Ever notice how some Airbnb listings seem to show up first? That’s no accident. Just like Google, Airbnb uses search engine optimization (SEO) and matches guests to the properties they’re most likely to book.
And just like Google, there are ways to optimize your listings so they have a better chance of ranking high and boosting reservations. This process is sometimes called ‘Airbnb SEO’.
Ranking high on Airbnb doesn’t involve any secrets or expert techniques. It’s about understanding what the platform’s algorithm looks for and aligning your business tactics with these signals.
What is the Airbnb search algorithm?
Airbnb’s search algorithm decides which listings its users see first. It tries to find close matches to what they’re looking for based on factors like their location and search filters.
The algorithm isn’t open source, which means only the engineers behind it know exactly how it works. Still, there are a few tips on the Airbnb help pages, and many experts have run experiments to see what helps a listing to rise through the ranks.
What we do know is that Airbnb shares the same goal as its hosts and guests: find good matches to drive bookings. That’s why the algorithm is programmed to consider both listings and user behavior when deciding results.
12 SEO factors that Airbnb hosts can control
Want to boost your ranking? Airbnb provides a brief guide on how search results work, with the 12 factors that hosts can influence.
Let’s explore every factor that impacts your ranking and how to improve it.
1. Ratings and reviews
The higher your ratings, the more likely you are to rank well. Airbnb aims to showcase properties that deliver a great experience, and positive feedback is the strongest signal that guests will enjoy their stay at your property.
Although you can’t avoid bad reviews entirely, you can reduce the risk of them happening. Focus on the fundamentals like ensuring a smooth check-in process and keeping your property spotless.
Following up with satisfied guests and encouraging them to leave a review can help. Automated messaging systems like Hostfully’s can schedule a reminder for a few days after their trip so they don’t forget.
2. Response rate
Fast communication shows both Airbnb and its users that you’re an engaged host. That’s why the platform tracks how quickly you respond to messages and rewards great response times with a better search ranking.
For individual hosts, Airbnb’s native messaging feature is usually enough. But those managing multiple properties across channels may find it challenging to keep up with potentially hundreds of emails. Many property management systems (PMS) like Hostfully offer unified inboxes so you spot messages immediately and reply within a reasonable timeframe.
3. Photos
Strong photography is one of the clearest quality signals. It builds trust, sets expectations, and helps Airbnb understand what you offer.
Aim for bright, well-composed images that cover:
- The outside of your property
- The nearby area
- Every room
- Any key amenities
Consider hiring a professional if you lack the photography skills. They can find the best shots and help you tell a story with your images, from arrival at your property to unwinding in the rooms.
4. Keywords
Your listing title is your headline. If it includes unique selling points like ‘pet-friendly loft near downtown’, then it’s more likely to rank well on Airbnb.
A strong listing description can also show Airbnb that you fit what guests are looking for. Mention popular search terms for your area, but keep it scannable. Walls of text are likely to deter guests and cause your listing to fall further down the algorithm.
Tip: Don’t neglect your Airbnb profile. Even if you have professional photos and compelling copy, users still want to see that you’re an active, trustworthy host.
5. Capacity
Airbnb properties with multiple rooms can serve more groups, so they’ll appear at the top of more filtered searches. That’s why you must be crystal clear about the number of sleeping spaces you offer.
But be honest about your capacity. Classify beds based on international guidelines and only list sofa-beds if they actually fold out. Airbnb explicitly mentions that listings must display an accurate number and size of sleeping spaces in its ground rules for home hosts.
6. Amenities
Adding eight to nine amenities gives your listing the biggest boost, according to 2024 AirDNA research. They help you appear in more filtered results and get more eyes on your property.
‘Amenities’ includes everything from “WiFi” and “pet friendly” to “hot tub”. Just make sure you’re honest and fairly represent what your property has to offer, or this tactic could backfire. You may get more bookings, but disappointed guests are more likely to leave bad Airbnb reviews.
Missing something that takes you out of search results? If all your nearby competitors provide it, consider whether it’s worth the investment.
7. Instant Booking
Instant Booking lets you accept bookings without approvals at short notice. Some new hosts hesitate to turn it on because they have less control over who stays at their property. But guests prefer the convenience of booking without back-and-forth messages, and Airbnb search results favor hosts who enable it.
You can still set safeguards by requiring government ID or only allowing guests with positive reviews. That way, you maintain control while benefiting from the visibility boost.
8. Cancellations
Airbnb recommends moderate cancellation policies to improve user confidence and satisfaction. Setting flexible rules can help your listing rank better.
Airbnb is also more likely to boost listings with a low host cancellation rate. While cancellations here and there won’t hurt your Airbnb search ranking, repeated ones could cause you to drop down the results.
The trick is to reduce the risk of host cancellations you have some control over. For example, use a channel manager like Hostfully to sync listings across channels and avoid double bookings. Or have someone ready to take over in the event you’re too sick or injured to manage your properties.
9. Pricing
Nightly rates are a key factor in guest decisions, so Airbnb prioritizes listings with competitive pricing. But you don’t need to be the cheapest in your area, just among similar vacation rentals.
Dynamic pricing tools can keep you aligned with demand. They automatically analyze market and competitor data to decide the optimal rate and adjust your Airbnb prices. And if you want to temporarily use a different pricing strategy, they let you override the system and make bulk edits.
