Mastering Airbnb Categories: Essential Tips for Optimizing Your Vacation Rental Listing

Adapting to Airbnb's Evolving Landscape

After launching “Icons”, Airbnb Categories are becoming a cornerstone of the platform's strategy, fundamentally altering how guests choose their accommodations. This change means that property managers need to be proactive rather than reactive. Instead of passively waiting for your listings to fall into a coveted category to boost visibility, you can actively position your properties to excel. Here’s how:

• Evaluate Your Current Category Placement

  • Start by assessing the categories Airbnb's AI has placed your listings in. Are these categories the best fit for your properties? Do they align with what you offer and how you want your properties to be perceived? To do so, go to your Airbnb hosting profile then click on ‘Listings’ in the top menu, and choose ‘Property Type’ on the left bar:

Scroll down on the right side of the dashboard until you reach ‘Your Category’ to see where you landed by default:

• Strategically Position Your Listings

  • Understand the criteria for desired categories. Did you know a property can qualify for a "Beach" category if it's within a 20-minute walk to the shore? Positioning is key, and knowing these details can guide your strategy.

• Optimize Your Listing for Maximum Impact

  • Your listing's presentation on Airbnb can significantly influence its categorization. Highlight key amenities prominently—such as pool, chef's kitchen, or distinctive architectural feature like the exterior of a cabin—within the first five photos.

  • Ensure that your titles and descriptions emphasize these amenities. Encourage guests to mention them in their reviews, as this user-generated content can affect your listing's categorization.

  • Get a few reservations in the books through Airbnb. Adjust your pricing strategy to reflect market trends and increase the popularity of your listing. Sometimes it's worth sacrificing ADR for a few bookings to get higher in ranking. Make a temporary mid-week flash sale for the off-season as an example.

• Utilize Airbnb Tools for Category Management

  • If your listing is not accurately categorized or if you wish to add new categories, Airbnb has streamlined this process through a service called Elevate. This tool allows you to appeal misclassifications and request additions, giving you more control over how your properties are presented.

• Stay Ahead with Expert Guidance

  • This proactive approach isn't just about keeping up; it's about staying ahead. In a marketplace that values uniqueness and specific amenities, ensuring your properties are properly categorized could mean the difference between being overlooked and fully booked.

  • Our new consulting service at Listing Lift offers just that. Equipping you with the latest knowledge and implementing all the changes for you to free up your time. Reach out to see how we can elevate and transform your listings on OTAs like Airbnb, VRBO, and more.