How to List Your Property on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia: A Beginner’s Guide
Listing your property on short-term rental platforms is an exciting way to earn extra income and reach travelers worldwide. The “big three” platforms – Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia (via Vrbo) – commanded a majority of the global short-term rental market by 2024 (Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb's Dominance and Booking's Gains - Skift). Each platform has its own advantages and requirements, but with some preparation you can successfully list your home and start welcoming guests. In this guide, we’ll break down the step-by-step process for each platform, highlight what to prepare in advance, and provide tips to avoid common pitfalls. We’ll also explain how Manatili.com can assist property owners with onboarding, optimizing listings, and multi-platform management. Let’s get started!
Before You Start: Preparing Your Property Listing
A little preparation upfront will make the listing process smoother. Here’s what new hosts should prepare in advance for any platform:
- Property Details & Description: Write a clear, honest description of your space. Note the type of property (apartment, house, B&B, etc.), number of bedrooms/bathrooms, amenities (wifi, kitchen, air-conditioning, etc.), and any unique features (e.g. “rooftop terrace with city views”). Prepare a catchy title that highlights the best aspect of your place (e.g. “Beachside Bungalow with Private Pool”). This will help attract guests in search results (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify).
- High-Quality Photos: Take well-lit, high-resolution photos of every room and key amenities. Declutter and stage each space so it looks inviting. Most platforms require a minimum number of photos (Airbnb recommends at least 5 (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide); Booking.com suggests 24 for a compelling listing (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify); Vrbo (Expedia) requires at least 6 and recommends 20-25 for best results (Vrbo Host Requirements: What Do You Need to Host on Vrbo?) (Vrbo Requirements for Hosts - Hospitable.com)). Use landscape orientation and avoid blurry or dark images.
- Pricing Strategy: Research similar listings in your area to get an idea of nightly rates. Decide on a competitive price that covers your costs but will attract your first guests (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). You should also think about minimum stay requirements (e.g. 2-night minimum) and any extra fees (cleaning fee, pet fee, etc.). Tip: Airbnb allows new hosts to offer a 20% discount on the first 3 bookings to boost initial visibility (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide).
- Availability Calendar: Determine when your property will be available. Mark any dates it’s not free (e.g. your personal use or maintenance periods). Keeping an accurate calendar is crucial to avoid double-bookings if you list on multiple sites. All platforms have calendar tools for setting availability.
- Host Account Basics: Be ready to verify your identity. All major platforms require host verification such as a government ID upload or selfie, plus verifying your email and phone number. Have your ID on hand. Also prepare your bank payout details (or PayPal) so you can receive payments. Additionally, check if your city requires any permits or registration for short-term rentals – it’s wise to comply with local laws before listing.
- House Rules & Guest Requirements: Think about rules for guests (e.g. no smoking, no parties, pet policy, quiet hours). You will be able to set these during listing creation. Clear rules help set expectations and avoid issues.
With these preparations done, you’re ready to dive into each platform. Below, we’ll introduce each platform and walk through creating your listing step-by-step.
Listing Your Property on Airbnb
Airbnb is a peer-to-peer rental platform that popularized home-sharing. It’s known for its global community of hosts and guests, unique accommodations (from spare rooms to treehouses), and a user-friendly process for new hosts. Advantages of Airbnb: Huge user base (especially for leisure travelers seeking “local” experiences), an easy listing setup, and built-in protections like AirCover insurance for hosts. Airbnb also handles guest payments on your behalf, releasing payouts to you after check-in, which simplifies transactions.
Step-by-Step: How to Create an Airbnb Listing
1. Create an Airbnb Account: If you don’t have one, sign up on Airbnb.com as a host. Use your real information and a valid email/phone – you’ll need to confirm these. Log in and click on “Become a Host” (usually found in the top menu) to begin your listing (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). Airbnb’s interface will guide you through a series of questions to set up the listing.
2. Start a New Listing – Property Type: First, select your property type and specifics. Airbnb will ask what kind of space you are offering (choices include Apartment, House, Unique Space, B&B, Boutique Hotel, etc.) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). You’ll also specify whether the guest will have the entire place to themselves, a private room, or a shared room in a home (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). Choose the options that best match your property – this helps set guest expectations.
