The Airbnb Photo Formula: How to Make Your Listing Stand Out & Get More Bookings
If you want to boost your Airbnb bookings, your photos are just as important as your title—maybe even more.
So, how do you make sure your listing stands out? Let’s break it down.
Think about it: Travelers scroll fast. Your listing has seconds to grab their attention before they move on. And guess what? Great photos stop the scroll.
🖤 The First Five Photos Are Everything
Your first five images are like the movie trailer for your listing. They set the scene and give potential guests an instant feel for what you offer. Here’s what your first five should include:
The “WOW” Shot – A bright, eye-catching photo that showcases your space’s best feature. This could be an epic view, a cozy living room, or a stunning bedroom.
The “WOW” Shot
A bright, eye-catching photo that showcases your space’s best feature. This could be an epic view, a cozy living room, or a stunning bedroom.
The Main Living Space
Show guests where they’ll spend most of their time. Think airy, inviting, and clutter-free.
The Kitchen or Dining Area
The Kitchen or Dining Area – If your place has a great space for cooking or eating, highlight it! Food = memories, and guests love a well-equipped kitchen.
A Cozy Bedroom
A Cozy Bedroom – The bed is one of the top decision-makers for guests. Make sure it looks hotel-quality—clean, inviting, and well-lit.
Pro Tip: Look at your competition. If your first five photos don’t stand out in search results, it’s time to rethink your lineup.
🖤 The Right Order Makes a Difference
Your full gallery should tell a story—not just be a random dump of images. Guests should be able to visualize their stay from start to finish.
Here’s the ideal flow:
First Five (The Hook) – Get their attention.
Full Property Walkthrough – Show every space in a logical order.
Highlight the Experience – Outdoor seating, local perks, amenities.
Neighborhood & Extras – Beach access? Walking distance to restaurants? Let them know!
Pro Tip: Avoid duplicate angles—less is more. Each photo should add something new.
🖤 Want to make guests fall in love with your space before they even arrive? Use these types of shots:
Not all photos are created equal. Here’s what works best:
Wide-Angle – Makes rooms feel open and inviting.
Lifestyle – Show guests what they can do in your space (coffee on the patio, game night, cozy reading corner).
Golden Hour – Take photos during natural light’s best time—early morning or sunset.
Up-Close Details – A beautifully set table, plush bedding, a welcome basket—these small touches sell the experience.
Pro Tip: Skip the overly filtered or dark photos. Guests want realistic, high-quality images.
🖤 Common Photo Mistakes That Hurt Bookings
Cluttered spaces – Guests want to see clean, open areas. Remove personal items, cords, and excessive decor.
Poor lighting – Dark or yellow-toned photos don’t perform well. Always use natural light or soft white bulbs.
Too few photos – Airbnb allows up to 50 images—use them! Show off everything a guest would experience.
Low-resolution images – Blurry or pixelated photos make your listing look unprofessional.
Pro Tip: Think like a guest. Would you book your place based on your photos? If not, it’s time for an update.
🖤 Ready for a Listing Glow-Up?
If you’re unsure whether your Airbnb photos are doing their job, I’ve got you. Book a Live Listing Audit, and I’ll personally walk you through:
What’s working (and what’s not)
Simple tweaks to make your photos pop
A quick strategy to increase bookings
Your Airbnb deserves more eyes, more clicks, and more bookings—let’s make it happen. Let’s make your listing stand out: Click here to book a free listing audit.
