With the rise of Airbnb and short-term rentals, competition has skyrocketed. Back in 2019, the short-term vacation rental market was only valued at $39 billion. However, today, in 2025, it sits at a $72 billion valuation. There’s no denying that Airbnb has had a huge role in creating this growth, and many homeowners have benefited from the service.
However, these days, it feels like simply having a clean space and a reasonable price is no longer enough to stand out. Booking guests is starting to feel a little unpredictable, and earnings aren’t what they used to be. Thankfully, there are ways to attract people without needing a complete remodel or expensive advertising.
In this article, let’s look at a few steps you can take to start earning a greater income from your Airbnb property.
Table of Contents
#1. Focus on Visual First Impressions
When potential guests scroll through Airbnb, they’re not reading first—they’re looking. Your listing lives and dies by its visuals. That means your photos need to pop, and your space needs to be visually appealing before the photographer even shows up.
Interestingly, the best way to achieve this is by ensuring your walls are repainted slightly more often than normal. You also want to put some thought into the kind of hues you use.
Research from Zillow shows that certain paint hues, such as light blue for bathrooms, can increase valuation by up to $5,000. Meanwhile, bright colors like bright red or green decreased the prices that people were willing to spend by $1,500. Of course, this was in the context of homeownership, but the mentality likely extends to renters as well.
With Airbnb, you need to focus on shots of both the inside and the outside of your home. So, if you haven’t already, you should be looking for good exterior painting services to give the outer walls a makeover as well.
This is the ideal time of the year to get started, as EA Pro Painters explains that summer is the best time for these projects. Once the job is done, get a professional to take high-quality images with good lighting and thoughtful staging. If you want to attract those high-paying guests, you can’t be using your phone to capture feature shots of your home. It might be a bit expensive, but you’ll make it back in no time.
#2. Build an Experience Around Your Space
According to Airbnb’s 2023 US Economic Impact Report, guests who stayed in Airbnb accommodations spent an estimated $80 billion on other goods and services. Shockingly, $264 was spent locally for every $100 spent on Airbnb. The takeaway is clear: guests value immersive experiences that connect them with local communities.
If you want to truly elevate your Airbnb into the premium tier, don’t just offer a place to stay; instead, offer a curated experience. Travelers are increasingly seeking more than just a bed and Wi-Fi. They want their stay to feel like part of the adventure or a retreat tailored to their lifestyle. That’s where experience-based hosting comes in.
Instead of presenting your place as “a quiet 2-bedroom near downtown,” think about how it fits into your guest’s story. “Is it a romantic escape with soft lighting, a record player, and wine glasses by the fireplace?” Or is it “A minimalist, plant-filled haven for remote workers who need peace and aesthetic clarity?” You get the idea.
This kind of intentional design doesn’t require luxury-level budgets. It just requires vision. Small touches like mood-specific playlists, locally made toiletries, or a welcome note that ties into the theme can create a memorable narrative for your space.
#3. Add Value Through Amenities and Thoughtful Details
Once the aesthetics are on point, it’s time to fine-tune the experience. Premium guests aren’t just looking for beauty; they’re looking for convenience, comfort, and thoughtful touches that make their stay feel seamless. And this is where your property can really stand out from the competition.
Research also tells us that not all amenities are created equal. In a study on over 4,865 Airbnb properties in Denver and Colorado, researchers identified twelve key categories of amenities. Of these, five had the most impact. They included: office, entertainment, ambiance, safety, and accessibility.
So make sure your home offers a designated workspace with good lighting, a comfortable chair, and maybe even a small plant or art piece nearby. Remote workers and digital nomads will love you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to make extra money from Airbnb?
Offer add-ons like airport pickup, bike rentals, or local tours. Charge a bit more for weekend stays or high-demand dates. You can also allow pets (with a fee) or add a cleaning fee—just make sure it’s all clearly listed upfront.
2. How to make your Airbnb special?
Think small touches with a big impact—like local snacks, a handwritten welcome note, or a cozy reading nook. Unique decor, good lighting, and fast Wi-Fi also go a long way. Basically, make it feel more like a boutique stay, not just a room.
3. How to impress Airbnb guests?
Be super responsive, leave clear check-in instructions, and stock up on basics (like coffee, soap, and extra towels). A clean space is non-negotiable. Throw in a surprise, like a bottle of wine or a local tip list, and you’ll earn those five stars.
At the end of the day, the secret to charging more on Airbnb isn’t just about being in the right location—it’s about creating the right feeling. Guests will pay more for a space that looks beautiful, feels curated, and delivers a better experience. And you don’t need to break the bank to make that happen.
Strategic choices like repainting key areas, upgrading lighting, choosing a consistent theme, and adding thoughtful amenities can turn your listing from forgettable to five-star. The more premium your space feels, the more you can confidently ask—and the more guests will happily pay.