3. Location and Basic Info: Enter your property’s address. Airbnb will show your general area on the map to guests (exact address is only revealed to confirmed guests). Make sure the pin on the map is accurate for your location (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). You’ll also fill in how many guests you can accommodate, number of bedrooms, beds, and bathrooms available (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). Next, indicate the amenities you offer by checking off items from Airbnb’s list (wifi, kitchen, free parking, air conditioning, etc.) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). Providing accurate amenities is important as guests often filter searches by these features.
4. Photos: Upload your property photos. Airbnb requires at least one photo, but to attract bookings you should add several high-quality images. Airbnb recommends at least 5 photos in a 3:2 aspect ratio (minimum 1024 x 683 pixels) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). Include a variety of shots: living area, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, exterior, and any special features (e.g. a beautiful view or garden) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). Ensure photos are well-lit and clear – good photos are arguably the most important part of your listing’s appeal.
5. Title and Description: Create a catchy listing title (up to 50 characters) that highlights your property’s best aspect (e.g. “Sunny Modern Loft in Downtown”). Use descriptive keywords a traveler might search for (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). Then write a detailed description of your space. Mention the layout, ambiance, and unique amenities, and nearby attractions. Be honest and set the right expectations – transparency about any quirks (e.g. “Note: 4th-floor unit with no elevator”) helps ensure guests are happy (Airbnb Host Mistakes | How To Avoid These 10 Common Errors - Naya Homes) (Airbnb Host Mistakes | How To Avoid These 10 Common Errors - Naya Homes). Also, list your house rules (Airbnb will prompt you to select common rules like no smoking, whether pets or parties are allowed, quiet hours, etc.) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). A thorough description and clear rules can prevent misunderstandings with guests.
6. Pricing and Calendar: Set your nightly price. You can use Smart Pricing (which adjusts rates based on demand) or choose a fixed price. Airbnb will show you suggested pricing based on area comps, but you have final control. Consider seasonality – you might charge higher rates for peak season or local events, and lower in off-season (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide). Input any additional fees (cleaning fee, extra guest fee for more than X guests, etc.). Next, update your availability calendar: mark available dates and block dates you don’t want bookings. Airbnb lets you sync your calendar with other platforms via iCal if you plan to list on multiple sites (to avoid double bookings). As a new host, you might also opt into Airbnb’s promotion for new listings – offering a 20% discount for your first 3 bookings to attract guests quickly (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide).
7. Verification and Publish: Before your listing goes live, Airbnb will verify your identity (if not done already). This may involve uploading an ID and possibly a selfie or other verification steps. Your listing will be in a “pending” state until you successfully complete identity verification (Create a listing - Airbnb Help Centre). Once verified, hit “Publish” – your listing is now active! Keep in mind it can take up to 24-72 hours for a new listing to start appearing in search results (Create a listing - Airbnb Help Centre), as Airbnb may do a final review. Congratulations, you’re officially an Airbnb host!
Tips & Pitfalls for Airbnb: Airbnb is known for its community and review system, so first impressions matter. Respond promptly and courteously to inquiries – Airbnb tracks your response rate which can affect your listing’s search ranking. Strive for great hospitality from the start to earn 5-star reviews. Be aware of Airbnb’s policies: guests can instant book your place if you enable that (it can increase bookings, but you might want to start with reservation requests until you’re comfortable). Also, Airbnb holds the guest’s payment and then pays you 24 hours after check-in (minus their service fee ~3% to you, and ~14% added to the guest). There’s generally no need to handle money in person. Common pitfalls to avoid: Don’t set an unrealistic price (overpriced listings may sit empty; underpriced means lost income – aim for a competitive middle ground). Don’t skimp on details or photos – sparse info can make guests hesitant to book. Lastly, ensure your home is guest-ready with clean linens, essentials, and a plan for check-in (self check-in via lockbox is popular). The effort you put into your Airbnb listing will pay off in bookings and good reviews!
