Mastering Airbnb Categories: A Proven Airbnb Strategy to Rank Higher and Earn More

Marifil Limpahan
Oct 27
2 min read

Unlock the Power of Airbnb Categories: The Ultimate Airbnb Management Hack

If you’ve noticed Airbnb’s new Categories feature and wondered how to make it work for your listing, you’re not alone. Airbnb’s redesigned search filters don’t just help travelers discover new stays, they also change how your property gets found and booked.

At BNB Guardians, we’ve helped hosts use Airbnb’s built-in tools (like Categories, Airbnb SEO, and optimized descriptions) to boost visibility, attract ideal guests, and raise nightly rates. Here’s how you can do the same.

What Are Airbnb Categories?

Airbnb Categories are curated collections of listings grouped by experience, location, or property style think Cabins, Beachfront, National Parks, Luxe, and Design.

They help guests discover unique stays and, for hosts, serve as a built-in Airbnb optimization opportunity. If your listing qualifies for a category, Airbnb highlights it in curated results, giving you free exposure to travelers searching by theme rather than just destination.

Why Categories Matter for Hosts

Airbnb’s algorithm now prioritizes category-based discovery, meaning your listing could appear in search results even if guests weren’t searching your specific location.

This is huge for hosts because it:

Expands visibility beyond local competition.
Builds trust and desirability by associating your listing with a recognized niche (like Tropical Villas or Amazing Pools).
Supports premium pricing since category placements often attract higher-value travelers.

For example, a modern desert home might appear under both Design and Desert, giving it multiple chances to get discovered — all without extra ads.

How to Get Your Listing Featured in Airbnb Categories

Unlike ticking a checkbox, category inclusion is review-based by Airbnb’s internal team. But you can optimize strategically to improve your odds:

Choose the Right Niche – Identify which category best represents your space (e.g., Cabin, Lakefront, National Parks).
Optimize Your Title & Description – Use descriptive keywords naturally (“A modern cabin retreat near Yellowstone”). Airbnb’s algorithm scans for relevance.
Invest in Professional Photography – Categories rely heavily on visuals. Showcase your property’s best angles with high-quality, well-lit photos.
Highlight Location Landmarks – If your listing qualifies for location-based categories, mention nearby points of interest (like national parks, beaches, or ski areas).
Maintain High Standards – Strong reviews, fast response rates, and consistent Airbnb management all boost your credibility for inclusion.

Example Airbnb Strategy in Action

One BNB Guardians coaching client transformed their mountain-view home into a Cabin and Amazing Views category listing. After updating their photos, refining their copy, and aligning with Airbnb’s standards, their visibility doubled — and bookings rose by 35% within a month.

That’s the power of combining Airbnb SEO, Airbnb strategy, and category optimization.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb Categories aren’t just a new search gimmick, they’re a window into how Airbnb’s algorithm thinks. As hosts, you can either get buried under the old way of listing, or get strategic about standing out.

At BNB Guardians, we teach hosts how to position their listings for maximum visibility, from Airbnb optimization and pricing strategy to guest communication and listing management systems that scale.

Want help getting your listing noticed (and booked)?

Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool or book a call with our coaching team today at BNB Guardians.