With over 1 million searches on PadSplit every month, your listing’s visibility directly determines your occupancy rates and revenue. Understanding how to optimize your ranking isn’t optional—it’s essential to staying competitive.
Six key factors influence where your listings appear in search results. Master these, and you’ll consistently outperform the competition.
It’s important to note that our search algorithm continuously evolves, becoming more sophisticated by personalizing results based on user behavior and member preferences.
1. Room pricing
Strategic pricing can make or break your occupancy. Internal data shows that rooms priced 20% above market average see 35% fewer bookings. Overpricing doesn’t just reduce reservations; it crushes your bottom line.
Identify overpriced rooms
Navigate to Manage > Rooms and filter by Pricing Analysis = High or Very High. These rooms are priced above market and are likely limiting your occupancy.
Conduct market research
Before setting rates, research comparable PadSplit rooms in your area. Consider room size, amenities, bathroom arrangements, location, and unique features. Check your zip code’s market data.
Explore the search feature to see available properties nearby. When searching, include occupied rooms—not just available ones. This will show what’s actually booking, not just what’s sitting vacant.
Leverage promotional discounts
The data is clear:
- Without promos: 54% of rooms book within 6-8 days
- With promos: 73% of rooms book within 6-8 days
A simple 10% first-month discount creates urgency and makes your listing stand out.
Case study: Robert achieved a 30% occupancy boost in 3 weeks
Atlanta host Robert had 60% occupancy with above-market pricing. After adjusting rates to market averages and implementing a 10% discount for 4-6 weeks, his occupancy jumped to 90% in three weeks. His overall revenue increased despite slightly lower per-room rates.
To see what’s actually performing in your market:
- Use the platform’s search function and filter by your zip code
- Include occupied rooms in your search results—don’t filter to only available properties (this allows you to see which listings are successfully booked, not just what’s currently vacant)
Check your zip code’s market data here.
Quick tip: Automate discounts for vacant rooms
Boost occupancy by offering promotional discounts on rooms that have been vacant for extended periods.
Automate your discounts: Go to Manage > Rooms > + Add Promotion and configure the discounts to trigger automatically after rooms are vacant for a specified number of days.
Strategic pricing tips
- (Most effective!) Price one room competitively: Attracts more listing views for all rooms
- Monitor regularly: Market rates change; review competitors monthly
- Use metro average data: PadSplit provides real-time local pricing insights
- Test promotional periods: 4-6 week discounts balance urgency with profitability
Pricing above market average consistently results in lower booking rates. Successful hosts recognize that strategic pricing (not maximum pricing) drives the highest overall revenue through improved occupancy rates.
2. Quality photos (your 24/7 marketing tool)
Your photos work around the clock to attract bookings. High-quality images directly influence search ranking and can mean the difference between a property that sits vacant and one that stays consistently booked.
Your cover photo is critical
This is the first thing potential members see in search results. Choose a high-quality image that immediately showcases your property’s best features: a clean bedroom, inviting common area, or standout amenity.
To update: Go to your property listing, click ‘Preview Listing Card’ above the title, and arrange the photos strategically. This determines the order of photos members see while browsing.
Important: We use an algorithm to score photo quality, which directly impacts your search ranking and may prioritize your property in email marketing.
Pre-shoot preparation
Deep clean every surface, use fresh bedding, declutter completely, and don’t forget curb appeal—your exterior creates the first impression.
Lighting makes the difference
Shoot during golden hours (1-2 hours after sunrise or before sunset) or on overcast days. Turn on all interior lights and replace burnt-out bulbs with matching warm white bulbs (2700K-3000K).
Equipment options
- Smartphone: Use apps like Adobe Lightroom Mobile or Exposio Real Estate Camera with wide-angle lens attachments
- Professional camera: Wide-angle lenses (Canon 17-40mm recommended) with a sturdy tripod
Room-by-room staging
- Bedrooms: Complete bedding, simply staged nightstands, multiple light sources
- Bathrooms: Closed toilet seats, attractive curtains, fresh towels
- Common areas: Furniture arranged for conversation, showcased electronics, and seating
Technical requirements
- Horizontal (landscape) format only
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 1920×1080 pixels minimum
- Under 6.3MB file size
- Eye-level shots (5-6 feet high)
- Straight vertical lines
- JPG or PNG format
When to hire a professional
Consider professional photography when managing multiple properties, if DIY photos aren’t generating interest, or when justifying premium pricing. Use PadSplit’s vetted vendor network for pre-screened professionals.
