How to Rank Higher in Search

Learn exactly what drives the Swimply search algorithm so you can be at the top of the search results in your area!

The Swimply search algorithm is based on the conversion of guests going through the “funnel” of finding and booking a space, and ultimately, booking it. Designed to connect as many guests as possible to the perfect space for them. In other words, you can say that the guests decide the search results as they are the ones who drive the conversion.

The algorithm focuses on three main stages:

• Conversion from the list of space to the listing page
• Conversion from the listing page to checkout
• Conversion from checkout to enjoying a stay

Several factors contribute to conversion success, including photos, pricing, guest allowance, availability etc. making sure your settings are configured to maximize conversions are integral to your Swimply success.

In this article, we will explore how the Swimply search algorithm works and highlight how you can improve your conversion rates and be at the top of the search results.

Conversion from List of Spaces to Listing Page:

The initial step in the Swimply search algorithm is the conversion from the list of available spaces to individual listing pages. The aim is to captivate users and encourage them to explore further. Several key factors contribute to this conversion rate:

• Cover photo: Having an exceptional cover photo is extremely important to “pulling guests in” to your listing to see more. This ‘hero image” should highlight your entire space and scream “I need to go there”

• Pricing: Competitive pricing is also extremely important at this step as the guests will see all the prices of the different listings side by side.

• Guest Allowance: Max guests allowed is critical, as guests can see how many guests you allow in the list view, as well as being accommodating to all guest types (children/infants, even pets). This will play a large part in the next conversion step. (we recommend allowing at least 15 guests based on our data)

• Five star reviews: The last thing guests see in this list view is your rating and how many reviews your listing has. It goes without saying that listings with many five star reviews will convert better :)

Listing Page to Checkout:

Once users have selected a listing page, the next step is for them to get to the checkout page. The following factors contribute to optimizing this stage and raising that conversion:

- Photos: Compelling and high-quality images showcasing the spaces aesthetics, amenities, and cleanliness significantly impact a user's decision to book the space. Visual appeal plays a vital role in capturing the user's interest. Always make sure you have 10 or more beautiful images of your listing. Check out this article to learn how you can take awesome pictures with your smartphone. - Getting photos professionally taken is also a worthwhile investment. - Getting photos professionally taken is also a worthwhile investment.

- Profile Photo and Bio: Building trust with guests with a nice profile photo and bio is critical to giving them the confidence to book a “strangers” space.

- Pricing: At this stage, guests will put in the amount of guests they want to bring with them and see the total price, be sure your price stays competitive for all group sizes. Here are some tips to make sure your price is optimized to ensure a high conversion rate.

• Per guest pricing that is high and starts at low guest counts is really detrimental. All large booking pricing should make it cheaper on a per-person basis as guests add more people to their booking.
• Amenity pricing, especially for hot tubs and heated pools, is essential. Too high a price for a normal booking (~2hrs) will also hurt conversion, our top hosts usually will offer these amenities for free.
• In general surprise fees, like holiday or cleanup amenities really hurt conversion at this stage. Tip: Hosts with Tiered pricing see higher conversion rates at this stage of the booking process.

- Availability: Making sure your calendar is as open as possible so guests can book the day they want is critical.Here are a few tips to make sure your calendar is optimized for a high conversion rate:

• Availability on weekends - 60% of bookings happen on Saturday between 10am and 8pm, so make sure you're doing all you can to be available then.
• Peak times - Even during the week it is critical to be open at least from 10am to 8pm as that is when almost all bookings occur
• Advance notice - Over 50% of bookings are booked “same day” so requiring as little advance notice as possible is really important to be able to accommodate those last minute reservations and not hurt your conversion.
• Booking buffers - choosing 30 minute buffers between bookings (as opposed to 1 hr) is also super important so you can host multiple bookings in a day.
• Minimum booking hours - Some hosts like to require 2 or 3 hr minimums to bookings, this really hurts conversion as 30% of swims are less than 2 hrs.
• Bookings in advance - large groups are 3x more likely to book months in advance. These bookings are also the highest earning, so making sure your listing is open to book at least 6 months in advance is important to raising your conversion as well.

Checkout to Booking:

The final stage of the Swimply search algorithm focuses on ensuring a seamless transition from the checkout process to enjoying a stay. Although smaller in scale, the following factors are still essential for user satisfaction:

- Communication: Efficient and responsive communication between the host and the guest is crucial. Prompt replies to inquiries and clear instructions regarding access and any additional requirements contribute to a positive user experience.

- Completion %: Your completion % is where you as a host have the most power to impact your conversion (as opposed to the guests).

The most critical parts to this are:

• Accepting all reservations. Every reservation that you do not accept, whether you decline or let it expire, directly affects the conversion of your listing. Or better yet make your listing “instant book” to get the highest conversion rate
• Cancellations should be a LAST resort: Obviously, canceling bookings will severely impact your conversion score negatively so you should always try to accommodate and/or reschedule guests before canceling.

The Swimply search algorithm revolves around maximizing conversion rates by considering various factors throughout the user journey. From captivating photos and transparent pricing to guest allowances and availability, each step should be carefully tailored to meet user preferences. Distance, 5-star reviews, and other minor considerations further enhance the algorithm's efficacy. By understanding the inner workings of this algorithm, you as a host, can make the most of Swimply's platform, get to the top of the search results while ensuring an enjoyable and seamless experience for all parties involved.