How to Create an Eye-Catching Short-Term Rental Listing Description
Your short-term rental (STR) listing description is your opportunity to captivate potential guests and showcase why your property is the perfect choice. A well-written description highlights your property’s best features, provides essential details, and connects with your target audience. This article will guide you through creating a compelling listing description that boosts bookings.
Why a Great Listing Description Matters
1. Drives Bookings
A clear and engaging description convinces travelers to choose your property over competitors.
2. Informs Guests
Detailed descriptions reduce questions and set clear expectations for guests.
3. Boosts SEO
Optimized descriptions improve your visibility on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Step 1: Understand Your Audience
1. Identify Your Target Guests
Consider who your property appeals to:
Families seeking spacious accommodations.
Couples looking for romantic getaways.
Business travelers needing work-friendly amenities.
Example: A beachfront villa might target families and groups, while a downtown loft could cater to solo travelers or couples.
2. Highlight Relevant Features
Match your property’s features to the needs of your audience.
Example:
For families: “Spacious backyard with a play area and BBQ grill.”
For couples: “Private hot tub and cozy fireplace for romantic evenings.”
Step 2: Structure Your Description
A well-structured description ensures key details stand out and makes it easy for potential guests to find the information they need.
1. Start with a Captivating Opening
Your first sentence should immediately grab attention.
Example:
“Escape to our luxurious mountain cabin, complete with a hot tub, breathtaking views, and all the comforts of home.”
2. Highlight Key Features
Use bullet points or short paragraphs to showcase amenities, such as:
High-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs.
Proximity to attractions (e.g., “5 minutes from downtown”).
Unique touches like a game room or fire pit.
3. Address Practical Details
Include information on:
Sleeping arrangements (e.g., “2 queen beds, 1 sofa bed”).
Parking availability.
Pet policies.
4. End with a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Encourage guests to book by creating urgency or excitement.
Example:
“Book now to experience the perfect getaway—your mountain retreat awaits!”
Step 3: Write in a Conversational Tone
Use friendly, approachable language to make your description engaging.
Do:
Write as though you’re speaking directly to a guest.
Use sensory words to evoke emotion (e.g., “relaxing,” “spacious,” “inviting”).
Don’t:
Use overly formal or robotic language.
Include irrelevant details that don’t add value.
Example:
“Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and enjoy your morning coffee on the private balcony overlooking the ocean.”
Step 4: Incorporate Keywords for SEO
Optimize your description with terms potential guests might search for:
“Pet-friendly vacation rental.”
“Family cabin near Smoky Mountains.”
“Downtown loft with free parking.”
Pro Tip: Place keywords naturally within sentences to avoid overloading.
Step 5: Use Professional Photos to Complement Your Description
Pair your description with high-quality images that showcase your property’s features. Reference specific photos in your text.
Example:
“Picture yourself lounging on the oversized sofa (see photo 4) or enjoying a meal in the sunlit dining area (photo 6).”
Step 6: Address FAQs in Your Description
Anticipate guest questions and include answers in your listing to save time and reduce inquiries.
Examples of FAQs to Address:
“Is there free parking?”
“What amenities are included in the kitchen?”
“Are pets allowed, and if so, is there a fee?”
Step 7: Update Your Description Regularly
1. Reflect Seasonal Changes
Highlight nearby activities or features relevant to the current season.
Example:
Winter: “Cozy up by the fireplace after a day on the slopes.”
Summer: “Relax on the outdoor patio and enjoy a BBQ under the stars.”
2. Incorporate Guest Feedback
If guests frequently compliment a specific feature, emphasize it in your description.
Case Study: Transforming a Listing Description
Scenario:
An STR owner listed a property with a generic description:
“3-bedroom house near downtown. Great for families.”
Actions Taken:
Identified the target audience as families and business travelers.
Revised the description:
“Welcome to your home away from home! This spacious 3-bedroom house is just 10 minutes from downtown and features a fenced backyard, fast Wi-Fi, and a dedicated workspace—perfect for families or remote workers. Unwind in the cozy living room or prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Book now for a relaxing and convenient stay!”Added keywords like “fenced backyard” and “dedicated workspace.”
Results:
Click-through rate increased by 25%.
Bookings grew by 30% in the first three months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Vague Language: Avoid generic phrases like “nice house” or “great location.” Be specific about what makes your property special.
Overloading with Information: Focus on key features without overwhelming potential guests.
Ignoring Mobile Users: Ensure your description is easy to read on smaller screens.
Cross-Link Opportunities
Explore related topics to refine your listing:
How to Write a Compelling STR Listing Title
Top Platforms to List Your STR
Essential Amenities Every STR Should Offer
Additional Resources
Airbnb Hosting Tips: Official guidance on optimizing your listing.
Hostfully Blog: Insights on creating guest-friendly descriptions.
Canva: Design templates to showcase property features visually.
Conclusion
A compelling listing description is crucial for attracting and converting potential guests. By understanding your audience, structuring your description effectively, and highlighting your property’s unique features, you can create a standout listing that drives bookings and maximizes your STR’s potential.
