How to Create an Airbnb Listing (That Gets Booked!)

There are hundreds of tutorials on how to create your first Airbnb listing. This is not one of them.

This is a foolproof guide to creating a listing that actually gets booked.

Many hosts click through Airbnb’s setup process and hit publish. Then what follows is crickets, tumbleweeds, and an empty calendar.

Follow this step-by-step Airbnb guide to get it right the first time and turn your listing into a guest magnet.

Start Here: Create Your Airbnb Account

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If you don’t already have an Airbnb account, sign up and create your profile. Use the Host Camp link for a potential signup bonus and expert listing feedback from our team.

Once you’re set-up, go to the Host section and click “Create a New Listing.”

Step 1: Set Up Your Listing

✅ Choose the Right Property Type

Airbnb offers six property categories, pick the one that fits your space. Be honest—a rundown bungalow is not a “tiny home.”

Airbnb Property Types:

• Apartment: A place in a multi-unit building with other tenants (condos and lofts)
• House: Standalone structure (includes townhomes and duplexes).
• Secondary unit: Guesthouse, basement suite, or backyard cottage.
• Bed and breakfast: A stay with hosts onsite that includes breakfast.
• Boutique hotel: A hospitality business with a unique style or theme.
• Unique space: These stays that don’t fit the mold. Tiny homes, yurts, glamp sites, treehouses.

✅Choose the Home Type

Home Type options:

• Entire place → Guests get the whole property.
• Private room → Guests share common areas like the kitchen.
• Shared room → Think hostel-style stays.

‍Host Camp Tip: If you’re renting out a private room, let guests know who they’ll be sharing the space with.

✅ Set Your location

After entering your address, double-check the pin and make sure it's accurate.

Guests use map search to plan trips. And your neighbor will become your mortal enemy if strangers keep showing up at their door.

✅ Set Guest Limits & Sleeping Arrangements

Enter how many bedrooms and bathrooms are available and how many beds you have.

Don’t cram in as many guests as possible to get a higher rate. The Airbnb rule of thumb is 2 guests per bedroom, and extra for sofa beds.

Bathrooms matter too. One small bathroom for 6 people? That’s nightmare fuel.

More guests = more wear and tear. Set a realistic limit.

✅Check Every Amenity That Applies To Your Stay

The more amenities you check, the higher you rank. Check every single amenity you have, no matter how small and obvious it seems. Don’t be humble.

Browse the “Guest Favorites” amenities section to see what is in high demand. If you have them, highlight them in your listing!

Step 2: Upload Your (Professional & High-Quality!) Photos

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Your photos are the #1 reason guests book. Hire a pro photographer, It’s worth it. Then plan your shoot for the perfect time for natural lighting.

When you upload photos, take guests on a virtual tour. Upload your photos in order—entryway → living spaces → bedrooms → outdoor areas. Make sure you have a picture of every room and feature.

How many photos should I upload for my Airbnb listing?

Forget the 5-photo minimum. Aim for 25-50 high-quality images. Airbnb recommends a 1024px x 683px resolution with a 3:2 ratio. Don't distort or edit images.

Host Camp Tip: Add image captions to highlight unique features.

Step 3: Write an Irresistible Headline & Description

Your listing needs to do 3 things well:

• Grab attention.
• Describe your space.
• Show your hosting personality.

✅Craft a Scroll-Stopping Title

Skip the fancy Airbnb listing names. Guests don’t care. Pack 3-4 key amenities into your title instead. Use abbreviations like BR for bedroom and BA for bathroom if you run out of space.

Host Camp Tip: Airbnb limits title characters at first. Go back later and extend it!

✅Write a Description That Hooks Guests

Start your description strong. Tell guests what to expect in one sentence.

→ "Escape to this modern 2 bedroom A-frame with breathtaking ocean views & a private hot tub."

Then add in more details in short sentences or bullet points. Set clear expectations and be as detailed as possible.

Your description should cover:

• Property set up (Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, outdoor areas)
• Top amenities (WiFi, workspace, swimming pool, grill)
• What makes your stay special (Close to the airport or the beach?)

Host Camp Tip: The Airbnb algorithm rewards detail! More info = better rankings.

Step 4: Work out Pricing

Pricing on Airbnb is tricky. You want amazing revenue, but you also need to stay competitive.

Don’t turn on Airbnb’s Smart Pricing and call it a day. It lowballs your rates most of the time.

Do this instead:

1. Research similar listings in your area.
2. Use tools like AirDNA or PriceLabs for market-based pricing.
3. Offer discounts on your first 3 bookings for an algorithm boost and added incentive.
4. Turn on dynamic pricing to adjust rates based on demand.

Congratulations, you've registered a new Airbnb stay!

Creating your listing is the easy part. Now it’s time to deliver a guest experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

Why Isn’t My Airbnb Getting Booked?

Published & zero bookings? Let’s fix that. Here’s what might be holding you back.

• You’re Not Logging In Enough – Airbnb favors active hosts. Log in daily, even in slow seasons.
• Instant Book is Off – Guests (and Airbnb) prefer quick bookings. Turning this on improves your ranking and attracts more guests.
• Your Photos Are Meh – Bad lighting or low-quality images are a guest repellant. Hire a pro or reshoot with natural light.
• You Never Update Your Listing – Refresh your description, pricing, and photos regularly.
• Too Many Cancellations – Canceling kills your ranking and your Superhost status.
• Too Many Extra Fees – Guests hate excessive fees. Work most costs into your nightly rate.
• Slow Response Time – Airbnb rewards fast replies. Aim to respond within an hour. Guests won't bother getting in touch if it takes you 5 hours to respond.
• Minimum Stay is Too Long – Shorter stays attract more guests. When you’re starting out, be flexible.
• Your Description is Too Short – Guests won’t message you for basic info you didn’t mention. They’ll just keep scrolling.

Tweak, update and get booked!

The Journey to Superhost Status Starts Here

Creating an Airbnb listing that actually gets booked isn’t rocket science. But it does take strategy, amazing photos, and attention to detail.

Follow these steps, put in the work and watch the bookings roll in.

If you want to dominate your market and get your listing to #1, join Host Camp, the biggest STR community on the planet. Discover Airbnb strategies, expert coaching, and a supportive community of fellow hosts.

You've got this, now go turn that new listing into a guest favorite.

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