How to Write Airbnb Descriptions That Convert: A Host's Complete Guide
How to Write Airbnb Descriptions That Convert: A Host's Complete Guide
After your photos convince a guest to click, your description must close the deal. Yet most hosts treat descriptions as an afterthought—either writing a few bland sentences or cramming in every detail without structure.
The truth? Your description is the bridge between interest and booking. A well-crafted description addresses concerns, builds excitement, and makes the decision to book feel easy and right.
This guide will teach you to write descriptions that don't just inform—they convert.
Why Your Description Matters
Consider the guest mindset: they've seen your photos and are intrigued, but they have questions. Your description answers those questions and either builds confidence or creates doubt.
What Guests Look for in Descriptions
Research shows guests scan descriptions for:
Your description must address all five while remaining engaging and scannable.
The SEO Dimension
Your description also impacts visibility. Airbnb's search algorithm considers:
The Optimal Description Structure
The best descriptions follow a proven structure:
Opening Hook (First 250 Characters)
Your first sentences appear in search results and listing previews. They must:
Example openings:
Generic (weak): "Welcome to our apartment! It's a nice place in a good location."
Compelling (strong): "Wake up to sunrise over the harbour from your private balcony. This architect-designed loft puts you in the heart of the historic district, steps from waterfront dining and harbour ferries."
The Experience Section
Paint a picture of what staying feels like:
Example: "Start your morning with coffee on the sun-drenched deck, watching sailboats drift past. After a day exploring cobblestone streets and harbour shops, return to the chef's kitchen for a home-cooked meal—or let us book you a table at the acclaimed seafood restaurant around the corner."
The Space Section
Provide specific, practical details:
Example: "The Space
The main floor features an open-plan living area with 20-foot ceilings and exposed brick. The gourmet kitchen includes a six-burner range, espresso machine, and all the tools for serious cooking.
The master suite occupies the entire upper level, with a king bed, walk-in closet, and en-suite bathroom with rain shower and soaking tub.
A dedicated home office with ergonomic chair and dual monitors makes working remotely comfortable and productive."
Amenities and Extras
Highlight what's included and what sets you apart:
Example: "What's Included
Location Context
Help guests understand the neighbourhood:
Example: "The Location
You're in the heart of Old Town—the city's most walkable neighbourhood. Within five minutes on foot: the famous Pike Place Market, waterfront trails, and dozens of restaurants and cafés.
The light rail station (2 blocks) connects you to the airport in 35 minutes. Ride-share pickup is on the corner. Prefer to drive? Your dedicated parking spot is included."
House Rules Preview
Set expectations without being negative:
Example: "A Note About Our Space
This is a quiet building with considerate neighbours. We ask guests to keep noise to a minimum after 10 PM—the neighbourhood's peace is part of what makes it special.
We welcome well-behaved pets with prior approval (small cleaning fee applies)."
Writing Techniques That Convert
Show, Don't Tell
Weak (telling): "The apartment is very nice and comfortable."
Strong (showing): "Sink into the oversized sectional with a glass of wine and watch the city lights twinkle through floor-to-ceiling windows."
Use Specific Details
Weak: "The kitchen is well-equipped."
Strong: "The kitchen includes a Vitamix blender, Nespresso machine, Le Creuset cookware, and a fully stocked spice rack."
Address the Guest Directly
Weak: "Guests will enjoy the pool."
Strong: "After a day at the beach, you'll love cooling off in the heated pool before watching the sunset from the deck."
Create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Weak: "The view is nice."
Strong: "Guests often tell us the sunrise from the master bedroom is the highlight of their trip—set your alarm and see why."
Eliminate Friction
Anticipate concerns and address them:
Example: "Checking in is seamless: you'll receive a unique door code the day before arrival. No key exchange, no waiting around—just head straight to your home away from home whenever you arrive."
Keywords and SEO Strategy
Strategic keyword use helps you appear in relevant searches:
Primary Keywords to Include
Natural Keyword Integration
Don't stuff keywords—weave them naturally:
Keyword-stuffed (bad): "Our beach apartment is the best beach apartment near the beach with beach views and beach access for your beach vacation."
Natural (good): "This oceanfront apartment puts you steps from the sand. Fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to spectacular beach sunrise views—no driving required for your perfect seaside getaway."
Long-Tail Keywords
Include specific phrases guests search for:
Common Description Mistakes
Mistake 1: The Wall of Text
Problem: Unbroken paragraphs that guests won't read.
Solution: Use headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs. Make it scannable.
Mistake 2: Generic Language
Problem: "Our place is beautiful and comfortable" says nothing.
Solution: Replace generic adjectives with specific details. What makes it beautiful? How is comfort achieved?
Mistake 3: Overpromising
Problem: "Resort-style luxury" for a basic apartment creates disappointment.
Solution: Be honest and specific. Undersell slightly, over-deliver in person.
Mistake 4: Missing Information
Problem: Guests have to ask basic questions, reducing booking confidence.
Solution: Cover: beds, bathrooms, parking, Wi-Fi, check-in process, neighbourhood basics.
Mistake 5: Negative Language
Problem: "No parties, no smoking, no loud music after 10 PM, no exceptions."
Solution: Reframe positively: "This is a peaceful retreat in a quiet residential neighbourhood—perfect for relaxation and quality time."
Mistake 6: Outdated Content
Problem: Description mentions the "new" restaurant that closed two years ago.
Solution: Review and update quarterly. Remove time-sensitive references.
Mistake 7: Inconsistency with Photos/Amenities
Problem: Description mentions "private garden" but amenities show "shared backyard."
Solution: Cross-check description against photos and amenity list. Every claim must be accurate.
Localizing Your Description
Use language that resonates with your audience and location:
Regional Terminology
UK properties: garden (not backyard), flat (not apartment), lounge (not living room)
US properties: backyard (not garden), apartment typical, living room standard
International guests: Avoid idioms, be explicit about distances and sizes
Cultural Expectations
Different markets expect different things:
Business travelers: Emphasize workspace, Wi-Fi speed, quiet environment, coffee setup
Families: Highlight safety, space, kids' amenities, nearby activities
Couples: Focus on romance, privacy, special touches, experiences
Groups: Stress gathering spaces, sleeping capacity, entertainment options
Description Length: Quality Over Quantity
Optimal Length
Target: 500-1,000 words (about 1-2 pages)
Too short (<300 words): Appears unprofessional, missing information Too long (>1,500 words): Overwhelming, low engagement, buried key details
The Complete vs. Concise Balance
Include everything guests need to know—nothing more. If a detail doesn't help them decide or prepare, cut it.
Include: What makes your place special, practical logistics, neighbourhood context, setting expectations
Cut: Your personal history with the property, excessive superlatives, information available elsewhere in the listing
The Description Refresh Process
Descriptions need regular updates:
Quarterly Review
Annual Rewrite
Trigger-Based Updates
Update immediately when:
How RLGP Analyzes Your Description
Our AI evaluates descriptions across multiple dimensions:
Content Analysis:
Consistency Check:
Competitive Context:
Professional Rewrite: We generate an optimized description that:
Description Writing Checklist
Content
Style
SEO
Accuracy
Final Polish
Transform Your Description Now
Your description works around the clock, answering questions and convincing guests to book. A well-crafted description can be the difference between a browse and a booking.
Remember:
Ready to see your description optimized? Our free listing analysis provides a complete description assessment including a professional rewrite tailored to your property. See exactly how to improve your copy, fix inconsistencies, and connect with your ideal guests.
Words matter. Make yours work harder.
Keep improving: Discover which amenities guests really want and how to feature them effectively.
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