Running an Airbnb is exciting, but let’s face it—managing a listing can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. With so many moving parts, even the best hosts can slip up. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you spot them. And the even better news? Fixing them can mean more bookings, better reviews, and, yep, more cash in your pocket.
Let’s talk about five common Airbnb listing mistakes, how they could be holding you back, and the simple tweaks to turn things around.
Mistake 1: Your Photos Aren’t Showcasing Your Property’s Best Features
Photos are like the front door to your listing—they’re the first thing guests see, and if they’re not welcoming, people won’t even step in (or click).
The Problem: Your photos are dark, cluttered, or just don’t show off your space’s best features. Maybe the lighting is off, or you forgot to highlight the dreamy backyard that’s perfect for morning coffee.
How to Fix It:
Take photos during the day when natural light floods your space.
Declutter and stage each room—think fresh flowers, throw pillows, or a neatly set dining table.
Show off what makes your place unique. Got a killer view or a quirky reading nook? Make it shine.
Example: A host in Austin had a beautifully decorated loft but couldn’t figure out why bookings were low. After reviewing her listing, she realized her photos were dimly lit and didn’t capture the charm of the space. She hired a professional photographer who used natural light, wide-angle shots, and better staging. Within a month, her booking rate doubled, and guests started raving about how much better the space looked in person—because now, the photos actually did it justice!
Revolvio Tip: Still unsure how to get the perfect shot and how it can affect your listing? Check out our guide, The Impact of Short-Term Rental Photos for more tips.
Mistake 2: Your Description is Too Boring or Too Vague
Your listing description is your chance to tell guests why they’ll love staying at your property. But if it’s vague or reads like a dry grocery list of amenities, it’s a missed opportunity.
The Problem: “2-bedroom apartment with Wi-Fi, kitchen, and parking” might be true, but it’s not inspiring anyone to pack their bags.
How to Fix It:
Paint a picture: Instead of just listing features, tell a story about what makes your property special.
Be specific: Instead of “great location,” say, “a 5-minute walk to the city’s best coffee shop.”
Use a friendly tone that matches your space’s vibe.
Example: A host in Portland turned a plain description into a story: “Unwind in our chic, light-filled loft, just steps from the city’s trendiest brunch spots. Sip your morning coffee on the balcony as the city wakes up around you.”
Revolvio Tip: Guests want details but not a novel. Keep it clear and easy to read.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Airbnb SEO
Even the most gorgeous listing won’t get booked if no one sees it. If your listing doesn’t rank well in Airbnb’s search results, you’re invisible.
The Problem: You’re not using keywords or keeping your calendar updated, and maybe you’ve been a little slow to respond to inquiries.
How to Fix It:
Use keywords in your title and description. For example, instead of “Nice Apartment,” try “Modern Loft in Downtown LA with City Views.”
Respond quickly to messages—Airbnb loves hosts who stay on top of communication.
Keep your calendar up-to-date.
Example: A host in Miami went from barely any inquiries to getting booked solid after adding “oceanfront,” “family-friendly,” and “near nightlife” to her listing. She also started replying to guest questions within an hour, boosting her search ranking.
Revolvio Tip: Want to dive deeper? Our guide, Airbnb SEO Explained, breaks it all down for you.
Mistake 4: Pricing Without a Revenue Management Strategy
Pricing your Airbnb isn’t just about setting a nightly rate and calling it a day—it’s about managing your revenue strategically. Relying solely on tools or guessing at prices can lead to missed opportunities or wasted potential.
The Problem: Dynamic pricing tools are helpful, but they have limitations. They rely on data but can’t fully understand the context of your property, local demand, or market quirks. This means they might not always adjust prices in ways that truly maximize your earnings.
How to Fix It:
Use tools like PriceLabs or Beyond Pricing as a starting point for pricing adjustments.
Pair tools with a solid revenue management strategy that takes a deeper look at market trends, guest behavior, and your property’s unique features.
Analyze your performance regularly and make manual adjustments to fill gaps, capitalize on high-demand periods, and avoid underpricing.
Why Revenue Management Matters: Tools are great at crunching numbers, but they don’t see the bigger picture. They don’t know your property’s strengths, understand your target audience, or spot unique local events that could boost demand. This is where a human touch is essential.
For a deeper dive into how strategic revenue management can maximize your earnings, check out our guide: Revenue Management for Airbnb. It breaks down why relying on data alone isn’t enough and how a tailored approach can significantly boost your profits.
Example: A host in San Francisco relied on automated pricing tools but struggled to fill midweek bookings. After working with a revenue management team, she introduced targeted discounts for midweek stays while increasing weekend rates. Her occupancy and overall revenue jumped by 25% in just two months.
Revolvio Tip: At Revolvio, we provide full-service revenue management that combines cutting-edge tools with expert strategy. We don’t just set rates—we analyze your property, market conditions, and trends to ensure your revenue potential is fully realized. Learn more about our Dynamic Pricing Services today!
Mistake 5: Poor Communication with Guests
Guests want to feel taken care of, and communication is a huge part of that. If you’re slow to respond or unclear with instructions, it can lead to bad reviews.
The Problem: You don’t have a system for responding quickly or providing clear check-in and check-out instructions.
How to Fix It:
Set up automated messages for things like booking confirmations, check-in details, and reminders.
Respond to inquiries within an hour (or as fast as possible).
Send a warm, welcoming message before your guest arrives.
Example: A host in Miami was struggling with last-minute guest complaints about check-in confusion and missing details. After implementing automated pre-arrival messages with step-by-step check-in instructions, along with a personalized welcome note, guests arrived feeling informed and stress-free. Within a few months, her reviews improved from an average of 4.2 to 4.9 stars, and guests frequently mentioned how smooth and professional the check-in process was.
Final Thoughts
No one’s perfect, and even the best Airbnb hosts make mistakes. The key is to spot them early and make adjustments. By fixing these five common issues—better photos, engaging descriptions, SEO strategies, smart pricing, and great communication—you’ll create a listing that attracts more bookings and happier guests.
At Revolvio, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from dynamic pricing to listing optimization. Contact us today and let’s take your Airbnb listing to the next level!