guests before their arrival and during their stay. Be ready to answer questions and solve potential issues.
• Ask for Feedback: After guests check out, send them a friendly reminder encouraging them to leave feedback. Emphasize how much their opinion means to you.
• Respond to All Reviews: Show appreciation for positive reviews and respond constructively to any negative comments. This demonstrates that you value feedback and are committed to improvement.
• Personalized Replies: Responding to each review individually shows that you are a dedicated and attentive host.
• Learn from Feedback: Use guest feedback to understand what they enjoyed and what can be improved.
• Positive Attitude: Encourage a positive mindset in guests from the booking process to their stay, increasing the likelihood of receiving a favorable review.

9. Be Active on Social Media

Using social media to promote your Airbnb property is an effective way to increase awareness and attract more visitors.

• Dedicated Account: Create separate accounts for your property on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or even TikTok, depending on where you’re active.
• Brand Identity: Maintain a consistent visual style and tone to build a strong brand identity. This helps people remember your listing.
• Photos and Videos: Share high-quality images and videos of your apartment, its surroundings, and local attractions. Highlight what makes your property and area unique.
• Guest Feedback: Share positive reviews and testimonials from past guests. This builds trust and shows potential visitors what kind of experience they can expect.
• Hashtags: Use popular and relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts, such as #CostaDelSol or #Marbella.
• Geotagging: Add geographical tags to your posts to make your listing easier to find for people searching for information about the area.
• Special Offers: Promote discounts or deals to encourage bookings. For example, “Winter Special – Book now and get 20% off!”
• Giveaways and Contests: Organize contests or giveaways to boost engagement and visibility.
• Engage Actively: Respond quickly to comments and messages. This helps create a personal connection with potential guests.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Partner with local businesses and influencers to expand your reach and target new audiences.

Being active on social media helps build a community around your property and provides an opportunity to reach a larger audience.

10. Offer Seasonal Discounts and Special Deals

Using seasonal discounts and special offers can boost interest in your Costa del Sol property, especially during the low season.

• Encourage Longer Stays: Offer discounts to guests booking longer stays, such as over a week or a month. This helps fill your calendar during the off-season and ensures a steadier income.
• Seasonal Promotions: Create seasonal offers to attract bookings specifically during low-demand periods.
• Holiday Packages: Provide special packages for events and holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, or local festivals. These could include added services like a holiday gift or complimentary transport.
• Last-Minute Discounts: Offer last-minute deals to fill vacant dates and attract spontaneous travelers.
• Active Promotion: Use social media and newsletters to inform potential guests about your offers and discounts.
• Clear Terms: Ensure your discounts and deal terms are clear and easy to understand. Transparency helps avoid confusion and disappointment.
• Partner with Local Businesses: Combine your accommodation offers with local attractions or services, such as restaurant discounts or tapas tours, to provide added value.
• Analyze Results: Track the performance of different offers and adjust your strategy accordingly. This helps identify the most effective discounts or packages.

Offering seasonal discounts and special deals can help boost demand, attracting both new and returning guests.

Success on Airbnb requires ongoing dedication and innovation. Highlighting your Costa del Sol apartment involves engaging descriptions, high-quality photos, excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and unique experiences.

NB! If you need help finding the right investment property on the Costa del Sol,

write to me at eve@merlishomes.com

Best of luck with your Airbnb hosting!