Boost your listing's search ranking: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Expedia]]
[[Category:Expedia]]


<div class="heading">Optimize your content</div>
<div class="heading">Boost your listing's search ranking</div>
  This page explains how to optimize your listing content.  
  This page explains how to optimize your listing.  


=Summary=
=Summary=
<div class="summarybox">
<div class="summarybox">
Ranking higher in booking searches boosts visibility, bookings, and revenue. With many competing properties, understanding ranking algorithms and optimizing your listing is crucial. This guide covers key ranking factors and actionable tips to improve your position.
A good ranking on the channels depends largely the content you provide and guest reviews.  
A good ranking on the channels depends largely the content you provide and guest reviews.  


Good content is key to manage guest expectations. List all your amenities and make sure your descriptions are accurate so guests know what to expect. Add great photos to your listings that show what guests will get. Guests who find what they expected are less likely to leave a bad review.
Our tips apply to your direct booking page as well to all OTAs. For Airbnb, Booking.com, the Vrbo group and Hometogo you can manage the complete content directly from Beds24.
 
Hosts who applied tips have '''improved their conversion rate on leading OTAs by up to 140% in only 30 days'''.
</div>
 
 
=Airbnb=
[[Image:guest-favourite.jpg|center|500px|link=]]
 
With Airbnb its all about quality and convenience for the guest.
 
'''Aim to become a guest favourite'''
 
On average listings with [https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3496?locale=en&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1741603575_EAZjBiOWU4ODNlZT Guest Favourite badge] receive 30% more bookings than other listings and have more room for a higher price.
 
Guest Favourites are updated daily and are identified based on a mix of factors related to overall stay and listing quality and reliability, including
*Overall ratings and feedback in guest reviews
*Category ratings for check-in, cleanliness, accuracy, Host communication, location, and value
*Host cancellation rates
*Quality-related incidents reported to Airbnb customer service
*A minimum of 5 reviews
 
'''Offer non-refundable discount'''
 
The non-refundable option lets guests book at a discounted rate that’s not subject to your standard cancellation policy. If they cancel, they won’t be refunded.
 
'''Have flexible cancellation policies '''
 
Flexible policies drivemore bookings and higher revenue.
 
'''Use Instant Booking'''
 
Using instant booking removes uncertainty from the reservation process, fostering trust and convenience for guests. Instant booking is the default on Beds24. If you have asked us to change this for you you might want to reconsider this.
 
=Booking.com=
'''Use Occupancy prices'''
 
Offering prices for different occupancies increases visiblity and drives bookings. With Beds24 you can send prices for different occupacies directly form Beds24.
 
'''Offer multiple price options'''
 
With Beds24 you can manage multiple rate plans.
 
'''Participate in Booking.com’s Programs'''
 
Enhance your visibility by enrolling in the Genius Program or the Preferred Partner Program. These programs provide special tags, custom banners, and listing badges designed to boost your page views and bookings.
 
=Vrbo=
'''Strive for Vrbo Premier Host Status'''
 
Vrbo awards [https://help.vrbo.com/articles/How-may-I-become-a-Premier-Partner Premier Host badges] to hosts who consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences, with evaluations conducted quarterly.
 
'''Have Relaxed or Moderate cancellation policies '''
 
Vrbo recommends Relaxed or Moderate cancellation policies to boost bookings. Flexible policies drive 26% more bookings, 53% higher revenue, and 39% better conversion than Strict, building guest confidence and increasing your success.
 
'''Use Instant Booking'''
 
Using instant booking removes uncertainty from the reservation process, fostering trust and convenience for guests. Instant booking is the default on Beds24. If you have asked us to change this for you you might want to reconsider this.  
 
'''Vrbos top-amenities'''
 
*Pool
*Private pool
*Hot tub
*4+ stars
*Beach
*Kitchen
*Free cancellation
*Air conditioning
*Internet/Wifi
*Outdoor space
*Pets allowed


This page summarizes top strategies to optimize and improve your listings performance. 
Location
*Beachfront
*Oceanfront
*Waterfront


Our tips apply to your direct booking page as well to all OTAs. For Airbnb, Booking.com, the Vrbo group and Hometogo you can manage the complete content directly from Beds24.
Property type
*House


Hosts who applied tips have '''improved their conversion rate by up to 140% in only 30 days'''.  
Click here for [[Media:Vrbo Boost your Performance on Vrbo.pdf|more information]].
</div>


=Pictures=
=General Recommendations=
==Pictures==
Pictures  are the first impression that guests have. You should provide as many pictures as possible in high resolution.  
Pictures  are the first impression that guests have. You should provide as many pictures as possible in high resolution.  


==Managing Pictures in Beds24==
Recommended are 20+ pictures. Make sure all have caption and make sure your first (key) picture and your headline work together.
 
===Managing Pictures in Beds24===
You can add and manage pictures in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  BOOKING ENGINE > PICTURES.
You can add and manage pictures in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  BOOKING ENGINE > PICTURES.


Make sure the pictures have the right order. Picture 1 will will the the top picture sent to the OTAs which they will use as hero or header picture.  
Make sure the pictures have the right order. Picture 1 will be the top picture sent to the OTAs which they will use as hero or header picture.


=Features and Amenities=
Some OTAs support tags. If you add tags directly in Beds24 there is a dropdown with commonly used tags but you can also add other tags manually. Booking.com recommends adding seasonal pictures and tag them with the season. They will then display the season picture according to the season the guest want to travel.
 
