Keywords can make or break your vacation rental business. The right ones help you rank higher on search engines, get more visibility on booking platforms, and attract guests who are ready to book. But everyone is using the same basic terms—”vacation rental in Miami,” “beachfront Airbnb,” “cozy cabin in the woods.” If you’re relying on these, you’re lost in a sea of competitors.
To stand out, you need an approach that goes beyond generic SEO advice. It’s not just about using keywords—it’s about using them in ways your competitors aren’t.
Why Most Vacation Rental Hosts Get Keywords Wrong
A lot of hosts pick keywords based on what they think guests are searching for. They cram “best vacation rental in [city]” into their listing and expect bookings to roll in. But guests don’t search like that. They type what they want in plain language: “pet-friendly Airbnb with fenced yard,” “romantic cabin with hot tub,” “walkable to downtown Nashville.”
The problem? Most hosts optimize for locations when they should be optimizing for experiences.
Search engines and booking platforms prioritize relevance. If a guest types “dog-friendly beach house near Santa Cruz,” and your listing just says “Santa Cruz vacation rental,” you’re missing out. You need to match how people actually search.
The Secret to Finding High-Value Keywords
Instead of guessing, let data tell you what works. Here’s how:
Steal From Google’s Autocomplete
Start typing a phrase like “best Airbnb in” and let Google finish it. The suggestions come from real searches. Do the same for location-based searches, amenities, and guest needs.
Use Booking Platforms’ Search Bars
Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com all auto-suggest searches. If “family-friendly rental near Disneyland” pops up, that means guests are actively looking for it.
Check Reviews of Competitors
Guests describe what they loved (or hated) in their reviews. If people rave about “sunset views from the balcony,” that’s a phrase you should use in your listing.
Look at Your Own Booking Inquiries
Guests often message with specific requests: “Is the WiFi good enough for remote work?” or “Do you allow early check-in?” If the same questions come up, those should be keywords in your description.
The Keywords That Drive More Bookings
Let’s get specific. These keyword types consistently lead to better rankings and higher conversions:
Experience-Based Keywords
These focus on what the guest gets rather than just the location. Instead of “Nashville vacation rental,” try:
- “Live like a local in East Nashville”
- “Broadway bars just a 5-minute Uber ride away”
- “Rooftop deck with skyline views”
Amenity-Driven Keywords
The small things make a big difference. Guests often filter searches by amenities, so highlight them:
- “Heated pool and private hot tub”
- “Fast WiFi and dedicated workspace”
- “Fully stocked kitchen for home-cooked meals”
Guest-Specific Keywords
Cater to different traveler types:
- “Kid-friendly rental with playroom and cribs”
- “Perfect for remote workers—fast internet + coffee station”
- “Romantic getaway with fireplace and soaking tub”
Event & Season Keywords
Tie your listing to popular local events or seasons:
- “Sundance Film Festival lodging”
- “Cherry blossom season rental in DC”
- “Fall foliage cabin in Vermont”
Question-Based Keywords
Many guests search in question format. If your listing answers these, you rank higher:
- “Where to stay near Grand Canyon?”
- “Best pet-friendly Airbnb in Austin?”
- “Which rentals allow early check-in?”
Optimizing for Booking Platforms vs. Google
The strategy changes depending on where you want to rank.
For Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com:
- Focus on the listing title, since that’s what guests see first.
- Use keywords naturally in descriptions but avoid keyword stuffing.
- Fill out all available amenities and filters—this boosts visibility.
For Google Rankings:
Have a direct booking website with a blog. Posts like “Best Places to Stay for Coachella” attract organic traffic.
Optimize image alt text and captions with keywords.
Get backlinks from local tourism websites, which signals authority to Google.
The Common Mistakes That Kill Your Keyword Strategy
- Many hosts unknowingly sabotage their own rankings. Here’s what to avoid:
- A title like “Best Airbnb in Miami, Vacation Rental with Pool, Close to Beach” is unreadable.
- The competition for “Miami vacation rental” is brutal, but “South Beach condo with ocean views” is easier to rank for.
- If your listing still says “ski-in/ski-out” in July, you’re missing summer travelers.
- Guest priorities shift—”work-from-home rentals” surged in 2020, but now travelers might be searching for “weekend getaways near me.”
Turning Keywords Into More Bookings
Keywords only work if they’re used strategically. Here’s how to apply them effectively:
Write a Listing Title That Hooks Guests
Bad: “Beautiful 2BR Home in Los Angeles”
Better: “Modern 2BR Near Hollywood—Walk to Sunset Blvd!”
Use Keywords Naturally in Your Description
Instead of: “This house is located in downtown Denver.”
Try: “Stay in the heart of downtown Denver—just steps from Union Station and the city’s best breweries.”
Incorporate Keywords in Reviews & FAQs
Encourage guests to mention key amenities in their reviews. Answer common guest questions with keyword-rich responses.
Leverage Social Media & Blog Content
If you have a direct booking website, use blog posts to attract search traffic. A post like “Best Weekend Getaways Near San Diego” can rank on Google and bring direct bookings.
Staying Ahead of the Competition
Keyword trends shift, and platforms tweak their algorithms. Stay ahead by:
Regularly checking search term trends. Google Trends and Airbnb search suggestions change frequently.
Updating your listing to reflect seasonal keywords.
Testing different keywords in your title and tracking booking rates.
Most hosts don’t put in this level of effort. That’s why they struggle to rank and rely on luck to get bookings. A well-researched keyword strategy isn’t just about getting seen—it’s about getting booked. And once you master it, you’ll always have an edge over the competition.