Photography 101
We all know that great photography can set a listing apart like nothing else. The problem is, not all of us (hand raised) are photographers!
Whether you have a natural eye or not, it’s important to capture amazing photos. Not only do great photos appeal to guests, the more guests click on your listing, the higher it will rank in Airbnb’s search algorithm. Good photos draw guests, and when guests take notice, Airbnb rewards you with a better search ranking!
When it comes to photos, you have two options:
Hire a Real Estate Photographer
I’m a huge believer in leaning into my strengths and hiring experts to do the rest! For me, professional photos were a no-brainer. When I opened my first Airbnb, I reached out to my realtor for recommendations and was quickly connected with a professional real estate photographer who was able to deliver beautifully shot and edited photos to me within a 24 hour period for $100. Trust me, this is worth the investment!
I have now opened over 20 units and experimented with a variety of photographers and photo styles. As the Airbnb world grows more competitive and professional, I believe more than ever in the power of a good set of photos. Most recently, I hired a commercial photographer who charges over double what a standard listing photographer might charge. The results? EVEN BETTER PHOTOS! I’m hooked. But you don’t have to spend much to generate amazing photos.
Take Your Own Photos
The second option is to take your own photos. I know many hosts who do this with incredible results and if you’ve got what it takes, go for it! If you are truly on a budget and want to recoup some cost before spending money on photos, I recommend scanning Airbnb’s library to brush up on your photography skills. Even beginners can capture great listing photos with a smartphone and a little bit of time editing.
The main thing is to list. Don’t let perfectionism slow you down. Don’t waste valuable time and potential income that could be spent generating bookings.