Upload strategy
Lead with your strongest photo, arrange images as a logical property tour, and include every bedroom, bathroom, and common area. Remove inspection photos and verify all images accurately represent your property.
Bottom line: Quality photos reduce vacancy periods, command higher rates, and build trust. Your investment pays dividends in consistent bookings and increased revenue.
3. Click-through rate: Let members vote with their clicks
We personalize search results based on member preferences and track which properties attract the most clicks. Your click-through rate from search to listing page is a significant ranking factor—essentially, members vote with their clicks on which properties are most attractive and appealing to them.
What this means for you: Compelling cover photos that showcase your property’s best features, competitive pricing that reflects current market conditions, and strategic listing presentation with clear, detailed information all contribute to higher click-through rates.
When more members click on your listing from search results, it signals to our algorithm that your property is resonating with travelers, which in turn boosts your search ranking and visibility. This creates a positive cycle: a better presentation leads to more clicks, which in turn leads to higher rankings, generating even more exposure for your property.
4. Move-in ratings: Build trust that drives bookings
Would you commit to a 12-week stay and spend $200+ on a property without reviews? Most renters won’t either. Move-In Ratings give your properties credibility while helping you attract quality members and reduce turnover.
Why ratings transform your success
Positive ratings eliminate booking hesitation, help properties stand out, set clear expectations that reduce early move-outs, and provide powerful marketing content.
How the system works
Members receive a comprehensive survey 24 hours after move-in through multiple channels (dashboard, messenger, SMS, email) with a 7-day completion window. Ratings use a weighted scoring system out of 100 points, with host communication worth 40%. Public ratings go live monthly on the 1st, with host previews the day prior.
Where reviews appear
- Public ratings: Visible to all site visitors
- Detailed reviews: Visible only to approved PadSplit members
- Host notifications: Immediate alerts plus monthly previews
- Analytics: Access detailed feedback under Dashboard → Metrics → Member Feedback
Your roadmap to 5-star reviews
Before Move-In:
- Send welcome messages
- Deep clean and inspect everything
- Test Wi-Fi and appliances
- Stock basics
- Provide clear check-in instructions
Move-In Day:
- Stay available
- Walk through access codes personally when possible
- Proactively address potential issues
After Move-In:
- Follow up within 24 hours
- Remind the member about the survey
- Address concerns immediately
Ongoing:
- Share comprehensive house rules
- Set maintenance expectations
- Provide emergency contacts
Remember: The first 48 hours determine the entire experience and the review. Nail the move-in process to create extended stays, glowing reviews, referrals, and reduced management headaches.
5. Search filters: Optimize for how members search
More than a third of all searches use filters, making this a critical ranking factor you can’t afford to ignore. Understanding which filters matter most (and optimizing the ones you can control) directly impacts your visibility.
The most common search filters
- Private bathrooms
- Min/max price
- No move-in fee
- Private access
- Parking available
What you can and can’t control
Fixed settings:
- Property location
- Distance to public transit
- Private bathrooms
- Closets in bedrooms
Easy toggles (optimize these now):
- Weekend and evening move-ins
- Instant book
- Move-in fee structure
- Parking availability (if applicable)
Quick wins to boost visibility
Enable flexible move-in times: Allow weekend and evening move-ins to capture members with non-traditional schedules. This simple toggle can significantly expand your potential audience.
Turn on instant book: Members searching with this filter want to book immediately without waiting for approval. Enabling this feature puts you in front of ready-to-commit renters.
Optimize your move-in fee: Consider whether eliminating or reducing your move-in fee makes sense for your market. Many members filter specifically for “no move-in fee” properties.
6. Compelling descriptions: Convert clicks to bookings
Your property description appears publicly on your listing page—this is your chance to sell why your property is the perfect fit. While descriptions don’t directly impact search ranking, they’re crucial for converting engagement into bookings.
How to write a compelling listing
Be truthful and thorough. Provide information about:
- Public transportation stops (bus lines, train hubs)
- Parking availability
- Nearby points of interest (grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies)
Mention in-demand features:
- Recent renovations (kitchen, bathrooms)
- Monthly cleaning service
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Furnished rooms
- Included utilities
Think like a renter: Ask yourself what information matters when choosing a home, then answer those questions in your listing.
Your next steps
Ranking higher on PadSplit isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. Start with the quick wins: adjust overpriced rooms today, enable flexible move-in times, and ensure your cover photo showcases your property’s best features.
With over 1 million searches happening every month, the difference between a property that sits vacant and one that stays booked comes down to implementing these six ranking factors consistently—your property has the potential, now give it the visibility it deserves.
