This is What Makes Short-Term Rentals Stand Out According to the Pros

✍️ By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | July 30, 2025 | Click HERE for your FREE Subscription to WBN News and/or to be a Contributor.

If your short-term rental is lost in the crowd, it’s not your property; it’s your listing. The most successful Airbnb and vacation rental hosts know that standing out online comes down to three words: clarity, emotion, and trust. We gathered insights from the industry's leading voices—Danny Rusteen of OptimizeMyBnb, Julie George of Million Dollar Host, and the copywriters behind Guest Hook—to show you how to transform your listing from invisible to irresistible.

1. Nail the First 3 Lines
According to Danny Rusteen, “If your first three lines don’t hook a guest emotionally, you’ve lost them.” These lines show up in Airbnb search previews, so lead with your biggest “wow” features: lake views, hot tub, proximity to attractions, or standout design. Use emotional language like “wake up to the sound of waves” or “your private sanctuary in the trees.”

2. Focus on Experience, Not Just Features
Julie George emphasizes storytelling. “People don’t book beds and kitchens—they book memories.” Instead of saying “3-bedroom cabin,” try “a family-sized cabin where you’ll roast marshmallows and share stories under the stars.” Paint the experience vividly.

3. Optimize with Airbnb SEO in Mind
Use search-friendly keywords naturally in your title and description. Guest Hook recommends terms like “lakefront cabin,” “pet-friendly,” or “near ski slopes” to match common guest searches.

4. Organize with Headers and Bullets
Airbnb readers skim. Break up your description with bold headers like The Space, The Experience, and Where You’ll Be. Use bullet points for amenities and house rules so guests can quickly scan and absorb information.

5. Match Copy to Photos
Ensure your written promises match your visuals. If you say “fully stocked kitchen,” show it. Rusteen insists, “Guests expect listings to be accurate and aligned. Mismatched expectations lead to bad reviews.”

6. End with a CTA
A clear call-to-action helps guide the decision. Use phrases like “Book now for your perfect mountain escape” or “Reserve your dates before they disappear.”

In a crowded market, it’s not just what your rental offers—it’s how you present it. Apply these expert tips, and you won’t just attract more views—you’ll win more bookings.

Debbie Balfour | Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host

🏠Fireside Lakeview Cottage 30 days+ rental in Peachland - Book here: www.airbnb.ca/h/firesidelakeviewcottage
📍 Website: www.DebbieBalfour.com
📧 Email: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Debbie Balfour
▶️ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@DebbieBalfour

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TAGS: #Airbnb Tips #Short Term Rental Success #Vacation Rental Marketing #Host Like A Pro #Airbnb Listing Help #WBN News Langley #WBN News Abbotsford #WBN News Okanagan #Debbie Balfour