Airbnb’s Algorithm: The Matchmaker That Knows You Better Than Your Ex

Imagine if Airbnb’s algorithm was a dating profile. Its bio would read something like this: “Matchmaker extraordinaire. Loves creating perfect pairings between properties and guests based on their deepest desires (and browsing habits). Swipe right for personalized matches and unforgettable stays!” Yes, Airbnb’s algorithm is like that friend who’s a little too good at setting people up—digging through every detail of your past to figure out who you’d hit it off with. It’s the matchmaker of the short-term rental world, connecting guests and hosts who seem destined for each other.

In this post, we’ll explore how the Airbnb algorithm operates like a dating site, how it builds guest profiles, and how you, the host, can craft the perfect “bio” for your property to attract your ideal match.

Airbnb’s Stalker-Level Guest Profiling

Let’s be honest: Airbnb knows its guests better than some of their closest friends or even your ex. Here’s how:

• Browsing Habits: Airbnb tracks what properties guests click on, how long they linger, and which ones they skip faster than a sketchy Tinder Profile.

• Off-Platform Data: Airbnb follows guests around the internet to understand their preferences. You would probably take out a restraining order if a real person stalks you the way Airbnb stalks you online.

• Past Stays and Preferences: The algorithm remembers what guests booked, the amenities they loved, and how they like communicating. Did they gush about the modern decor or rave about a cozy fireplace? Airbnb makes note, like a good dating match who remembered you said you liked your coffee with two sugars in a conversation you had two weeks ago.

• Reviewing Style: Airbnb knows if a guest tends to leave glowing five-star reviews or if they’re a tough critic.

With this data, Airbnb creates a detailed profile for each guest who uses their platform. Think of it as a dating profile for guests: full of preferences, past experiences, and hints about what they’ll swipe right on next.

Your Listing: The Ultimate Dating Profile Bio

As a host, your listing is your “dating app profile.” It’s your chance to tell the story of your property and connect with the right guests. It's the "About Me" section of your dating profile. Here’s how to make your profile irresistible:

1. Hero Image = Your Profile Pic:

   • Just as a great dating profile starts with a killer photo, your listing’s hero image is your first impression. Think of it this way: Would you swipe right on a profile pic of someone that had grainy, unfocused photos or ones where you can’t tell who the person is because their friends are in every shot? Probably not. The same rules apply to your Airbnb listing. Choose a bright, inviting photo that showcases your property’s best feature—whether it’s a sunlit patio with a killer view of the mountains or an inviting living room with a glowing fireplace. Avoid misleading or outdated images, (like when you were 20 lbs lighter) that leave guests wondering, What’s the real story here?  
     

2. Title and Description = The First Message:

   • Your title is your chance to grab attention and get a guest to click on your "Profile"— Much like a dating app, you want your title to tell the person who is scrolling something interesting and inviting about "you" Use Smart Hosting Hub's Title Formula to create a click-worthy tile- Feature + Emotion + Location. For Example: "5 Min to Folly & Downtown | Luxe Hotel-Style Stay" or "7min to Maderia Beach|Family Fun w Hot Tub & Grill"

   • The About This Space section is where you'll entice the guest with all your best features. Here is where you will boast about your property and all the amazing amenities and features it offers. Your goal is to get the potential guest to start emotionally connecting with your property and saying..."I want to learn more about this "person", they seem like a great match. Use storytelling to paint a picture of the experience your property offers. For example, instead of: “3-bedroom house with pool,” try: “Unwind in your private oasis with a sparkling pool and breathtaking sunset views.” Make them imagine what it’s like to “date” your property—fun, relaxing, and exactly what they’ve been looking for. For example:

     • Instead of: *“I like dogs.” You'd write in your dating profile "I enjoy spending time outdoors running the lakefront with my dog, Blaze. This gives the potential suiter a better idea of what you're all about. Just like on a dating app, you'll use this same principle while writing your property description. 
       

3. Highlight Guest-Centric Features:

   • What will your ideal guest love about your property? Think of it this way: You wouldn’t send a message to a potential match on a dating app without reading their profile first. If your description is vague and not written with your ideal guest in mind, that’s not going to land you a date—or a booking. Instead, get specific. Families will appreciate a fenced yard and baby gear. Digital nomads will swoon over fast Wi-Fi and a coffee station. Tailor your listing to their needs and wants, so when they see it, they think, “Wow, this place gets me.” Just like a great match, it’s all about knowing what they’re looking for and showing you have it.

Airbnb: The Matchmaker You Didn’t Know You Needed

Airbnb’s algorithm plays the role of matchmaker, working behind the scenes to connect the right guests with the right listings. Here’s how it works:

• Personalization: The algorithm tailors search results to align with a guest’s profile. If someone loves beachfront bungalows, those will dominate their search results. The same applies for dating apps, if you prefer a non-smoker, the dating app isn't going to offer you potential profiles of people who smoke. A few may slip through the cracks, but the majority will be geared towards your preferences. 

• Relevance: Listings with high-quality photos, accurate descriptions, and glowing reviews are prioritized—like the dating profile of someone who “has their life together.”

• Guest Engagement: If guests frequently save and book your property, it signals to Airbnb that your listing is a hot commodity, boosting your visibility. 

Tips to Improve Your “Matchability”

Want to become the property every guest swipes right on? Here’s how:

1. Know Your Ideal Guest:

   • Think about who you’re trying to attract. Are they adventurous couples? Families with young kids? Remote workers? Craft your listing to speak directly to them.

2. Tell a Story:

   • Every property has a story. Use your listing to invite guests into that narrative. For example:

     • “Start your mornings with coffee on the balcony, soaking in views of the rolling hills, and end your nights by the fire pit, stargazing under a clear sky.”

3. Optimize Your Photos:

   • Include a mix of wide-angle shots and lifestyle images. Show off the cozy living room, the inviting kitchen, and even local attractions. Like a dating profile, you want to include only images that are flattering, taking in good lighting and showcase what makes you "your property" special. 

4. Streamline Communication:

   • Airbnb loves hosts who communicate with potential and current guests. No one likes to be ghosted, on dating apps or when trying to book your property. Don't leave guests on "Read" Keep your response rate timely and your messages friendly and informative.

The Key Takeaway: Play the Matchmaker’s Game

Think of Airbnb’s algorithm as the matchmaker, your property as the dating profile, and guests as your potential matches. Your job is to craft a listing that speaks directly to your ideal guest—showing them why your property is their perfect match.

By telling your property’s story, highlighting guest-centric features, and embracing Airbnb’s personalization, you’ll attract guests who feel like your space was made just for them. And when they book? That’s the happily-ever-after we’re all rooting for.