Want More Bookings? Use These Airbnb Competitors to Fill Your Calendar

Marifil Limpahan
Jul 18
2 min read

A Smarter Way to Host: Why Airbnb Isn’t Your Only Option

If you’re hosting on Airbnb and wondering whether it makes sense to branch out to other platforms, the answer is a confident yes.

At BNB Guardians, we work with busy professionals who want to grow short-term rental income without burnout. One of the Airbnb strategies we always recommend? Diversify. In today’s fast-moving vacation rental market, relying on one platform leaves your business vulnerable.

Let’s walk through why expanding beyond Airbnb is a smart move, which platforms are worth considering, and how to manage multiple listings without losing your sanity.

Why You Should List on More Than Just Airbnb

Think of Airbnb as one marketing channel. It’s powerful, yes, but it’s not the whole picture. Here’s why spreading out across platforms matters:

Reach more types of guests. Some people only use Vrbo, Booking.com, or niche sites. You miss them if you're Airbnb-only.
Protect your business. If Airbnb changes its algorithm, fees, or policies (which it does), you could lose traffic overnight.
Boost your occupancy. More platforms = more eyeballs on your listing = more bookings.
Tailor your marketing. Some platforms attract luxury guests. Others bring in families. You can match your property to the right audience.

We teach this inside our Airbnb coaching program because it makes a huge difference in long-term profitability.

Two Airbnb Alternatives Worth Exploring: Airbnb Competitors

Here are a two standout platforms that can help you grow beyond Airbnb:

1. Vrbo

Best for: Families, groups, vacationers
Why it works: Vrbo guests usually book entire homes. If your space is family-friendly, this is a great fit.

2. Booking.com

Best for: International travelers, city stays
Why it works: Massive global reach. Ideal if your Airbnb is in a tourist-heavy area or near transportation hubs.

How to Manage Multiple Listings Like a Pro

Worried about juggling multiple platforms? Don’t be. With the right Airbnb management systems in place, you can scale without stress.

Here’s what we teach inside our Airbnb Super Host Academy:

1. Sync Your Calendars

Avoid double bookings at all costs. Use a platform like Guesty (our go-to) to keep everything connected.

2. Use Smart Airbnb Pricing Tools

Pricing is not one-size-fits-all. We use tools that adjust rates based on demand, seasons, and platform-specific trends. That’s key to Airbnb optimization.

3. Stay On-Brand Everywhere

Make sure your listings reflect the same tone, images, and experience across all channels. That consistency builds trust.

4. Automate Guest Messaging

Whether it's Airbnb guest communication or Vrbo inquiries, templates and automation will save you hours each week.

5. Deliver a 5-Star Experience, Always

The best Airbnb marketing is great reviews. Focus on cleanliness, speed of response, thoughtful touches, and clear instructions.

Final Thoughts: Diversify to Thrive

Airbnb is a great launchpad. But if you want to turn hosting into a real income stream especially one that frees up your time, you need a smarter Airbnb strategy.

That means:

Exploring Airbnb competitors
Building systems that simplify multi-platform hosting
Using tools like Guesty for Airbnb listing creation, messaging, and automation

Need help with Airbnb? Join our Skool community or book a coaching call at BNB Guardians. We’ll show you how to scale your short-term rental business without burning out.