November 21, 2025
While browsing through Airbnb or Booking, you may have noticed that some listings immediately catch your attention, while others seem to slip by unnoticed.
So, what is the secret of standout listings?
Is it just the beauty of the house, or is there a professional strategy behind it?
In this article, we will discuss how you can strengthen your holiday home's listing in terms of photo, price, and text.
1. Photo: First Impression, Last Decision
On platforms, guests first look at the photo, then the price, and then the title. So, the photo is the first element that determines the fate of your listing.
The essentials of a strong listing photo:
Natural light: Photos should ideally be taken during the day, in natural daylight.
Wide-angle but not exaggerated: It should make the space look right, not larger than it is.
Arrangement and cleanliness: Sheets should be ironed, surfaces clean, and clutter close to zero.
Detail photos: “Storytelling” details like a coffee corner, balcony, view, workspace.
Selection of cover photo: The most impressive shot should be the cover photo. A combination of a view + a spacious living room works very well.
If possible, having a professional photo shoot can significantly increase conversion rates.
2. Price: Not Too High, Not Too Low
The price affects both perception and search ranking.
Very low price:
Can create a cheap/low-quality perception.
Can lock you into a model that isn't profitable in the long run.
Very high price:
Reduces the click-through rate in search results.
Price/performance imbalance can reflect in the reviews.
For correct pricing:
Regularly check the prices of similar homes in your area.
Consider the season, weekdays/weekends, special days, and local events.
Adjust your price according to your occupancy target (being a bit flexible in the low season can be beneficial).
If possible, use dynamic pricing tools or professional management support.
Remember: The goal is not to have the highest nightly rate, but to achieve the highest total revenue spread over the year.
3. Text: Sell the Experience, Not the Home
Many listing descriptions start like this:
“My house is 2+1, 500 meters from the sea, new building.”
It provides information but doesn’t persuade.
Guests are looking for not just a house but an experience.
A good listing text:
Adds value specific to the target guest (“Ideal for families”, “Quiet workspace for remote workers”).
Clearly states the positives of the home (location, view, spacious balcony, fast internet, parking, etc.).
Describes things to do nearby (hiking trails, restaurants, beaches, cafes).
Clearly and kindly states the house rules.
Example opening sentence:
“Would you like to stay in a spacious and bright apartment in a quiet seaside town, where you can enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony and work remotely with its fast internet?”
4. Title: Make a Difference with 3-4 Words
The title is the first area visible right after the photo, and it is incredibly critical.
Strong title examples:
“3 Minutes Walk to the Sea | Spacious 2+1 with Balcony”
“Fast Wi-Fi + Workspace | Apartment Close to the Beach”
“Ideal for Families | Garden Apartment in a Secure Site”
Using at least two of the following elements in the title is very effective:
Location advantage (close to the sea, in the center, quiet neighborhood, etc.)
Type of house (with balcony, with garden, duplex, etc.)
Target audience (families, couples, remote workers, etc.)
A strong feature (view, parking, fast internet, etc.)
5. Reviews and Ratings: The Strongest Social Proof
No matter how good the photos and text you prepare, reviews and ratings are decisive in the guest's decision.
You can take reservations with slightly more flexible prices for your first guests and accumulate strong reviews.
Small gestures to increase guest satisfaction (welcome note, coffee/tea offering) work very well.
Responding to negative reviews in a professional and calm manner gives future guests confidence.
Conclusion: Think of Your Listing as a Showcase
Your Airbnb and Booking listing is the digital showcase of your holiday home.
With professional photos, correct pricing, and well-written listing text:
You can be more visible in rankings,
Achieve higher occupancy,
Get better reviews, and
Ultimately, earn more revenue.
If you’d like, we can review your existing listing together and generate detailed improvement suggestions regarding title–photo–text–price.
