How to Create a Better Rightmove Listing

If you’re selling or renting a property, your Rightmove listing is often your first — and sometimes only — chance to grab someone’s attention.

Most buyers scroll through dozens of properties in minutes. They’re making snap decisions based on photos, layout, brightness, and overall presentation before they even read the description. That means your listing needs to work hard from the very first image.

We see it all the time across the Doncaster property market. Two similar homes in the same area can perform completely differently online simply because one listing looks more polished, brighter, and easier to connect with.

The good news? You don’t necessarily need a bigger budget or a luxury home to stand out. A few smart improvements can make a huge difference to how your property performs online.

First Impressions on Rightmove Matter More Than Ever

Rightmove is incredibly visual.

Before buyers read the number of bedrooms or check the EPC rating, they look at the photos. If the images feel dark, cluttered, poorly framed, or rushed, many buyers simply move on to the next listing.

You’ve only got a couple of seconds to stop the scroll.

That’s why strong presentation is one of the biggest factors in getting more clicks and enquiries.

Choose a Better Cover Photo

Your main image does most of the heavy lifting.

This is the photo buyers see in search results, and it often determines whether they click your listing at all.

A strong cover image should:

Be bright and sharp
Show the property at its best angle
Include good natural light
Avoid distractions like bins or parked cars
Feel welcoming and spacious

In most cases, an attractive exterior shot works best, but sometimes a standout kitchen, open-plan living space, or beautiful garden can outperform the front elevation.

The key is choosing the image that creates curiosity.

Professional Property Photography Makes a Huge Difference

There’s a reason professionally photographed listings tend to stand out instantly.

Good photography is not just about having an expensive camera. It’s about lighting, composition, room angles, editing, timing, and understanding how buyers emotionally respond to spaces.

When we photograph homes, we focus on creating images that feel:

Bright
Spacious
Natural
Clean
Inviting

That’s especially important on portals like Rightmove and Zoopla where buyers compare multiple listings side by side.

If you’re serious about improving your online presentation, investing in professional property photography in Doncaster is one of the quickest ways to elevate your listing.

Decluttering Before Photos Is Essential

Even beautiful homes can underperform online if they feel cluttered.

Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property, and too many personal items can make that harder.

Before photography day:

Clear kitchen worktops
Remove laundry and cleaning products
Hide pet bowls and toys
Tidy cables and chargers
Open curtains and blinds
Make beds neatly
Remove excess furniture where possible

If you’re unsure where to start, our guide on preparing your home for property photos walks through simple ways to make your property look its best.

The Order of Your Photos Matters

Most people don’t think about this, but image order can affect engagement.

Your listing should tell a visual story.

A good photo sequence usually looks something like this:

Exterior shot
Main living space
Kitchen
Best bedroom
Bathrooms
Additional rooms
Garden/outdoor areas
Floor plan

The goal is to guide buyers naturally through the property.

Random image ordering can make listings feel confusing and disconnected.

Floor Plans Increase Buyer Engagement

Floor plans are one of the most overlooked parts of a property listing.

Buyers love understanding layout and flow before arranging a viewing. In many cases, floor plans help qualify enquiries because people can instantly see whether the property suits their needs.

Listings with floor plans often feel more complete and professional.

Adding professional floor plans for your property listing can improve buyer confidence and help your advert stand out against competing homes.

Lighting Can Make or Break a Listing

Lighting is one of the biggest differences between average property photos and standout images.

Dark rooms immediately feel smaller online.

Whenever possible, property photos should be taken during bright daylight hours with balanced natural light throughout the home.

We often recommend:

Opening all blinds and curtains
Turning on lamps for warmth
Avoiding harsh midday sunlight
Scheduling shoots during brighter parts of the day

Good lighting helps properties feel cleaner, larger, and more welcoming.

Buyers Browse on Mobile First

A huge percentage of Rightmove traffic now comes from mobile devices.

That means your listing needs to look good on smaller screens.

Mobile-friendly listings usually include:

Bright, simple imagery
Clear room compositions
Short readable descriptions
Strong opening sentences
Easy-to-understand layouts

Tiny details matter less on mobile. Overall presentation matters more.

Write Property Descriptions That Sell Lifestyle

A common mistake is writing descriptions that only list features.

Buyers already know what a “three-bedroom semi-detached house” is.

What they really want is to imagine life there.

Instead of this:

Spacious kitchen with patio doors.

Try this:

The bright open-plan kitchen opens directly onto the garden, creating a great space for family meals or summer entertaining.

Descriptions should help buyers emotionally connect with the property.

Include Lifestyle-Focused Images

Not every image has to be purely functional.

Sometimes the details create the strongest emotional response.

Lifestyle-focused images might include:

A styled dining table
A cosy reading corner
Garden seating areas
Feature lighting
Attractive kitchen details

These subtle touches help buyers imagine themselves living there.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Property Listings

We regularly see listings underperform because of avoidable mistakes.

Some of the biggest issues include:

Dark or blurry photos
Vertical mobile phone images
Too few images
Untidy rooms
Poor cover photo selection
Missing floor plans
Overedited images
Crooked lines and distorted angles

If you want to avoid these issues, our article on property listing mistakes that turn buyers away covers the most common problems sellers face.

Standing Out in a Competitive Doncaster Property Market

There’s plenty of competition online.

Buyers compare homes quickly, and presentation often becomes the deciding factor between two similar properties.

Professional marketing creates a stronger first impression and helps buyers perceive more value in the property.

That’s why many sellers and estate agents now invest in better visuals to help their property stand out online.

Even smaller improvements in photography and presentation can lead to:

More clicks
More enquiries
More viewings
Faster interest
Better buyer engagement

Tips for Estate Agents

If you’re an estate agent, consistency matters just as much as quality.

Professional photography across all listings helps strengthen your brand and creates a more polished online presence overall.

Buyers notice when listings feel consistent, clean, and professionally marketed.

Fast turnaround times, strong image selection, and accurate floor plans can also improve workflow and client satisfaction.

Tips for Private Sellers

Selling privately? Presentation becomes even more important.

Without a recognisable estate agency brand behind the listing, your visuals do even more of the selling.

Professional photography can instantly increase credibility and help your property compete with agency-listed homes.

FAQs

Do professional property photos really make a difference?

Yes. Professionally photographed listings often generate more attention because they appear brighter, cleaner, and more polished online. First impressions play a huge role on Rightmove.

How many photos should a Rightmove listing include?

Most strong listings include between 15–25 high-quality images depending on the size of the property.

Are floor plans important for property listings?

Absolutely. Buyers like understanding room layout before arranging viewings, and floor plans help listings feel more complete and professional.

What is the best time of day for property photography?

Bright daylight usually produces the best results. Soft natural light helps rooms feel larger and more inviting.

Can phone photos work for property listings?

Modern phones are capable, but professional photography still delivers far better results through lighting control, composition, editing, and wide-angle techniques.