The people who are looking to book an Airbnb, are absolutely looking for a home vibe. So why do you need a professional photo shoot, If you can just use your iPhone to take photos and throw some filters on there to edit a batch of photos?

I am part of various Airbnb Facebook groups, and I come across this question almost every week. Even if not the majority, many new Airbnb hosts wonder and struggle to get bookings. One of the particular reason is always photos. As I write this article, there was a post on Facebook yesterday as you can see below.

I highly recommend you to join these Facebook groups, if you haven’t already:

Join:
Airbnb Host Community – Vent, Recommend, and Discuss 
AirBNB / VRBO / HomeAway / Short Term Rental Discussion
The Hosts of Airbnb Automated

As I write this article, there was a post on Facebook yesterday as you can see below.

I have been a member for years, I do my best to contribute to these groups. I did check the listing. It has good photos but, not good enough to get the potential Airbnb guest’s attention. Also, The host’s selection of photos can take a revisit.

Other than the living room cover image, it had way too many detail shots with very few photos of the actual space. The connectivity of the space was missing.

Having furnished beautiful interior photos alone is not enough. It has to be presented at its best. The hosts with tremendous success in Airbnb, never fail to invest in professional photography for their listings.

More than ever, people are traveling more in 2021. During the pandemic, the number of Airbnb hosts have increased as well. It’s very competitive. When you travel, wouldn’t you be super picky in choosing the right place for your stay? And where does it all begin? Think about it. It’s always the pictures that attract you the most and make you book.

Of course, a catchy title that highlights the space, amenities, guest experience matters too. But it’s a lateral part.

As a superhost myself, I can reassure you that the click-through rate comes from having the right photo.

“To get more bookings, professional photos and nightly price alone isn’t enough.
Guest experience matters.

My first Airbnb property was not even in the most desirable location in charlotte. But I managed to have over 80% occupancy. I never fail to gather feedback from every guest. I ask,

1) What made the Airbnb guest choose my place to stay?

2) Is there anything I can improve that’d make their stay better?

3) If there were 3 things that’d make their future stay awesome what’d that be?

For #1, it’s always the photo that grabbed their attention. It’s true that professional photos look so much brighter and vibrant than reality. The architectural photographer’s primary job is to enhance the beauty of the space. The majority of the population could spot professional photography vs. amateur photography.

Guests understand online portfolio photos are always enhanced. Nobody questions why the rooms are darker than the photos when they stay at Hilton. Well, 5% of the guests in Airbnb can give you a hard time. That 5% is always trying to find faults to get some money back from the hosts.

Do not take chances. I’m aware that every Airbnb hosts spend so much of their time, energy, and money to set up the Airbnb listing. But then, not having professional photography to present your listing at its best, can make or break it.