Critique my listing -Annamaria in Milan, IT

[Annamaria389]

Hi everyone,

I hope I’m posting in the right place!

I’m offering a lovely apartment in one of the liveliest areas of the city of Milan—right along a beautiful canal packed with bars, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

However, my listing is getting very few views, which means bookings are almost nonexistent. The price seems reasonable and the photos are decent, so I’m puzzled by the lack of interest.

Do you have any insights on why this might be happening? I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions to help improve my listing so that it can get "rewarded" by the algorithm.

Looking forward to your feedback—I’m eager to do whatever it takes to turn things around.

Thank you!

https://www.airbnb.it/rooms/33305760

#listingfeedback

!

[Marie8425]

@Annamaria389 

So cute your apartment.

Suggestions

Don't pretend quiet and tranquil, the Guest reviews say not and if you look at Review Categories I think that is why your Value is scoring low.  Don't worry plenty people on a week vacation for the week want to absorb the highlights.  Promote the excitement, and the experience of central Milan.  Supply some ear plugs if needed but welcome those excited to be there.

Change for living room a sofa bed so it shows 2 beds not 1 bed.

For the sofa bed I don't know is it an easy setup Your pictures give me the impression built ins on the wall not easy

A dresser.  People on vacation especially with kids are not hanging clothes and don't want to live out of suitcases.

Your location sounds great do some Airbnb Guidebooks to show me the wonders.

[Annamaria389]

@Marie8425 

Thank you so much for your feedback — really useful insights!

Let me try to address your points one by one:

Noise: You’re right, some old reviews mention noise issues. Those reviews date back 4-5 years, but last year I replaced all the windows with triple-glazed ones, which provide excellent sound insulation. Do you think this kind of "discrepancy" between old reviews and the current situation could significantly affect the algorithm?

Sofa bed in the living room: You’re also correct — currently, the listing shows only the bed in the master bedroom. The sofa bed is very easy to open, and whenever a reservation is for three or four people, I always have it prepared and ready for use. I’ll look into how I can change this in the listing, I don't really know how to do.

Dresser: There’s also a chest of drawers in the bedroom, but it may not be visible in the current pictures. I have a new photo shoot planned in a couple of weeks, and I’ll make sure all these details are properly shown.

Guidebooks: That’s already on my to-do list! I’m not sure how much this impacts visibility, but I definitely want to do it — I know the area well and love recommending great places to eat, drink, and explore to help guests have an unforgettable stay in Milan.

Thanks again — your input is truly valuable!

[Marie8425]

@Annamaria389 

I think just for us unknowing public explain the windows and push as a big highlight.  Enjoyment of a trendy exciting area with no sleep sacrifice. That is a big positive to a potential guest.

I understand your familiarity with the sofa bed, but not a secret tell the potential guests.  Especially if children using the bed, parents want to see.

Also under amenities clothing storage put chest of drawers.

[Annamaria389]

Thanks again, I will make sure to follow your suggestions!

Just one thing, as per the sofa bed: I got what you mean, I've tried hard but I cannot really understand how to edit my listing so that the sofa bed appears as second bed...

[Mary6513]

The more amenities you can honesty add, you should.  For instance, I have over 60 plus amenities and my tiny home is the first place listed when I search Gaffney SC.  The point is that my listing is more visible just because I have so many. My unit is also listed in emails that go out because of guest favorite.  I only have 400 square feet but it is a fully furnished home including a small pantry, over the counter items, erc.  If you can add baby items, if you can allow animals, add a portable fire place, etc.  There are things you can add at little expense but big rewards.

I hope this helps.

Mary

[Marie8425]

@Annamaria389

Think presenting to this audience

Your Guests who have stayed generally from another country, were aware your location and noise levels.  Average felt then your location so enviable that for maybe 7 nights they had a little sleep irritation

Now your alteration means the enviable location but no minor sleep irritation.  They want to immerse in the excitement and experience of your country big plus no minor irritation

[Annamaria389]

absolutely, I am working at editing the message.

By any chance, do you have any clue on how to do in order to add the sofa bed as second bed?

I cannot really find it...

[Marie8425]

@Annamaria389 

In your room folder for living room if you click on your room the platform page says Sleeping Arrangements  That is specific to the living room click on that and choose Sofa Bed

[Marie8425]

@Annamaria389

Guidebooks don't add views on Airbnb but may encourage an Airbnb View to convert to a sale.

General Internet Search Engines read the Airbnb Website to display as answers to queries they receive.  Unlike Airbnb they do focus on Keywords and AI Searches now it is a Key Phrase.

A listing like yours in a special location.  Think what would somebody be searching for a lodging of four near?  Family friendly is a big key, not every property is good for children.  Family priced accommodations is also big, not free just a little cheaper because younger children. Accommodations near this popular site or event.