Listing Your Property on Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the world’s largest travel accommodation platforms. It started with hotels but now also features millions of vacation rentals and homes. Advantages of Booking.com: Enormous global reach (over 220 countries) and a familiar interface for travelers who typically book hotels (Expedia vs. Booking.com for Vacation Rental Hosts | Hospitable) (Expedia vs. Booking.com for Vacation Rental Hosts | Hospitable). Many guests (especially in Europe and business travelers) trust Booking.com and may prefer it over newer platforms. Booking.com listings are instantly confirmed – there’s no guest approval process – which can mean high booking volume if your property is attractive and well-priced. As a host (often called a “partner” on Booking), you get access to their robust Extranet dashboard and tools like promotions and analytics.
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Booking.com Listing
1. Register as a Booking.com Partner: Go to join.booking.com to start the registration process (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify). Click “Get Started” and enter your email and set a password to create a partner account. You’ll be asked for basic contact details (name, phone) and whether you’re listing as an individual or business. Once your account is created, you can proceed to add a property.
2. Property Details – Type & Location: Select the type of property you want to list. Booking.com provides a few broad categories: Apartment, House, B&B/Hotel, or “Alternative” accommodations (unique places) (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify). Choose the category that fits best (most private vacation homes will fall under Apartment or House, while a multi-room B&B would choose the B&B/Hotel category). Next, provide your property name and address. Tip: Create a descriptive but concise name for your property – this will be the headline guests see. For example, instead of a generic “123 Main Street Apartment,” a name like “Riverside Urban Loft with Balcony” will stand out (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify). Enter the full address accurately, as Booking.com may later use it to verify your location.
3. Set Up Your Listing Details: After the initial registration, you’ll fill out a detailed form about your property. Key parts include:
- Rooms and Amenities: Indicate how many units or rooms you are listing. For a single home/apartment, it’s one unit. Specify the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and the maximum number of guests it can accommodate. List all amenities and facilities available – Booking.com will have checkboxes for common facilities (kitchen, wifi, parking, pool, etc.). Make sure to tick everything applicable, as this will display on your listing and help it appear in filtered searches (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify).
- Photos: Upload your property photos. Booking.com doesn’t limit you to a small number – in fact, they recommend adding at least 24 photos to showcase your space (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify). There’s no such thing as too many high-quality photos here. Include a variety (living areas, each bedroom, bathrooms, exterior, building entrance, views, unique amenities). High-resolution images will make your listing look more professional. Booking.com might display a default image if any key areas are missing, so include at least one photo of each room type.
- Description: Booking.com may auto-generate a brief description based on your inputs, and they often use a bullet-point style for amenities. However, you usually have a chance to write an introductory description or title for the listing. Use this to highlight what makes your place special (e.g. “Spacious family-friendly home 5 minutes from downtown, with free parking.”). Also, prepare information about the area or neighborhood – guests appreciate tips on what’s nearby (public transport, landmarks, restaurants).
- House Rules and Policies: You’ll set policies such as check-in and check-out times, whether children are allowed, pet policies, smoking or non-smoking, etc. You’ll also choose a cancellation policy (e.g. flexible, moderate, or non-refundable options) and whether you require a damage deposit from guests. Setting sensible house rules and policies upfront will protect you and make sure guests know what to expect.
4. Pricing and Availability: Now switch to the Rates & Availability section of the Booking.com Extranet. Set up your pricing – typically you’ll create a base rate (per night) for your property. If your property has multiple room types or units, you set rates for each. You can also load different rates for different dates or seasons (known as rate plans). At minimum, enter a default nightly price and open your calendar for the dates you want to offer. Mark any dates as closed if the property is not available. Open your calendar as far in advance as you’re comfortable (many hosts open a year out or more). Be mindful of local events/holidays – you may want higher rates then. Booking.com’s tools also allow for setting minimum stay requirements or discounts for weekly/monthly stays. Ensure your availability calendar is accurate; after the listing is live, any dates you leave open can be instantly booked by guests (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify).
5. Finalize & Verification: Once you’ve input all info, submit your listing for approval. Booking.com will review your property details and you’ll typically receive an email once your listing is approved and ready (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify). In some regions, Booking.com might require an extra verification step for new listings – for example, they might mail a postcard with a code to your property address or ask for a video call/tour to confirm legitimacy. Follow any instructions they provide. After approval, you’ll get access to the full Extranet dashboard for your property (if you haven’t already) with your login. Now your property is live on Booking.com and can start receiving reservations!
