How can hosts influence the listing search result?

Hosts influence how their listing appears in search results in several ways.

The more dates a listing is available, the more likely it is compatible with a guest’s plans—so adding availability is a good way to improve the visibility of a listing. Similarly, the more flexibility a host offers around how long guests can stay, the more likely the listing will work with the guest’s plans and show up in search results.

Because price has a large impact on search results, one of the ways Hosts can most directly affect the performance of their listing in search is by changing their price or offering discounts. For example, many hosts offer lower prices or discounts to attract guests to newer listings or during less busy travel seasons.

High quality listing photos, and in particular an eye-catching cover photo, help attract guests’ attention and improve engagement. A comprehensive listing description and accurate list of amenities help guests evaluate the listing and develop the confidence to book. Some guests are looking for specific amenities or listing characteristics, like a step-free entrance, or a listing that allows pets. Adding sought-after amenities or characteristics to a listing can make the listing more attractive to guests and improve visibility in searches for listings with those amenities or characteristics.

Host behavior and the settings they use also influence ranking. Hosts who deliver outstanding hospitality generally improve the performance of their listings over time. For example, the algorithm considers the Superhost criteria—the number of cancellations by a host, the responsiveness of the host, and ratings and reviews for a listing—as well as Superhost status itself, when ordering search results. For listings that are not instantly bookable, the algorithm considers how quickly Hosts respond to guest inquiries and how often Hosts reject requests to book. This means that listings that can be booked instantly may rank higher in search results because responses are automatic, and the booking is confirmed without the host needing to affirmatively accept the request.

How can guests influence the listing search result?

The search results we display depend on the guest’s search criteria. Guests shape their search results by entering information like a location, dates, and the number of guests. Guests can also use filters or the map to refine their search results. For example, guests can filter stays by the type of property, the number of pools, and for specific amenities. If there aren’t enough listings available that match a guest’s search criteria, or if a guest is using flexible search, we may show other listings that we think might appeal to the guest.

We also use information we have about a guest to determine and rank their search results. For example, if a guest’s past bookings share certain characteristics, the algorithm may rank listings with those characteristics higher for that guest. Similarly, if a guest has a stay reservation, the algorithm may rank higher Resortifi Experiences that are available nearby during the dates of that reservation.