If you’re into the Airbnb short-term venture, you must have heard of the “SEO” term.
But here is the thing: Airbnb SEO isn’t the same as Google SEO. While the motto of both is to make a listing found more easily online, the way they work is totally different.
Most hosts know that Google SEO is for websites and blogs, but Airbnb has its own rules for how listings show up in search results.
You should understand the difference between the two. Why? It helps you better understand both and use them to make your listings show up on Airbnb and Google.
Read this guide to understand Airbnb SEO and Google SEO!
Airbnb SEO
Platform-Based Optimization
Airbnb SEO is all about ranking higher in Airbnb search results.
When guests search for a place to stay, Airbnb shows them listings that match their filters—and the listings that perform well in Airbnb’s own ranking algorithm.
The Airbnb search algorithm looks at many different factors to rank listings, such as:
- Listing completeness and quality
- Responsiveness and reliability as a host
- Pricing strategy
- Guest experience (including reviews and communication)
- Use of relevant keywords in listing descriptions and amenities
- High-quality photos
- Instant Book option
- Click-through rate
- Superhost status
For example, a host who optimizes listing titles, adds high-resolution photos, and enables Instant Book can increase visibility and bookings.
In simple terms, Airbnb SEO optimization is about optimizing within the Airbnb platform. Hosts try to rank at the top of Airbnb’s search results, not Google.
Google SEO
Web-Wide Visibility
Google SEO is about getting visibility for your listings across the internet—through websites, blogs, Google Maps, and search results.
This method can be the best way to target a broader group. For example, people searching for vacation rentals, travel tips, or destinations.
When someone searches for things like “Airbnb in Downtown Dubai” or “Pet-friendly vacation rental in New York”, Google SEO helps rank on such queries.
Factors included in Google SEO categorise into on-page, off-page, and technical.
| Category | Factors |
| On-page optimization | Keywords, content quality, user experience, URL structure, headings, internal linking, etc. |
| Off-page optimization | Backlink building, online reputation, brand mentions, social media engagement |
| Technical SEO | Website speed, mobile-friendliness, site structure, XML sitemap, website security (https), Robots.txt, etc. |
So, while Airbnb SEO happens inside the Airbnb system, Google SEO happens on the open internet. It is about making travelers find your content without opening Airbnb.
Airbnb SEO vs Google SEO: Key Differences
Here is a detailed breakdown of both:
| Feature | Airbnb SEO | Google SEO |
| Where it happens | Inside Airbnb platform only | On Google Search |
| Target Audience | Airbnb guests using the Airbnb search | General public using Google |
| What it helps | Ranks your Airbnb listing | Ranks your website, blog, listing links, Google Maps, etc. |
| Main goal | More visibility within Airbnb | More traffic from the open web |
| Control level | Limited control over algorithm | Full control if you own the website |
| Speed of impact | Faster updates (due to Airbnb’s system) | Slower changes (Google indexing time) |
Should You Do Both?
The short answer is yes, if you can.
Start with Airbnb optimization when you begin renting out your properties or have one or two listings. However, as you continue to grow, you need to stand out in a crowded market.
Here, Google SEO comes in.
Both are useful, but they serve different purposes.
Google SEO can attract people before they ever log into Airbnb. It helps you build a personal brand as a host. You can create your own website to promote your listings and get direct bookings.
What next? Work with a dedicated marketing firm, such as DOSbnb, so they can effectively manage both Google SEO and Airbnb SEO simultaneously.
This is one of the best investments you can make in your business.
Conclusion
Airbnb SEO and Google SEO are not the same, but they both matter.
Airbnb SEO helps you rank better inside Airbnb. It depends on how well you manage your listing—photos, reviews, pricing, and responsiveness.
Google SEO is about building visibility outside Airbnb so that people can find you through search engines.
As a host, start with Airbnb SEO. Make your listing the best it can be. To stand out for long-term success, consider building your Google presence as well.
Use both simultaneously to increase bookings.