How Booking.com Works (for Hosts): One key difference on Booking.com is that all bookings are instant – there is no concept of the host pre-approving or rejecting a reservation. When a guest books, it’s confirmed immediately. This makes it critical that your calendar is always up to date. Also, think about how you will handle payments: Booking.com typically gives hosts two options – either you charge the guest’s credit card directly (or take cash on arrival), or you can opt into Booking.com’s Payment service, where they handle the guest’s payment online and then pay you via bank transfer. Many new hosts choose the latter for convenience, but it may not be available in all countries or for all property types initially. If you handle payments yourself, you’ll receive the guest’s credit card details in the Extranet and you must process the charge (and possibly a pre-authorization or deposit if you set one). Keep track of the commission Booking.com charges – usually around 15% of the booking total – which you’ll owe to Booking (they invoice you or deduct if they handle payments).
Tips & Pitfalls for Booking.com: To succeed on Booking.com, treat it professionally as you would a hotel. Double-booking is a risk if you list on other platforms – consider using a channel manager or at least frequently update all calendars. Note that guest communication might be less frequent on Booking.com (many guests just book and show up), but do promptly answer any questions via the platform’s messaging system. Make sure to set up a process for guest check-ins since Booking.com will provide the guest your address and phone as soon as they book. Some hosts provide self check-in details in a welcome message. Be aware of no-shows or cancellations – Booking.com allows guests to book without upfront payment (depending on your policy), so occasionally a guest might not show up. You can mark them as no-show so you aren’t charged commission, but you also miss out on that income. Requiring a credit card and using Booking.com’s payment collection can reduce this risk. Common pitfalls: New hosts sometimes forget to configure things like city taxes or cleaning fees (add those in the Extranet so they’re included in the price or noted to the guest). Also, pay attention to your review scores once you start hosting; cleanliness, accuracy, and location are common categories in guest reviews. Strive to provide the basics very well – a very clean, accurately described property with prompt communication will earn high ratings. Lastly, don’t be afraid to use Booking.com’s tools: you can run promotions (like a “New Listing” deal or last-minute discounts) and join programs like Genius (loyalty program) once eligible to boost your visibility. Booking.com can bring a lot of bookings, but it requires active management – with good pricing and diligence, it can be a fantastic source of guests.
Listing Your Property on Expedia (via Vrbo)
Expedia is a major online travel agency (OTA) encompassing Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Orbitz, Travelocity and more. While traditionally hotel-focused, Expedia Group also includes Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner), which is a leading platform for short-term home rentals. For individual hosts with vacation homes or apartments, the primary way to list on Expedia’s network is through Vrbo, which will then distribute your property across Expedia Group sites. In other words, by listing on Vrbo you can get your rental in front of travelers on Expedia’s family of sites. Advantages of Expedia/Vrbo: Access to a broad traveler audience – including those booking vacation packages or who might not visit Airbnb. Expedia’s users span from budget to luxury travelers, and many use Expedia for its one-stop-shop convenience (flights, car rental, hotels, and vacation rentals). Additionally, Expedia Group has a robust rewards program (“One Key”) uniting Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, which can attract loyalty members to book your property (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group) (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group).
Step-by-Step: How to List Your Property on Expedia (Vrbo)
1. Sign Up on Vrbo (Expedia’s Vacation Rental Platform): To list a private home or vacation rental, start by visiting Vrbo.com/list – the dedicated sign-up page for hosts (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group). (If you have a small hotel or B&B, you could alternatively register through Expedia Partner Central, but for most home hosts Vrbo is the way to go.) Creating a listing on Vrbo is free and similar to Airbnb’s process. You’ll need to provide your name, email, and phone to create an account, and verify your email. Vrbo will ask for some initial info like your property address, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and a phone number for verification (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group) (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group).
2. Basic Listing Information: Once registered, start entering details about your property:
- Property Type & Location: Select the category that fits your property (Vrbo caters to traditional vacation homes, so options might include Condo, Cabin, Villa, Apartment, etc.). Provide the exact address. Vrbo requires a precise location for the listing – they’ll show your general area on the public listing, and full address to booked guests, much like Airbnb (Vrbo Host Requirements: What Do You Need to Host on Vrbo?).
