Photos are a huge selling point for travellers looking at short term rentals. Think about it, when was the last time you booked an Airbnb solely off the description and amenities listed? That’s why your photos should be the highlight of your Ottawa Airbnb listing. Don’t be one of those hosts that uses blurry photos or photos of a messy unit. These 5 tips can help you get the best photos for your short term rental listing.
1. Tidy up and stage the Airbnb unit
This is one of the most important tips to consider if you want to step up your Airbnb photo game. No one wants to stay in a Airbnb that looks cluttered and messy. Before taking any photos of the unit make sure it’s cleaned and there are no items lying around that can make it look cluttered. For example, when you’re taking a photo of the kitchen, simply hide the garbage can.
The key is to make the unit look inviting and a good way to do this is by staging it with a few props. These props can help the traveller understand what they would use the space for. Try putting a laptop and notebook on the desk, or a bottle of wine and glasses on the kitchen island. It’s these little things that people will notice and want to book your unit.
2. Lighting is crucial
The amount of light used in your photos can make a huge difference in the look of the Airbnb. It’s best to use as much natural light as you can in the unit while taking photos because this will make it look its best. Open up all those blinds, curtains and doors and switch the lights on to capture the unit in the best possible lighting. You’ve heard of golden hour? Well there’s definitely a golden hour for taking Airbnb photos. The best time of the day to take photos of your Airbnb is the morning after the sun as come up completely or the evening an hour before sunset.
3. Hire a pro
Not sure if you can take good photos yourself? Hire a professional photographer to get those awesome shots for you. A pro will know all the best angles and lighting so that you don’t have to worry about it. Yes, a photographer might cost you a little, but think of it as an investment in your business. Having good photos for your Airbnb listing will help you get more bookings and in turn pay for that professional photographer.
4. Post photos in sequence and add captions
Posting photos in a logical sequence as you would be walking through the Airbnb unit will give travellers a great feel for the space. This way they can understand what the unit is like even before seeing it in person. Adding a caption to each photo can also help describe the room and area so people know what they are looking at. All these little touches will make the Airbnb listing seem more complete and attract travellers.
5. Take a lot of photos
When taking photos of the unit, make sure you take more than you intend to use. This gives you a good variety of shots to pick from when editing and posting. But remember to only use the best ones! Anywhere between 10 to 15 photos is a good amount to use in your listing. This way travellers can see one or two angles of each room and get a sense of the unit overall.
Need help listing your unit on Airbnb? We can help! Contact us to find out more.