Check out Hostfully’s range of dynamic pricing tools in our integration marketplace.
10. Availability
A calendar that’s consistently open and up to date tells Airbnb you’re an active host. Aside from appearing in more guest searches, you’ll be higher in the results.
The reverse is also true. Frequently blocking off dates or declining too many booking requests can hurt your ranking. It’s a sign that you’re unreliable or not as committed to hosting as others may be.
11. Location
Where your property is located plays a major role in how it appears in search results. Guests often look for stays close to popular attractions and neighborhoods, and Airbnb’s algorithm takes these preferences into account.
While listings in high-demand areas have a natural advantage, you can still highlight location benefits even if you’re further out. You can mention nearby public transport and give the time it takes or the number of stops to reach the city center.
12. Superhost status
Airbnb sees Superhosts as reliable and high-quality providers, which means their listings often get more exposure in search results. Guests also tend to trust listings with a Superhost badge, leading to higher booking rates.
To achieve Superhost status, you’ll need to meet Airbnb’s four criteria:
- Taken at least 10 reservations
- Maintained a 90% or higher response rate
- Had a less than 1% cancellation rate
- Scored an aggregate rating of 4.8 or higher
Airbnb reviews its Superhosts four times a year to make sure they’re still meeting the criteria. This means consistently meeting all the criteria over time, or you risk losing your badge.
Check out Hostfully’s guide to becoming an Airbnb superhost and maintaining your status.
What Airbnb SEO ranking factors can’t hosts control?
Not every Airbnb ranking factor is within your power. Airbnb personalizes search results heavily, meaning two users see very different listings for the same search. This personalization draws on several factors you can’t influence directly:
- Previous trips: A guest’s booking history affects what Airbnb shows them. Someone who often reserves inner city apartments may rarely see suburban townhouses, even if they’re highly rated.
- Interactions: Wishlists, views, clicks, and saves give Airbnb an idea of what users are looking for. If a user often engages with luxury villas, for example, the algorithm prioritizes those over budget stays.
- Search criteria: The filters the guest uses dictate what they’ll see. Factors like group size, travel dates, and trip length may rule your property out of consideration.
- Location: While you can highlight how close you are to popular areas, you may not appear in searches if you’re too far out of that zone.
The key takeaway: don’t worry about personalization signals you can’t control. Instead, focus on what you can control, like pricing, guest reviews, and listing optimization.
Updates and trends in Airbnb’s ranking algorithm
Airbnb constantly updates its search features and algorithm based on what helps guests find better matches. For example, it announced its new total price display in 2025 that shows users the full amount they’d pay upfront.
The challenge is that Airbnb doesn’t give advanced notice when it changes the algorithm. Hosts usually notice the changes afterward because of the impact on their visibility and bookings, for good or for bad. Most recently, many users have begun to speculate on Reddit, Quora, and the Airbnb community that repeat bookings have begun to count for more.
While this lack of transparency may seem unfair, remember that Airbnb aims to get hosts to provide a quality experience. It wants to reduce the chances of anyone gaming the algorithm.
But nothing’s stopping you from joining the Airbnb Community Center and r/AirbnbHosts on Reddit to get help. Users often experiment with the platform and provide tips on what to prioritize and how to please your guests.
How to jump up the Airbnb rankings with Hostfully PMS
The secret to ranking well on Airbnb is that there is no secret. Success largely comes down to creating an eye-catching brand and providing a top-notch guest experience.
Understanding how Airbnb’s algorithm works can give you an edge. But what you really need to see the difference in your results is the right strategy, tools, and support.
That all starts with using Hostfully PMS to:
- Automate key processes: Save time on booking management and guest messaging to focus more on customer support.
- Sync pricing and availability: Use a channel manager to ensure listings are consistent and up-to-date everywhere.
- Boost rating quality: Prompt satisfied guests to leave feedback on Airbnb to get more 5-star reviews.
- Enhance responsiveness: Get notified about messages and have personalized templates ready to go.
- Gain data insights: Track your metrics via the dashboard to gauge performance and understand why your listing’s visibility has changed.
With Hostfully PMS, you worry less about the mechanics of ranking and more time building the kind of guest experience that keeps you visible, competitive, and fully booked.
FAQs About Airbnb SEO
Does Airbnb SEO really work?
Yes, optimizing for factors like reviews, response time, and listing quality can boost visibility. You won’t always rank first, but Airbnb SEO helps your property appear higher in the rankings, so more potential guests see it. This leads to more views, higher conversions, and more consistent occupancy.
How long does it take to rank higher on Airbnb?
It takes a few weeks to rank higher on Airbnb after optimizing your listing, pricing, and customer service. However, it depends on your location and strategy. Quick changes like faster replies and high-quality photos can show results sooner, while reviews and ratings get results over time.
Can you pay to boost your Airbnb ranking?
No, Airbnb doesn’t allow paid boosts like Google. Search placements depend entirely on performance signals such as ratings, response times, and conversion rates. This involves a steady effort over time, so Airbnb users can see you’re a reliable host.
What’s the difference between Airbnb SEO and Vrbo SEO?
Both Airbnb and Vrbo rank listings based on their relevance and performance. But while Airbnb emphasizes guest experience, Vrbo considers a broader range of factors like calendar accuracy and fees. So if you’re managing both channels, you must take a different approach to rank higher on Vrbo.
