Lesson: The Hero Image: Mastering Your Lead Photo for Maximum Impact

Your most distinctive, wide and bright shot that answers why a guest should choose this property, often a view, outdoor entertaining area or aerial of the location. It also needs to read clearly as a small phone thumbnail.

Airbnb has no built-in split test, but you can compare periods with different cover photos while keeping everything else the same, and watch how your search-to-listing conversion changes.

Many hosts do. Features that appeal in summer, like decks and beaches, can be swapped for cosy or indoor features in winter, as long as you compare like-for-like periods.