Every week, and especially around Black Friday, my inbox gets deluged with offers for “complete listing optimization packages”, usually priced anywhere from $97 to $997.
These services are well-intentioned, and they certainly appeal to hosts who are scrambling to secure a few last-minute bookings before year-end. And let’s be honest: many listings on the OTAs are weak with outdated photos, poor sequencing and stale pricing that hasn’t moved all year. Every host does need a well-written title and description, strong photos, smart sequencing, and a clear pricing strategy.
But the real question every host should be asking is: Is this worth it? Am I paying for a one-time fix, or for long-term capability? Is there a better, more sustainable way to improve my listing?
As someone who has built and run a successful STR business, and now helps other hosts do the same, I can say this confidently:
There are quick fixes, and there are strategic, long-term improvements.
And the difference between the two is enormous.
What Listing Optimization Services Usually Provide
Most optimization packages (depending on the provider) typically include:
- A revised headline
- A refreshed listing description
- Photo sequencing suggestions
- A few pricing recommendations
And these tweaks can absolutely provide a temporary boost, especially if you haven’t updated it in a while. But in most cases, these services provide a short-term, one-off fix. And in today’s fast-moving short-term rental market, that simply isn’t enough.
Why you need to Optimize your listing regularly
In the short-term rental industry, nothing stands still. Everything is constantly changing and evolving with many factors potentially affecting and threatening your business. Such as:
- Your closest competitor “upping” their amenities.
- Other properies in your market taking a lead with refreshed listing copy.
- Guest expectations rising year after year
And pricing? Dynamic pricing is no longer a trend, it’s the industry standard across hospitality and travel. If you aren’t adjusting your rates in line with market demand, you’re leaving money on the table.
To keep on your toes, stay ahead of the game, and keep your listing at the top of the Airbnb search results, you need to be proactive, not reactive. When your ideal guest is scrolling through listings, your property should be the one that grabs their attention, not blends into the crowd.
A once-off optimization might give you a bump, but it won’t keep you competitive in the long term. Strategic, ongoing optimization will.
Regular optimization becomes essential whenever you:
• Upgrade or add new furniture, amenities, or features
• Receive standout guest feedback you can spotlight
• Have new (professional) photos to showcase
• Want to alternate seasonal images: Winter: lit fireplace,
cozy throws, festive details Spring/Summer: open doors,
fresh flowers, bright natural light
• Adjust or rethink your pricing strategy
• Launch a promotion, package, or special offer
• Develop your brand identity
• Clarify your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
• Rework and keyword-optimise your title and description
• Update your cancellation policy to match market demand
• Introduce concierge-style services (e.g., massage, private chef)
• Position your listing for a niche: Pet-Friendly, Luxury, Accessible, etc.
So while a single optimization can certainly help in the short-term, it rarely solves the ongoing needs of a growing and evolving STR business. Some hosts may end up paying again, or feeling stuck when they want to refresh the listing themselves. So the real question becomes:
How can you keep your listing performing at its best without spending hundreds every time?
Simple — it’s all in my book.
5-Star Hosting Made Simple gives you the skills to update and improve your listing whenever you need to, without paying for repeated optimization services. At a fraction of the cost of a one-off package, you’ll learn how to build a strong, sustainable STR business that continues to grow over time.
Inside the book, you’ll discover practical, easy-to-follow guidance on improving your listing, strengthening your brand, pricing confidently, and communicating effectively with guests — plus tools to help you optimize quickly and consistently.
You’ll gain the confidence and know-how to refresh your listing any time you want — on your terms, without hiring someone every time.
How to get the book
5-Star Hosting Made Simple launches January 25th, 2026 in paperback, hardback and e-book on all major platforms.
