Your Airbnb photos present the very first way a potential guest notices your listing. Yes, the photos matter. They matter tremendously! As a host, you need photos depicting your listing in a favorable light, but also in a realistic fashion. Photos are the very first way a guest will see your property and as we all know, you only have one chance to make a first impression.
Areas of the home to include in your Airbnb listing
All areas of your home that the guests have access to should be shown on your listing. It is possible that there may be areas of the home that will be off limits. This is okay and these sections of the property do not need to be depicted. For all other areas that the guests will use, please present multiple photos of good quality.
The Bedroom Airbnb Photos
First and foremost, photographs need to be taken of the room where your guests will sleep. People look for a clean, comfortable spot to lay their heads down at night. Make sure to have a few different angles of the bed area shown so that the potential guests believe they are getting a good feel for the room. Take pictures such as the image below to show as much of the room as possible. Clear out any unnecessary clutter to make the room as spacious as possible. When it is a home share situation, showcase the bedroom as the first picture of your listing since this will be the guest’s private area. (If you were listing the whole place for rent, you would most commonly show an outdoor shot)
The Exterior Airbnb Photos
Guests also want to know what type of building the listing is located in. Is your room for rent in a house, condo, or sailboat? Some pretty unique listings appear on home share sites. Is this a city structure or is the property in a rural zone with lots of open land around it? Potential guests are curious about all of these aspects so that they may make the best decision for their upcoming trip. Make sure you showcase the outside of your home to show as clear of an image as possible. Additionally, these Airbnb pictures should try to show the best curb appeal possible. If any outside amenities exist, such as a pool or grill, make sure to highlight these aspects. Any additional perks on your property must be viewed as are potential selling points.
The Bathroom Airbnb Photos
Clearly provide pictures of the bathroom. Present the area that they (will hopefully) be bathing in. The bathroom shots need to be taken when the area is as clean as possible. Its hard to feel clean in a foreign place if where people are expected to bathe is not clean. Much attention to detail must be paid in this area to keep it as clean as possible. For more information about the cleanliness details, you can refer to Cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning.
Additionally, take photographs of any common areas they may have access to. Typically in a home share scenario, the living room and kitchen are shared, but this depends on you, the host. You have the ability to open areas of your home as much as you choose to. Again, provide multiple pictures from different angles of all of the areas you will allow access to so that guests feel they get a good feel for your place.
Do my Airbnb photos need to be professional?
The Airbnb Ride helps you get started with the hosting process by identifying the fastest and least expensive way to do so. Much discussion exists around using professional photos for your Airbnb listing. Is it helpful to have professional photos? Most definitely! But are they necessary? Not so much. The key is to provide an eye-catching primary image along with multiple photographs that show all the areas a guest may utilize while on their stay.
Extra Photo Tips to boost your Airbnb listing
All photos should be taken with good lighting. Ideal times are during dusk and dawn. These times of the day, the lighting is a bit softer and offers a warm hues. Only utilize dusk and dawn if the inside of your home still light enough to show the rooms favorably. Use your best judgement. Clear any clutter to show clean, clutter-free images. Special touches such as decorations and flowers can go a long way to making your Airbnb seem like the obvious choice compared to a sterile or old-style hotel. Many people choose to stay in an Airbnb because they are looking for a home away from home. Show them the warm, comfortable, personable accommodations you provide.