How often do you update your STR listing photos?

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How often do you update your STR listing photos?

Josh Ball
Real Estate Agent · Louisiana · Member since 2017 · 214 posts · 146 votes

Just curious if you find it makes a difference updating your photos on a somewhat regular basis or tend to leave the STR photos the same once you have somewhat found a sweet spot?

Thoughts?

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James R.
Investor · Member since 2015 · 222 posts · 173 votes
1y

In a highly competitive tourist market like New Orleans, I update my photos weekly.  The competition is fierce, so simply rearranging photos, swapping some in and out tells the algorithm that you're an "active" host and you'll be more visible on the platforms.  This is not only my experience, but when you call VRBO or Airbnb customer service, they will tell you the same thing.  

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    1y

    I don't change my pictures that often. I do try and tweak pricing just so it sees that there is active updates on the listing sites.

    1Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    1y

    I don't change them either. It is time for new ones and this time I will use a pro once I find one where I own the pics and not them.

    2Reply
  • Mike GrudzienPro Member
    Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    If I change things (new sleeper sofa, new pictures on walls, different bedroom furniture) I change my pictures

    2Reply
  • Patricia Steiner
    Real Estate Broker · Hyde Park Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    I keep a portfolio of photos in my arsenal - not posting all of them - but switching out a photo periodically as it can trigger your listing to move up the list when a change is made on some of the sites.  

    Hope this helps...

    2Reply
  • Patricia Andriolo-Bull
    Member since 2022 · 527 posts · 413 votes
    1y

    I periodically go on and change the order or add a new one but honestly, I haven’t seen it make any difference. 

    1Reply
  • James R.
    Investor · Member since 2015 · 222 posts · 173 votes
    1y

    In a highly competitive tourist market like New Orleans, I update my photos weekly.  The competition is fierce, so simply rearranging photos, swapping some in and out tells the algorithm that you're an "active" host and you'll be more visible on the platforms.  This is not only my experience, but when you call VRBO or Airbnb customer service, they will tell you the same thing.  

    3Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    The pics we take when a property is at its peak of readiness, are the ones we keep.  We change the order from time to time, etc but no new full set of pics UNLESS there is a design refresh, or renovation of some sort.  The original pics are meant to serve as the benchmark.

    [email protected]813-563-0877
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  • Gabe Chase
    Property Manager · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2019 · 58 posts · 38 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

    The pics we take when a property is at its peak of readiness, are the ones we keep.  We change the order from time to time, etc but no new full set of pics UNLESS there is a design refresh, or renovation of some sort.  The original pics are meant to serve as the benchmark.


     THIS! This is the exact thing that we do. We use RankBreeze and that helps us identify and track what is working and what we should change. But Andrew hit the nail on the head here! 

    1Reply
  • Garrett BrownPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2024 · 505 posts · 551 votes
    1y
    Quote from @James R.:

    In a highly competitive tourist market like New Orleans, I update my photos weekly.  The competition is fierce, so simply rearranging photos, swapping some in and out tells the algorithm that you're an "active" host and you'll be more visible on the platforms.  This is not only my experience, but when you call VRBO or Airbnb customer service, they will tell you the same thing.  

    Interesting, I always wondered if it actually affected the listings. The fact they told you this through customer service makes it seem pretty accurate. 

    I don't adjust my photos a lot except for redesigns. I will occasionally test out swapping and using RankBreeze to track any difference, but I usually go back to my favorite hero photos and top 5 anyway. 
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  • Collin HaysBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1y

    VRBO has a nifty AI function that supposedly repositions your photos to feature the ones getting the most hits.  I like it!

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  • Andrew Street
    Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 292 votes
    1y

    Hey Josh - Updating photos occasionally can help, especially if you’ve added new features or want to highlight seasonal touches. If your current photos are performing well, you don’t need to change them often—just refresh when there’s something new to show!

    Let me know if you need more ideas, I'd be happy to connect! 

    0Reply
  • Josh SedivyBusiness Member
    St. Louis, MO · Member since 2024 · 134 posts · 55 votes
    1y

    We don’t update my photos frequently, but we do make strategic pricing adjustments to ensure the listing stays active and optimized on booking platforms.

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