How to Use the Best AirBNB Titles
In the few moments it takes for a potential guest to scroll past your listing, your task is to seize their attention and convince them that your offering is their best choice. This guide will provide valuable insights on creating engaging Airbnb titles that align with the preferences of your audience.
The question that arises, "What should my Airbnb title be?", is subject to some ambiguity as of the end of 2022, as it remains unclear whether the host or Airbnb owns the responsibility of title settings.
Changes to the platform have introduced:
Search results page titles – concise Airbnb-generated names based on [Property type] + [Location]
Listing page – original host-generated listing name
This development might prove irksome, and Airbnb has pledged to address it. We will revisit this issue later in this article.
For now, let's assume the custom title retains its importance. Hence, we pose the question: what should be the ideal Airbnb title?
The title should encapsulate your brand and what you're providing. A well-composed Airbnb title will offer potential guests an accurate preview of what to expect from your listing.
Before we delve into examples and best practices for Airbnb titles, let's highlight a crucial factor – the context.
Your listing title operates in conjunction with your thumbnail image, price, location, rating, and competitor offerings.
Therefore, it would be unwise to blindly replicate someone else’s title. Instead, focus on outlining the tangible, practical benefits of your property.
Airbnb Titles Best Practices
The following points are derived from various advice sources:
Maintain simplicity, accuracy, and directness in your title. Avoid overdoing creativity.
Use the title template: {Adjective} + {Property type} + {Benefit}
Leverage abbreviations to communicate maximum information within the Airbnb title’s 50 characters limit (32 characters on mobile phones).
Favor shorter words (5+ on average) rather than fewer long words per title. Studies indicate the potential impact of lengthy names on the ranking.
Use keywords that potential guests are likely to search for. Refer to standard Airbnb filter names for help.
Refrain from using superlatives or making exaggerated claims in your title.
Choose the appropriate listing thumbnail image that showcases the same selling points as your title.
Avoid artificially inflating the listing price by including ‘luxury’ in the title. Convince through the description.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your listing title effectively draws user attention and encourages clicks.
What are Effective Airbnb names for Short-Term Rentals?
Below are some actual Airbnb titles ranked by total revenue. Their syntax has been preserved to illustrate that the title is not the only significant factor from a guest’s perspective.
Interestingly, several titles defy official regulations, yet these listings still generate revenue. We surmise that other substantial factors contribute to these Airbnb listings' high ranking, such as location, seasonality, overall user satisfaction, listing price, minimum stay (days), among others.
New Airbnb Guidelines on Writing Titles
As of June 30, 2021, Airbnb reinstated host-generated titles on the platform (albeit not completely). The new guidelines on writing listing titles emphasize two main points:
Shorter sentence-style texts
Absence of emojis, excessive capitalization, or special characters
This approach makes texts easier to read, and Airbnb's search output becomes more organized and clear. Prioritizing words over emojis can create an equal opportunity for all hosts in terms of visibility.
Airbnb has noted a shift in user behavior, with most users now browsing Airbnb on their mobile devices. It's important that users can access all the pertinent information about a listing without scrolling excessively.
...focus on the realistic advantages your property offers.
When formulating your title, remember to keep it precise, clear and succinct. Refrain from employing excessive creativity or humor that may confuse potential guests. Follow the structure {Adjective} + {Property type} + {Benefit} for a succinct but informative title.
It's advisable to use more short words instead of fewer long ones in your title. Research indicates that lengthy titles might impact ranking negatively. Make sure to incorporate keywords that potential guests are likely to use in their search.
Ensure your title aligns with the image of your property that you're trying to portray. Don't inflate your listing price by labeling your property as 'luxury'— instead, let the property description do the talking.
Moving on, here are some examples of actual Airbnb titles that have performed well in terms of total revenue. This list demonstrates that the title isn't the sole factor influencing guests' decision—there are several other elements at play.
Despite certain contradictions with official guidelines, these titles have proven successful in generating income. Some of the other crucial factors that contribute to higher ranking Airbnb listings include location, seasonality, overall user satisfaction, listing price, minimum stay duration, and more.
In mid-2021, Airbnb reinstated host-generated titles on the platform. The new regulation advocates for the use of shorter, sentence-style texts without any emojis, excessive capitalization, or special characters. This is designed to make the search output more organized, clear, and inclusive for all hosts.
A rising trend among Airbnb customers is using the platform on mobile devices. As a result, it's important for hosts to provide all essential information about a listing in a concise manner, ideally fitting within a 32-character limit for mobile displays.
Now, let's discuss the usage of emojis in Airbnb titles. While you can technically use emojis, it's against Airbnb's content policy, and there's no guarantee against potential negative consequences. Instead, consider using other types of symbols like bullet points, stars, or arrows in your descriptions.
To give you an idea about the most commonly used adjectives in Airbnb titles, let's examine a study conducted in 2020. Remember, frequent usage doesn't necessarily translate into effectiveness. Also, make sure your listing accurately matches the description before using certain adjectives. For more affordable short-term rentals, words like 'cozy', 'clean', and 'quiet' could prove helpful.
While you can use Airbnb title generators to ease the process, be aware that they may not always yield the best results. Also, remember to update your listing title if needed by going through the Listings section in your Host admin.
For hosts who list their property on multiple online travel agencies, it's crucial to adhere to each platform's specific title requirements. Booking.com, for example, prefers straightforward titles and discourages using abbreviations.
Using the Right Title is Totally Essential
Your Airbnb title is a vital aspect of your listing but it should be considered in conjunction with other elements like price, location, and competitor listings. Ultimately, the best strategy is to consistently work on improving your guest's experience and accurately representing your property.