Our tips for a successful listing

The listing: an essential part of rentingTo rent out your property, on Airbnb or on other rental platforms, you will of course need to create a listing. With a description and photos, its purpose is to present your property and allow potential tenants to picture themselves there. A transparent and complete listing will inspire your clientele. You will therefore stand a better chance of renting out your property.

Your listing is crucial if you want to target the right guests and stand out from the competition. So how do you create a successful listing? Here are our very best tips!

Photos to illustrate your propertyFirst impressions matter most. On Airbnb, adding at least one photo is compulsory. However, we would advise you to add more than that, otherwise you risk appealing to no one at all. Your photos will capture guests' interest and encourage them to read on to the description.

If you have a photographer's eye, you can take your own photos with your phone using a wide-angle lens that gives you a 160° field of view (for example, the Pixter brand). Don't overlook your rooms (bathrooms, living rooms, etc.) or your garden: show off what makes them special.

If inspiration fails you, Airbnb offers a professional photographer service. Conveniently, the cost of this service is deducted from the income of your future bookings. Whichever method you choose, remember to clean and tidy thoroughly before taking your photos, or you risk a spectacular flop.

A precise descriptionYour property has its own distinctive features, and it will appeal to particular types of guest. Who are they? Our article "How to target and win over your clientele" will help you identify them.

Remember that the description complements the photos. It should be as thorough as possible in order to guide guests through the property's features. Does the property have a coffee machine? A jacuzzi? To answer these questions, remember to list the appliances and amenities. Also note any restrictions, to avoid disappointment: for instance, if you mention a swimming pool, specify whether it is public or private.

Your listing should also include a short paragraph describing the property's location and the transport links available nearby. This will help your guests organise their check-in, departure and stay (shops, parking space, nearest underground station, etc.).

A likeable profileYour profile on the various platforms (such as Airbnb, GuestToGuest, Abritel, etc.) completes your listing, and is there to introduce you through a photo and a description.

Be sincere and human, and inspire trust with smiling pictures and a personal description. No corporate waffle: show that you are approachable and welcoming.

Your profile is not there to rent out your property directly, but it does reassure guests of your credibility. It is therefore strongly recommended that you verify your phone number, email address and identity document. Reviews also have a strong impact, so remember to ask your guests whether they were happy with their stay and to reply to their reviews to gain visibility.Renting out a property calls for organisation that can sometimes be complicated, especially with demanding guests. Simply failing to update your listing, or presenting it poorly, is enough to miss out on booking opportunities.

But don't panic! There are now BnB property management companies to simplify the management of your holiday rental. As well as handling all the main aspects of your rental (guest selection, key handover, cleaning, linen, etc.), these property management companies offer a listing creation service with professional photography and help you set the best price for your rental. For more information, we have broken down how two (rather good) property management companies work: the choice is yours!