- Space Details: Indicate the maximum number of guests, and details about the layout: how many bedrooms, how many beds (with sizes, e.g. 1 queen bed, 2 twin beds, etc.), and how many bathrooms (full or half). You’ll also describe any special spaces (e.g. “game room”, “outdoor deck”).
- Amenities: Check off all amenities available – WiFi, air conditioning, kitchen facilities, washer/dryer, free parking, pool, etc. Vrbo will prompt for common amenities and also things like whether you provide linens, towels, basic toiletries, etc. (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group).
3. Photos and Description: Next, upload your photos and write your descriptions:
- Photos: Vrbo has a minimum requirement of 6 photos per listing (Vrbo Host Requirements: What Do You Need to Host on Vrbo?). You should include images covering each major room and feature. However, to increase inquiries, it’s recommended to have far more – Vrbo suggests hosts upload 25 or more high-quality photos to showcase the property (Vrbo Requirements for Hosts - Hospitable.com). Follow their guidelines: horizontal orientation, at least 1024 x 683 pixels (they actually recommend 3840 x 2160 for best quality) (Vrbo Host Requirements: What Do You Need to Host on Vrbo?). Avoid any photos that are blurry or too small – listings with low-quality images may not perform well. Show off your living spaces, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, exterior (front of home and any backyard/patio), and any extras like a hot tub or scenic view.
- Title & Description: Create a headline for your listing. Vrbo allows a brief headline – use it to call out something unique (e.g. “Lakefront Cottage with Private Dock” or “Modern Downtown Condo, Walk to Attractions”). Then write a detailed description in the provided text box. Vrbo guests appreciate information about what makes your place ideal for vacations: mention nearby tourist spots, suitability for families or couples, any included extras (kayaks, bikes, etc. if relevant). Ensure the description is accurate and not copied from elsewhere (Vrbo stresses originality and honesty in listings) (Vrbo Host Requirements: What Do You Need to Host on Vrbo?).
- House Rules: Set your rules regarding children, pets, smoking, events, quiet hours, etc. Also, Vrbo will ask about safety features (do you have smoke alarms, fire extinguisher) and if you have any surveillance devices on the property (for transparency to guests).
4. Rates, Fees and Calendar: Now it’s time to input how much you’ll charge and when the property is available:
- Pricing: Vrbo typically uses a rate-per-night model. You can set a base nightly rate and then adjust for seasons or weekends. For example, you might create seasonal rate periods (peak season summer at a higher rate, off-peak at lower). You can also set weekly or monthly discounts if you want to attract longer stays. Don’t forget to account for Vrbo’s host fees when pricing (details below). Vrbo also allows adding a cleaning fee and specifying taxes (if applicable in your area).
- Fees and Deposits: Specify if you want to charge a security deposit (and how much). Vrbo can help handle security deposits (either via a hold on the guest’s card or include as part of payment that you refund post-stay). If you have a pet fee or extra guest fee beyond a certain number of guests, you can set those too.
- Cancellation Policy: Choose one of Vrbo’s cancellation policy options (ranging from Relaxed to Strict). This determines how far in advance guests can cancel for a refund.
- Availability Calendar: Input the dates that your property is available. Block any dates it’s not. Open up as much availability as you’re comfortable with – the more open dates, the more chances for bookings. You can always manually block dates later if something comes up. Vrbo also allows setting a minimum stay (e.g. 2-night minimum, or maybe 7-night minimum during a holiday week – you can configure these rules).
5. Publish and Manage: Review all the information you entered to ensure accuracy. Submit your listing for review. Vrbo will usually activate listings fairly quickly, but in some cases they might reach out if something needs clarification. Once live, your property will be visible to millions of travelers on Vrbo. Additionally, Expedia Group has begun integrating vacation rentals into their other sites – this means your listing may also appear on Expedia.com or Hotels.com when travelers search for stays in your area (especially if they specifically filter for “Vacation Rentals”). Now your job is to manage inquiries and bookings as they come. Make sure to set up your payout method in the Vrbo dashboard (bank account for direct deposit, etc.) so you can get paid for bookings. Vrbo typically collects payment from guests at booking or according to your policy, then pays you after guest check-in, minus their fees.
