How to Write an Airbnb Description that Converts

Now that we’ve covered the Airbnb listing title, it’s time to move onto writing your Airbnb description.

Writing the description is the most time-consuming part of setting up your Airbnb listing. But as research has shown it is an important factor for higher search rankings so it shouldn’t be overlooked.

In this post, we’ll go over how to get started and what to write in each section along with some examples from my own descriptions.

So without further ado, let’s get started with a few things to keep in mind when writing your description.

8 Tips to Write an Irresistible Airbnb Description

Define your Main Selling Points

Just like we did in the title, you need to highlight the main selling points of your space.

Narrow them down to 3-5 characteristics that make your space truly unique and will appeal to your ideal guest.

Things that can be your main selling points:

• Architecture/history of the property
• Unique features/amenities
• The type of guest you cater to (families, couples, pets, backpackers etc)
• Location/nearby landmarks
• Views (sea, mountain, city etc)

Now that you have your main selling points, make sure to use them early on and throughout your listing, especially in the “listing description” section.

Think of your Airbnb description as your sales page. You have already grabbed the searcher’s attention with your main picture, price, and title, now you need to use your description to help convert them into bookings.

Speak to Your Ideal Guest

Again, just as we did when writing our title, write you’re listing description to cater directly to your ideal guest, don’t try to appeal to everyone.

It’s much easier to sell to a golfer if you list the distances to the nearby golf courses or telling the first-time tourist how far the popular attractions are.

When creating your ideal guest persona, ask yourself;

• Why do people travel to your area?
• What demographic travel to your area?

These are the people you’re writing this description for; keep them in mind throughout the entire process.

Use the Correct Tone

Your Airbnb description should be written in the voice or tone that best matches your property.

For example, you wouldn’t write the same way for a family-friendly holiday home as you would an upmarket city apartment.

For the holiday home, you would keep your description casual and in a friendly tone, highlighting areas families could use together.

And for the city apartment, you would style your description in a more sophisticated and formal tone, highlighting the exclusivity and luxuries.

Vacation rentals are often very personal spaces and guests want to know if yours will match with their personality.

When choosing the correct voice and tone for your description, remember who your ideal guest is and what they find most important.

Make Your Description Scannable

Just like this post your reading now. I’ve broken the content up into bite-sized sections with their own subheadings.

This is exactly what you need to do for your Airbnb description.

By walking them through the property and separating it room by room you make it much easier and quicker for the potential guest to find what they’re looking for.

The layout and order I use are usually:

• Intro: Use descriptive words, include your main selling features and a call to action.
• Living Area: Describe the size, layout and amount of seating available. Include the dining area here as well.
• Outdoor Areas: Whether you have a pool or just a balcony. Include the size and view.
• Kitchen: An important area for many. You don’t need to list our everything, just main amenities.
• Bedrooms/Bathrooms: Include the size, bed types, layout, furniture and unique features.
• Facilities: If your space is in a condominium and your guests have access to the pool or gym etc include here.
• Location: Include distances to public transport, local landmarks, restaurants, supermarkets etc. Is it quiet and rural or is it downtown close to bars?

Write descriptive examples of how guests can use each space. Try to get them to see it in their own minds. For example:

“You’ll love being able to swim in the shared pool that boasts a beautiful ocean view or simply wade along the coastline waiting for turtles to pop their heads out of the water.”

Description Length

Description length has been known to positively affect your Airbnb rankings. You are currently allowed 500 characters in the listing description, so make the most of them.

In the current listing page design, only the first 2 paragraphs are shown before having to click the “Read more about the space” link.

From my recommended layout above, I use the intro and a call to action in the “listing description” section and add the rest to “The Space” section.

Include Local Attractions

A quick tip to appear in more searches is to add local attractions and landmarks to your listing description.

An easy way to do this is a bullet list with the distance to each attraction.

Try to add 3-6 popular landmarks in your area that you think people may search for.

Add a Call to Action

You’ve got the searcher onto your listing from your eye-catching title and a great main photo, they’ve started reading your description – and now you need to convert them into booking.

This is when a simple call to action at the end of your description can make all the difference.

Here are some examples you can try in your Airbnb description:

• Experience (Your Location) like a local, make your reservation today!
• Save your dates now and secure a (Your Location) vacation you will always remember!
• Enjoy your next family vacation to (Your Location) in this charming home!

Don’t be shy to ask the potential guests for the booking.

Be Honest

Over-exaggerating the quality and features of your listing is the quickest way to poor reviews and ratings. Leading to fewer bookings in the future.