[Mercy97]

Hi @Annamaria389,

From my point of view, you need to get more professional looking photos. Investing in a photoshoot by a photographer who's specialized in interiors might be a game changer for you.

I haven't checked your market price but visuals and prices are the two most important things. Make sure you are competitive and don't hesitate to make promos and see if it has any effect on your view statistics.

[Kolibrie-Huis--LLC0]

Hello @Annamaria389,

Thank you for the opportunity to share feedback on your listing. First of all, you have a lovely apartment,  in a wonderful location, in a beautiful city. Here are my initial observations and suggestions:

1) Range of photos showing the rooms with an abundance of natural light, color, views from the windows, and a few photos with some local attractions (ie beautiful Naviglio Grande, cute cafe, local architecture); a few evening shots with nice evening lighting showing the coziness of the place would also be compelling.

2) Referencing sizes and locations in a more globally comprehensive and simpler manner, ie 65 sq. m./700 sq. ft. or Metro M2 350 m (5 min. walk); 

3) In addition to the metro and tram, details of parking, biking options would be informative.

Kind regards,

Kristie

[Kaytie2]

Hi @Annamaria389! 

Thank you for asking me for insight! I love your chic design. Here are my suggestions: 

1. Professional wide angel photos so the spaces feel larger. I saw this was mentioned before. 
2. Potentially move the exterior shot to one of the sooner photos a guest sees when scrolling. I think it’s important to highlight interior AND exterior since the building looks so charming! 

3. Make sure to add captions with a variety of words/descriptions that guests may be searching to each photo. 

Thats my initial feedback! I also use Airdna to help me with pricing and am constantly looking at other listings/competition to make sure I am inline with what others are offering for my price. I have had to lower my price significantly to get some bookings when things started slowing down and slowly increase it again after high ratings. 

I hope this helps! 

katherine 

[Maria24100]

This is a cute place! Have you thought about adding any wall art to the big empty spaces on the walls? In the picture of the dining area, the big empty blue wall kind of dominates the picture. I think adding something here as well as above the couch and above the beds could really make your photos stand out more. For example, in the living room where you have artwork and decor with bright red accents, I think this really makes this space interesting and stand out in the photos. Little touches like this and pops of color on those blank spaces could really liven up those pictures.

I would also an additional photo of the sofa bed in its sleeping configuration ready for someone to sleep in (with blankets and pillows on it) to your listing. It gives guest a better idea of their sleeping arrangements.

I saw you mentioned you don't know how to add the sofa bed to your listing so it says "1 bedroom, 2 beds..." In the 'Photo Tour' section of your listing you can edit the details for each room. Select "Living Room" and there should be an option for "Sleeping Arrangements" where you can select which type of bed you have in the living room, which I believe is "sofa bed" in your case.

[Luke778]

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your situation — you're definitely in the right place to ask for help!

Your apartment sounds lovely and the location seems ideal for travelers who want to experience Milan’s vibrant lifestyle. Since you mentioned that the price is reasonable and the photos look good, here are a few other factors that could be affecting visibility and bookings:

1. Listing Title & Description

Make sure your title highlights what sets your place apart (e.g. “Stylish Apartment by Milan's Famous Navigli – Nightlife & Charm!”). In the description, tell a story — mention who the apartment is perfect for (e.g. couples, digital nomads, weekend travelers) and emphasize what guests can experience, not just what they’ll find.

2. Photo Order & Variety

Even if the photos are good, the first 3 photos matter the most. Make sure they:

• Showcase the brightest and most spacious areas.

• Start with lifestyle shots or views, not just a bed or sofa.

• Include the neighborhood vibe — a shot of the canal or a cozy nearby café could help guests imagine their stay.

3. Reviews & Social Proof

If your listing is new and has no reviews, consider offering a small discount or adding a temporary promotion to attract first bookings. Encourage guests to leave feedback and respond warmly to every review.

4. Platform Optimization

Check:

• Are you using instant book?

• Is your calendar regularly updated?

• Do you have a flexible cancellation policy?
  These help your listing get more exposure in the algorithm.

5. Your Host Profile

A warm and professional host profile photo, along with a short, friendly bio, builds trust. Guests are more likely to book if they feel a connection.

6. Competitor Research

Look at similar listings in your area:

• Are they offering something extra (free breakfast, bike rentals)?

• What keywords are they using in their titles?

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I hope this gives you a few ideas to work with. You're clearly motivated and caring — that's already a strong foundation. Don't be discouraged; sometimes just a few tweaks can make a big difference in visibility and bookings.

Wishing you lots of success!

Warm regards,
luke