Writing a short-term or mid-term rental listing description can feel intimidating, especially when you realize its importance. Creating a listing is fairly straightforward, but here are 5 big mistakes to avoid when writing yours to have the most success:

1. A Weak, Uninspiring Title

The title and headline are the first things people see; make them good! A well-crafted title is one of the most important assets of your listing. You will hear me say this multiple times in this post: Use your resources! Don’t name your listing “2-story house in Port Aransas” if you are a 3-minute walk to the beach. Instead, use that to your advantage: “Beach house with ocean views 3-min walk to beach!”

2. Leading With Rules and Negativity

If you want your guest to feel excited when looking at your listing, here’s a tip: avoid using lengthy lists of rules and cleaning duties at the beginning. While this information is important, it shouldn’t be the first thing guests read. Save rules for the last “other things to note” section.

3. Unrealistic or Misleading Descriptions

It’s always great to radiate an ultra-positive attitude, but don’t overdo it to the point of exaggeration. An extra booking is not worth a bad review. For example, don’t say a sleeper sofa can fit 2 if it really can’t. Another example is don’t advertise that you have “kids’ beach toys” or “plenty of board games” if the toys are old and broken and the games have missing pieces.

4. Being Too Vague

You have a limited number of characters; use them wisely! Don’t waste space on obvious details. Instead, provide clear, detailed descriptions of each room and list all amenities, such as blenders, hair dryers, an iron, or extra sheets. This not only reduces back-and-forth messages with potential guests, but it could also be the deciding factor between your listing and another. Whether your property is listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, or another short or mid-term rental platform, clear and accurate descriptions help set expectations and attract the right guests. Consider what makes your home unique and appealing to renters, and be sure to highlight those features in your description.

5. Not Writing From the Guest’s Perspective

Remember that guests have never seen or experienced your space before. They don’t know that the kitchen is downstairs and all of the bedrooms are upstairs. Write from the guest’s perspective and think about what would make you interested in this property if you’ve never seen it. Is it the beautiful master bedroom? The toys and space for kids? What are its main selling points? If you are located within a 5-minute walk from downtown, that’s probably it. If you have an amazing yard or outdoor kitchen, that might be it. Use a guest perspective and sell to the guest, not yourself.

Final Thoughts

​Your listing can make or break your bookings. Take your time, utilize writing tools, make a list of your house’s best features, and make a listing that is unforgettable. A thoughtful description does more than just describe your space: it helps guests imagine themselves staying there.