New Host

[Nathan3058]

Hello, I started hosting May 2023 my first month was such an awesome experience. I am getting a little nervous because the new month is about to start and I still have no new inquires. Is there any advice you guys can give me on what I should do? Here is my link to my listing please take a look and let me know what you think.

https://airbnb.com/h/la-casita-private-modern-farmhouse

[Sangeeta8]

@Nathan3058 Very tastefully done! Next enquiry, you get, offer a 10% discount and unsure that you get good reviews!! Wishing you luck.

Sangeeta

[Nathan3058]

Thank you so much for taking the time and giving me some advice I really appreciate it.

[Ross869]

@Nathan3058 Hello, the place looks great. Some things to consider: photos count so maybe get photos that show more instead of a bunch of smaller views. You can remove the dresser in the smaller room to free up space and replace with a nightstand. The closet offers a place for clothes. Lastly, just make sure your prices aren’t too high, smart pricing is a good tool but you can always lower your prices temporarily to get more throughput. Hope this helps! 

[Nathan3058]

Thank you @Ross869 I have scheduled a photographer to come out and take some new pictures. I will make sure he takes photos of wide shots instead of a bunch of smaller views. What do you think about removing the dresser in the smaller room and replacing it for a dedicated work place?

[Ross869]

Yes, as long as it matches the decor I think it would be good as that is another box to check for amenities. Get as many of those as you can, that are practical. 

[Irma271]

You can always put the dresser in the closet.  I've done that in my rental to make room for a workspace

[Irma271]

Won't let me edit but I wanted to add that if you do a fold out table workspace you can put a task/reading floor lamp next to it for lighting 

[Irma271]

...and be careful with wide angle photos.  Some guests have complained about spaces that they thought were bigger than they were because of that type of photography.

[Helen3]

Airbnb give new hosts an artificial boost in the rankings for the first month or so. After that you will be ranked alongside everyone else.

have you looked at supply and demand for your type of listing in your location @Nathan3058 

[Nathan3058]

Thank you so much for taking the time and giving me some advice I really appreciate it. Where can I find the information that gives me the supply and demand for my listing in San Diego?

[Lorina14]

I think many hosts may use a service called AirDNA to help with pricing and events in your area. You can also go to the calendar and click on a date or date frame and click on similar listings to see what their pricing, cleaning fees are, as well as who is booked then and who is not booked then. I realized that there are a lot of new listings in our area that are larger and at a lower price to get people in and reviews in. Being lower is not necessarily better but it gives one perspective.  Time and time again I’ve been told by guests that I’ve really thought of everything to help make their stay comfortable. I try hard to be mindful of what I’d like as a traveler to an area and offer accordingly.

[Irma271]

@Nathan3058 Your place is super cute!  My advice is more photos!  What makes your place stand out from others - what would attract you to your place if you had to choose?  Night time photos with candles or nightlights on your patio or inside (dining table, bathtub) give people an idea what a romantic getaway it can be.  Take photos or screen grab them of the tourist attractions - don't assume people already know what they are or what they look like!  Include photos all your favorite restaurants in the area.  Do you have a dedicated workspace?  That has really increased my bookings (just a simple table, lamp and printer/scanner set up in a corner somewhere, even in a bedroom.)

Just really make your place a big deal!  Because it is!

[Nathan3058]

Thank you @Irma271. I have a photographer coming out to retake my photos. I have added some outside sails in the backyard and I will also be installing some lights on the sails so I am able to take some nice night time photos. Should I include photos of all my favorite restaurants on my listing photos? I have also considered finding a location in my home to install a dedicated workspace but I am still trying to figure out where I can place one since the home is only 800 sq feet. Do you have any recommendations on where I can place a dedicated work space?

[Irma271]

The more photos that illustrate the experience you want your guests to feel the better.  You can screen grab photos of favorite restaurants or take them yourselves of patio areas, etc.  I post photos of things to do in my listing like kayaking, mountain biking, skiing.  Gets guests excited for their visit.  As or the workspace, without really seeing your entire space maybe in the bedroom or living room?  Wayfair has great small tables and fold out tables you can attach to the wall.