If your Airbnb description still sounds like “2 bed, 1 bath, near downtown,” I’ve got news for you: you’re leaving money on the table.
In today’s competitive STR market, your listing description isn’t just copy—it’s your sales pitch. It’s what separates you from the 17 other places with a king bed and a hot tub in the same zip code.
And here’s the thing: guests don’t book features. They book experiences.
So let’s make sure your description does more than fill space. Let’s make it convert.
Why Your Airbnb Description Matters More Than You Think
Think of your description as your property’s voice. Photos grab attention, but words close the deal. A great description can:
- Increase your booking rate by 20–30% (especially if your pricing is solid)
- Attract higher-quality guests who are aligned with your vibe
- Reduce cancellations and bad reviews by setting the right expectations
- Improve SEO within Airbnb, pushing you higher in search results
I’ve worked with hundreds of listings across the U.S. and Mexico, and the highest-performing ones all have one thing in common: their descriptions sell the story.
1. Start Strong: Your Hook Should Stop the Scroll
The first line shows up in search previews. That means it needs to grab attention fast.
Skip the square footage and start with a scene. Here’s a simple structure that works:
“Wake up to sunrise views of [local landmark] in this [vibe-driven adjective] [type of space] just minutes from [cool nearby experience].”
Example:
“Sip your morning coffee with views of Lake Superior in this bright, peaceful cabin—just 10 minutes from Duluth’s best waterfall hikes.”
That’s not just a place. That’s a feeling.
2. Break It Into Digestible Sections
Guests skim. Give them bold headers and quick wins. Here’s a go-to structure that converts:
🏡 The Space:
Include layout, sleeping arrangements, unique features (loft? fireplace? record player?). Be descriptive but concise.
🌲 The Location:
Call out local highlights: walkability, proximity to trails, breweries, beaches, etc. Use real distances:
“Only a 3-minute drive to Tettegouche State Park” is better than “nearby parks.”
✨ What Makes It Special:
Here’s where you shine. Sauna in the backyard? Vintage cabin charm? Fully stocked espresso bar? Don’t be modest.
🧼 Guest Comforts:
Mention the practicals:
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Washer/dryer
- Stocked kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Keyless entry
The goal? Help guests imagine themselves there, relaxing with no surprises.
3. Use Storytelling to Sell the Experience
Instead of this:
“Great location close to everything.”
Try this:
“Grab a taco from the food truck down the street and head to the beach for sunset—it’s just a five-minute stroll from your front door.”
Storytelling isn’t fluff—it’s conversion fuel. It taps into what guests are really after: relaxation, connection, novelty, and ease.
PRO TIP:
“A great listing reads like a weekend itinerary—written by someone who loves hosting.”
4. Be Honest, But Strategic With the Flaws
Got a quirky staircase? A small bathroom? Share it, but spin it:
“This historic cottage has low ceilings in a few spots—watch your head and enjoy the charm!”
Being upfront reduces complaints and builds trust. A guest who feels informed is more likely to leave a positive review—even if the space wasn’t perfect.
5. Know Your Ideal Guest—And Write For Them
Who are you really trying to attract?
- Couples escaping the city?
- Families with young kids?
- Solo travelers working remote?
- Bachelorette parties?
Your tone, amenities, and examples should reflect that guest.
Example for remote workers:
“Fast Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, and total quiet make this a perfect spot to write, Zoom, or just recharge.”
Example for families:
“Pack light—we’ve got toys, a crib, and a high chair waiting for you.”
6. Use Keywords Wisely (Without Sounding Robotic)
Airbnb has its own search engine. That means SEO matters. Sprinkle keywords that guests are searching for into your description naturally.
Here are a few examples:
- “Pet-friendly cabin with private hot tub”
- “Downtown condo with balcony and skyline views”
- “Romantic getaway near wine country”
Don’t stuff keywords—just bake them into your storytelling.
7. End With a Clear Call to Action
Always close strong. You want the guest thinking, “Let’s book this.”
End with energy:
“Book your stay today and enjoy the peace, views, and magic of the North Shore!”
Or,
“Ready for your unplugged weekend? Reserve now and start packing.”
It’s simple, but it works.
8. Bonus: Optimize for Mobile Readers
More than 80% of Airbnb guests book on mobile. That means you need:
- Short paragraphs (1–3 lines max)
- Bold or capitalized section headers
- No big blocks of text
Preview your listing on your phone before you publish. If it feels like a wall of text, tighten it up.
9. Copywriting Tools and Tactics I Use All the Time
Here are a few real tools and tips we use when writing for our clients:
- Grammarly – for clarity and tone checks
- Hemingway App – to simplify and improve readability
- ChatGPT – yes, AI works if you give it the right prompts (need help? We teach that too)
- Airtable or Notion – for organizing property details across multiple listings
- Dynamic Templates – set up listing frameworks so each description keeps your brand voice
Need your description professionally written? That’s one of our most popular services.
Final Thoughts: Stop Settling for a Meh Description
If you’ve spent tens (or hundreds) of thousands investing in your STR or hotel, you shouldn’t leave the final sale to generic copy.
The best listings don’t just describe the space. They sell the dream.
And a strong, guest-driven description is the first step to:
- Lowering your OTA dependence
- Increasing conversion
- Attracting better-fit guests
- Building long-term brand recognition
Ready to Upgrade Your Listing?
✅ Book a listing optimization session
✅ Get your website and OTA profiles audited for performance
✅ Explore our full-service co-hosting and STR marketing support
Let’s make your space irresistible.
—
Sarah Jensen
CEO & Founder, Lumos Host
Book a call | lumoshost.com | 602-618-7520
