When most people think about short-term rentals, they think Airbnb. And for good reason—it’s the most popular platform, especially in North America. But if you're only relying on Airbnb to fill your calendar, you might be leaving money (and bookings) on the table.
The truth is, diversifying where your property is listed can help you reach more guests, reduce your dependence on one platform, and even improve your occupancy. That said, it’s not always as simple as copy and paste. Here’s what you need to know before expanding beyond Airbnb.
Why You Should Consider Multi-Platform Hosting
- More Exposure = More Bookings: Travelers use different platforms. Some love Vrbo for family trips. Europeans often default to Booking.com. Listing on multiple sites opens up new markets.
- Better Protection Against Algorithm Slumps: If Airbnb slows down during a season or due to a policy change, you’re not stuck. Diversifying gives you more control.
- Higher Occupancy Rates: Filling your calendar becomes easier when you're visible on more than one booking engine.
What Platforms Are Worth Listing On?
- Vrbo: Best for larger homes, family stays, and vacation-heavy areas.
- Booking.com: High international traffic, great for urban rentals and last-minute bookings.
- Expedia & Google Vacation Rentals: These pull from platforms like Vrbo and Booking.com—more exposure with less effort if you’re already listed.
- Your Own Website: Long-term, this gives you the most control and lets you avoid fees. Pair it with direct booking tools like Lodgify or Hostaway.
What to Watch Out For
- Double Bookings: If you’re not syncing your calendar properly, you could get burned. Use a channel manager like Hostaway, Tokeet, or OwnerRez to connect everything in one place.
- Different Fee Structures: Some platforms charge hosts more (or less) than Airbnb. Understand the commissions and adjust your pricing accordingly.
- Different Guest Expectations: For example, Booking.com guests are used to hotels—so they may expect things like front desk-style service or daily cleanings. Set clear expectations up front.
How to Manage It All Without Losing Your Mind
- Automate your calendar, pricing, and guest communication with a property management system (PMS).
- Use unified inbox tools so you can manage all messages in one place.
- Hire a virtual co-host (like us!) to handle cross-platform headaches and make sure no detail slips through the cracks.
More Platforms = More Income—If You’re Set Up RightListing on multiple platforms can absolutely be worth it—but only if you have the right systems in place. Otherwise, it’s just extra chaos.
Want help expanding your listing to Vrbo, Booking.com, and beyond without lifting a finger? We’ll sync your calendar, optimize your listings, and manage the chaos for you. Just email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down and fill out our contact form. Let’s get you seen everywhere your guests are looking.
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