Costs and Fees: Creating a listing on Vrbo is free; you pay a fee per booking. Vrbo’s standard fee for hosts is 8% per booking (5% commission + 3% payment processing) (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group). This is deducted from the payout. Guests also pay a service fee on top of your rate (usually around 6-12%). Unlike Booking.com’s higher commission or Airbnb’s split-fee, Vrbo’s take is a bit lower, which is attractive to many hosts. Be sure to factor the ~8% fee into your pricing strategy.
Tips & Pitfalls for Expedia/Vrbo: Many Vrbo travelers are families or groups on vacation, so they often search for amenities like full kitchens, parking, multiple bedrooms, and family-friendly features. Highlighting amenities like a stocked kitchen, laundry, fast wifi, or kid-friendly items (crib, high chair) can make your listing appealing to this audience. Vrbo also tends to attract longer stays (week-long vacations, etc.), so consider enabling discounts for 7+ nights to capture those bookings. Respond promptly to booking requests or guest messages – just like other platforms, timely communication can boost your standing. One difference: not all Vrbo inquiries are instant bookings; depending on your settings, you might receive booking requests that you need to accept or decline (Vrbo allows instant book or 24-hour acceptance settings). Promptly accept valid bookings to avoid them expiring. Avoiding pitfalls: Ensure your calendar is synced if you use multiple platforms – Vrbo supports iCal sync and there are channel managers that integrate with Expedia/Vrbo as well. Double bookings can be particularly harmful on Expedia/Vrbo because a cancelled guest might leave a bad review. Also, maintain a high review score; Vrbo guests will review their stay, and a string of low ratings can hinder your success. Provide the same level of care in cleanliness and accuracy as you would on Airbnb. Lastly, utilize Expedia Group’s tools: for example, once you list on Vrbo, you can access their MarketMaker tool (pricing guidance based on demand) and you can opt into promotions or the Expedia Traveler Preference (letting guests choose to pay a certain way) if those become available. These can help increase your bookings over time.
How Manatili.com Can Help with Onboarding and Management
Managing one listing on one platform can be straightforward – but what if you want to maximize your income by listing on all three major platforms (and more)? Juggling multiple accounts, calendars, and optimization tactics can be challenging for a first-time host. This is where Manatili.com comes in. Manatili is a professional short-term rental management and optimization service that specializes in multi-platform hosting. They help property owners get started and succeed across Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo/Expedia, and other OTAs.
Expert Onboarding & Listing Creation: Manatili’s team can handle the entire onboarding process for you, from account setup to crafting the perfect listing. They will list your property on all major platforms, ensuring your property gains maximum exposure to different markets (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals). Instead of you manually creating separate listings on Airbnb, Booking, and Expedia, Manatili does it for you efficiently and correctly. They are familiar with each site’s best practices and rules, so your listing will comply with guidelines and stand out in searches (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines). This includes writing compelling descriptions and titles tailored to each platform’s audience, selecting the right categories, and uploading all the necessary information.
Listing Optimization: One of Manatili’s core offerings is to optimize your listing to attract more bookings. This means they don’t just list your property – they make it shine. They arrange for professional photography to showcase your home in the best light (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals), and they write engaging, keyword-rich descriptions highlighting your property’s best features (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals) (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals). By using targeted keywords and emphasizing unique amenities, they improve your listing’s visibility in search results. Each platform has slightly different algorithms (for example, Airbnb might value response time and reviews, Booking.com values price competitiveness and content score, etc.), and Manatili follows each platform’s best practices to help your property rank well (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines). The team also sets up your house rules, amenities, and other details in a way that appeals to the demographics using each OTA – for instance, attracting business travelers on Booking.com or vacationers on Expedia (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines).
Dynamic Pricing & Revenue Management: Pricing a property can be tricky for new hosts, but Manatili uses dynamic pricing tools and market analysis to continually adjust your rates for maximum income (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals). They monitor local demand, seasonality, and events, and update your nightly prices to optimize occupancy and revenue. This means you’re not leaving money on the table by pricing too low for high-demand dates, and you remain competitive during slower periods. According to Manatili, this data-driven pricing strategy, combined with multi-platform exposure, can increase a property’s revenue significantly (often cited around a 30% increase in revenue by listing across multiple platforms) (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines).