In the end, the most important point to remember when writing your description is, to be honest, showcase all of the positive aspects of your space, and set the guest’s expectations correctly.

Examples

Description

In this section, you’ll want to highlight the best features of your place and with a call to action, encourage potential guests to continue reading to learn more about your space.

A few things you should mention are;

• Who is your place ideal for? families, couples, singles.
• The atmosphere. Is it spacious, rural, cosy, modern?
• Important amenities such as WiFi, airconditioning, pool, gym etc.

Make sure to use all of the 500 characters available as this will have an effect on your search ranking.

Stay in style at this bright and airy studio, where Kamala beach is only 400 metres away! You’ll have spectacular sea views, a private balcony, and great resort amenities, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views of Kamala – all with the Beach & restaurants within easy walking distance.Perfect for a couple. If you’re searching for a studio apartment in Kamala with a great view & location, then look no further. Save your dates now and secure a Phuket holiday you’ll always remember!

Airbnb states that the next sections are optional and only 30% of hosts fill them out. In my opinion, it would be a mistake to not use them.

You should use this opportunity to stand out from the other listings in your area.

Your Space

Here you should add the room by room descriptions and any other information that won’t fit into the description above.

Let guests know exactly what they can expect during their stay. Use descriptive words such as spacious, charming, cozy, rustic. And don’t embellish the truth.

Guest access

In this section, you should include everything your guests will be able to use during their stay and if there is anything off-limits.

This can also include any common area facilities such as parking, pools, or tickets to local attractions if you offer them.

An example from one of my own listings;

Guests have access to the entire apartment, amenities and all common area facilities. These include a gym complete with a sauna, two swimming pools, 24-hour security and concierge services.Please make yourself at home.

Guest Interaction

This is where you can set your guest’s expectations of how available you’re going to be for help during their stay.

An example from one of our own listings;

When you arrive you’ll be greeted by our friendly guest manager, Oliver who will show you around, hand over keys and answer any questions you have.Concierge service is available 24/7, so just give us a call if you need anything.While you may have the apartment to yourselves, you won’t be alone when it comes to planning your trip. We are more than happy to help you book activities, bike & car rentals and anything else.

Other things to note

In this section, you should add anything that will impact guests’ stay.

Personally, I currently use this section to highlight our cleaning as many hosts in our area doesn’t provide this during a guest’s stay.

I also include any additional fees, which are usually electricity.

Here’s an example from one of my own listings;

The cleaning fee covers your departure clean and 2 cleans per week during your stay. You will always check-in to a clean apartment and don’t have to worry about cleaning up before you go. This is all included in the cleaning fee.Please note: Electricity usage is not included in the rental rate and is charged at 6 baht per unit. We read the meter with you at check-in/check-out and keep you updated of your usage during your stay.If you have any questions before booking, please feel free to contact us.

Your Neighbourhood: Overview

Help people find great places to eat, shop, or any local attractions they should visit.

This is your opportunity to sell the area your listing is in. Most people will be visiting for the first time, tell them why it’s great and who it’s ideal for.

An example from one of my own listings;

Kamala Beach lies just north of the lights and noise of Patong and is a quieter stretch of sand with a more relaxed feel.The well-enclosed bay is surrounded by forested hills and is one of the most beautiful places in Phuket.Kamala is a beautiful long beach with clear waters during high season, featuring plenty of restaurants and shopping options.With its quieter pace, Kamala has become a favoured spot for longer-term visitors staying in guesthouses, villas and apartment rentals around the village.Recently there has been an increase in popularity, with the opening of the new Cafe Del Mar beach club and 5-star hotel developments.

Getting Around

In this section, you can provide info on the different ways to get around your area.

Include the nearest public transport such as train/subway stations, bus stops or if they will need to use taxis or hire a car.

An example from one of my own listings;

The apartment is located in the southern part of Kamala village and is within walking distance to the majority of restaurants, fresh markets, supermarkets and the beach which is only 700 metres away.However, Phuket is a big island, with many things to see and do. To make the most of your trip, we always recommend guests hire their own transport to see all Phuket has to offer.

The examples from my own listings above are just that, examples. They are used to give you an idea and help you get started. You should develop your own style that suits your space.

Conclusion

Although not as important as your photos or Airbnb Title, the description is still a very important aspect when it comes to converting lookers into bookers.

Key points to remember:

• Know your ideal guest
• Include important information first
• Make it easy to read
• Be honest

Did I miss anything?

Is there a step your struggling with?

Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment below.