==Features and Amenities==
Having the right amenities will ensure your listing is not excluded from filtered searches. Some channels also support "Location Type" and "Nearby" features to  allow guests to narrow down search results.
Having the right amenities will ensure your listing is not excluded from filtered searches. Some channels also support "Location Type" and "Nearby" features to  allow guests to narrow down search results.


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On Airbnb  some amenities, such as pools, hot tubs and washer/dryers, can significantly improve listing performance. Allowing pets and providing a kitchen, WiFi and TV can have a more moderate but still noticeable effect on the performance on Airbnb.
On Airbnb  some amenities, such as pools, hot tubs and washer/dryers, can significantly improve listing performance. Allowing pets and providing a kitchen, WiFi and TV can have a more moderate but still noticeable effect on the performance on Airbnb.


==Setting up Features and Amenities in Beds24==
===Setting up Features and Amenities in Beds24===
You can add them via a copy and paste. Beds24 supports both property features and room features:
You can add them via a copy and paste. Beds24 supports both property features and room features:


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'''Room features and amenities'''
'''Room features and amenities'''


If you have multiple rooms criteria which only applies to one room should be entered in the room  in {#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS > SET UP).
If you have multiple rooms criteria which only applies to one room should be entered in the room  in {#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS > SETUP.


Example 1: All rentals or  rooms have internet. In this case you can set up the Internet in {#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. The number will be applied to all room/units.
Example 1: All rentals or  rooms have internet. In this case you can set up the Internet in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. The number will be applied to all room/units.


Example 2: You have one unit with Internet one and another unit without Internet. In this case set the Internet up in SETTING > PROPERTIES > ROOMS > SET UP.
Example 2: You have one unit with Internet one and another unit without Internet. In this case set the Internet up in SETTING > PROPERTIES > ROOMS > SETUP.


How to add features and amenities.  
How to add features and amenities.  
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#Close the pop up and then press SAVE.
#Close the pop up and then press SAVE.


We aim to support all features the channels support If some features are not yet available, please reach out to us via a support ticket.  
We aim to support all features the channels support If some features are not yet available, please reach out to us via a support ticket.
 
==Rules and Policies==
Travelers value the ability to get a refund if their plans change.
 
*Having a flexible  cancellation policy can significantly increase the number of bookings.
*Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount upfront  tend to perform better.  


=Cancellation Policy=
==Descriptive texts==
Travelers value the ability to get a refund if their plans change. Having a flexible  cancellation policy can significantly increase the number of bookings.
Some channels allow for a "headline" rather than a property name. Choose your headline carefully and make sure your first (key) picture and your headline work together.


=Communication=
Make sure your descriptions are accurate so guests know what to expect. Guests who find what they expected are less likely to leave a bad review.
 
==Communication==
Successful hosting requires excellent communication between hosts and guests. Effective communication is essential for happy guests, 5-star reviews, and repeat bookings.
Successful hosting requires excellent communication between hosts and guests. Effective communication is essential for happy guests, 5-star reviews, and repeat bookings.


On our blog we provide additional information and an example [https://blog.beds24.com/ultimate-guide-to-effective-guest-communication/ messaging flow].
On our blog we provide additional information and an example [https://blog.beds24.com/ultimate-guide-to-effective-guest-communication/ messaging flow].


==Communication via Beds24==
===Communication via Beds24===
Beds24 allows you to set up automated messages so you can provide your guests with all relevant information when they need it.  
Beds24 allows you to set up automated messages so you can provide your guests with all relevant information when they need it.  


Direct integration with Airbnbs, Booking.coms, Expedias and Vrbos messaging system allow you to communicate with their guests directly and securely from Beds24 via the channels messaging system.
Direct integration with Airbnbs, Booking.coms, Expedias and Vrbos messaging system allow you to communicate with their guests directly and securely from Beds24 via the channels messaging system.


=Reviews=
==Reviews==
Most travelers rely on reviews before booking.  
Most travelers rely on reviews before booking.  


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If possible you should make it a habit to review all guests directly after departure because hosts who leave a review for their guests are likely to receive a review back from their guests.
If possible you should make it a habit to review all guests directly after departure because hosts who leave a review for their guests are likely to receive a review back from their guests.


==Managing reviews in Beds24==
===Managing reviews in Beds24===
Direct integration with Airbnbs, Expedias and Vrbos reviews allow you to manage your reviews directly from Beds24. You can view your reviews directly in Beds24, reply to them and review the guest.  
Direct integration with Airbnbs, Expedias and Vrbos reviews allow you to manage your reviews directly from Beds24. You can view your reviews directly in Beds24, reply to them and review the guest.  


We suggest you actively ask tor reviews via an Auto Action.  
We suggest you actively ask tor reviews via an Auto Action.


=Regular tasks=
==Communicate proactively==
Use Auto Actions to give your guests relevant information at any stage of their stay.
 
About a week before check-in guests start thinking about their arrival. Send them a message informing how the check-in works and if they will need additional information when they will receive them.
 
==Check your listing regularly==
To stay on top you should actively manage your listings. These are the key tasks you should perform on a regular basis:
To stay on top you should actively manage your listings. These are the key tasks you should perform on a regular basis:


'''Pricing Strategy'''
'''Pricing Strategy'''