Multi-Platform Calendar Sync & No Double-Bookings: One fear of listing on multiple sites is managing the calendar – what if two guests book the same date on different platforms? Manatili solves this with a centralized system: they link all your booking platforms to a unified property management software, so availability updates in real-time across all channels (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines). The moment a booking comes in from one site, Manatili’s system will block those dates on all other platforms, preventing double-bookings (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines). This tech-enabled approach means you can safely be on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia/Vrbo simultaneously, without the headache of constant manual updates. You get the benefit of more exposure without the risk of overlapping reservations.
Guest Communication & Support: Another advantage of using Manatili is that they handle guest inquiries and communication on your behalf across all platforms (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines). Instead of monitoring three different inboxes and waking up at 2am to answer a Booking.com question from a guest in another time zone, Manatili’s team covers that. They respond promptly to all messages, send out check-in instructions, and generally ensure guests are taken care of. This not only saves you time but also helps maintain high response ratings and review scores. They essentially act as your co-host or property manager, so you can be hands-off if you want, while guests still get quick, professional service (24/7 customer support as needed).
Continuous Optimization and Management: Manatili doesn’t just set and forget your listings. They continuously monitor performance and adjust strategies. They might tweak your listing content or photos based on which aspects are attracting guests, roll out promotions or adjust minimum stays in slow months, and ensure your listing stays high in search ranking by adapting to algorithm changes. They also provide you with updates and revenue reports, so you have transparency on how your property is doing. Their comprehensive service is designed to safeguard your property and maximize your returns while you enjoy a passive income (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals) (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals).
In summary, Manatili.com can be a game-changer for first-time hosts or busy property owners. They will do the heavy lifting of multi-platform hosting (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines) – creating and optimizing your Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia(Vrbo) listings, handling bookings, syncing calendars, adjusting prices, and communicating with guests. This level of expert management means your property is positioned for success across all channels without you having to learn and manage each one in depth. For someone new to hosting, using a service like Manatili can fast-track your onboarding and help avoid costly mistakes, all while potentially earning you more through professional optimization. It’s like having an experienced co-host for every platform, so you can host with confidence and peace of mind.
Conclusion: Listing your property on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia is entirely doable for a beginner if you follow the steps and prepare well. Each platform opens your door to a huge audience of potential guests, and by understanding their quirks and strengths you can tailor your approach for each. Remember to keep your information accurate, your calendar updated, and provide a great experience to build up positive reviews. Whether you go the DIY route or leverage experts like Manatili.com for support, you’re on your way to turning your property into a successful short-term rental. Happy hosting!
Sources:
- Airbnb – Help Center: “Create a listing” (Create a listing - Airbnb Help Centre) (Create a listing - Airbnb Help Centre) (identity verification and listing activation)
- Preno Blog – How To List Your Property on Airbnb (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide) (How to Start an Airbnb: A Beginners Guide) (Airbnb photo recommendations and new host discount)
- Lodgify – How To List Your Property on Booking.com (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify) (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify) (Booking.com property name tips and photo guidance)
- Lodgify – How To List Your Property on Booking.com (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify) (How to List Your Property on Booking.com - Lodgify) (Booking.com listing approval and pricing/policies advice)
- Expedia Group (Vrbo) – List your property FAQ (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group) (Vacation Rentals Tools, Tips, & Resources To Improve Performance | VRBO | Expedia Group) (Information needed to list on Vrbo and host fees)
- Lodgify – Vrbo Host Requirements (Vrbo Host Requirements: What Do You Need to Host on Vrbo?) (Vrbo minimum photo requirements) and Hospitable Blog (Vrbo Requirements for Hosts - Hospitable.com) (Vrbo recommended number of photos)
- Manatili – Listing Creation & Optimisation (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals) (Expert Listing Creation & Optimization for Short-Term Rentals) (Manatili multi-channel listing service and dynamic pricing)
- Manatili – OTA Listing Management (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines) (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines) (Preventing double bookings through synced software; following platform best practices)
- Manatili – OTA Listing Management (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines) (Tailoring listings to each platform’s audience for visibility)
- Manatili – Marketing & Exposure (Optimize Your OTA Listings for Short-Term Rentals in the Philippines) (Benefit of multi-platform listing – 30% revenue increase claim)
Our comprehensive approach to Airbnb management in the Philippines we believe sets us apart, see for yourself today.
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