Advice on attracting guests

[Elizabeth3634]

I was getting many guests through the summer but now I’m not getting any more requests. I would love your advice on attracting guests.  

Listing link : Entire home : 6 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds ,1.5 baths 

[Content and title updated by Community Manager for relevancy]

[Roger1055]

I'd add some pictures of all your other amenities your home has to offer. Do you have a guidebook that can tell guests the type of activities there are during the slower months? 

[Rizza20]

It depends on your goal if you just want to earned or you want to socialise and help.

Most of my guest are key worker so i give them fair price as they only need place to sleep I enjoy meeting new people and some keep as friend, already feels very rewarding when you can see them smiling that they had a good sleep.

It's  better to help and earned .Room is not empty and though its cheap but keeps me going.

[Sky389]

Hi Elizabeth. Thanks for sharing your listing. Your home has received a lot of good reviews! here are my recommendations: Add a lot more photos. Your description says it sleeps 6 and you mention a trundle - show pics of the trundle. Show how it accommodates 6 people having dinner (display 6 place settings). Add two pictures of each room. Display your games on a game table. What does the TV look like? 

why do your guests visit your area? What does it have to offer them? Take pics of local attractions and post that too. If your area is seasonal, take pics of all seasons and post that. Mention what there is to do in all seasons. Take your description and put it into chat gpt and ask it to improve it. 

if your guests like to cook, do you supply a list of spices? Do you supply coffee? Sometimes these little matter and can separate you from other listings in your area. 

use this slow season to incorporate changes into your place. Good luck! 

[Steven1826]

The list to attract guests is endless if you think out of the box,but you need to start with a great stay from a visual point of view. Remember people have a choice, so your place should speak to guests above everyone else in your local market. Think of their stay experience or something unique about your area, your neighbourhood or community. There are many choices so make sure your stay stands out!  

It also helps to become a superhost. I did that shortly after beciming a host by making sure my stay wasn't just a unique experience and great design, but when the guest arrived they felt looked after. It paid off really well with great reviews which helped in the AirBNB rankings. If people like your place AIrBNB wants to share that with others that come to that area. Having an excellent stay is win win for everyone involved. 

[Roberta1066]

Hi! I like to focus on what my rental offers that differs from other renters in my area— for ex- I have a beach rental and also rent for short term in winter months as well as summer, so in the winter I advertise that I have a mostly non toxic home- with clean radiator heat— not the unhealthy forced hot air. And that I have real hardwood flooring not the unhealthy luxury vinyl floors, and that I offer luxury bedding that is cotton or bamboo not polyesters, an electric fireplace, etc… find what sets you apart and focus on that! Hope that helps. 

[Tanya762]

Hi Elizabeth 

I hope you are well.

To attract  my guests I have a log fire & a treat for when they arrive ,I also think pictures  of the inside & outside of you holiday let should look welcoming with bright colours ,warm blankets . Also if your guest is staying  for a week or a month I have a good percentage  off the total  amount I find that helps ,I seem to have guests that stay for 2months or 3 months 

[Bhumika]

Thank you so much @Roger1055 @Tanya762 @Roberta1066 @Steven1826 @Sky389 @Rizza20 for chiming in to support our host @Elizabeth3634 ! Your ideas and tips are greatly appreciated 🌻

I'm also tagging @Elizabeth3634 for her to notice all your wonderful advices.

I also wanted to share a quick tip 💡 : If you'd like to tag members in your comments, for them to get a notification of your message — simply press on @ in your keyboard, and the name of the person you are trying to reach should pop up 😊 This will ensure they get notified that your comment.

[Sharen16]

Hi @Elizabeth3634 ,

As others have recommended, more photos. See if you can't get a professional photographer and make sure the lighting is brighter. I got comments that my pics didn't do my place justice several times, so I found a local semi-pro who took better pics than I could. Outdoor shots, the view if any, etc. I also leave a personal welcome note each time including some detail about their stay or the weather expected during their stay, or some event nearby they might be interested in, and a flower in a little bud vase.

I also have a fully stocked kitchen and pantry. I have heard from some travelers that other Airbnb places sometimes don't even provide plates, glasses or utensils. While many choose to eat out or order takeout for every meal, they shouldn't have to. I stopped providing coffee- it is such a personal taste choice and so expensive- however I let guests know that I have a dual function machine, makes a pot or a cup, there are re-useable filters for both sizes and a grinder. No one has complained.

[Joan2709]

@Elizabeth3634 

Lots of already great suggestions from other Hosts.

Photos

I agree you definitely need to add alot more photos. 25-35 is about right. If you have an amenity, you should have a photo of it. Put captions/descriptions on every photo. Let the photos tell the story of your listing. Many potential guests make a booking decision base on the photos alone. Suggest you also add some of your own photos of popular local attractions,

Cover Photo

Your cover photo is the most important photo for your listing. You are trying to get people to stop scrolling and click on your listing thumbnail. You definitely need a new cover photo. The one you have now was shot in portrait mode (vertical) and Airbnb crops these photos so much of the exterior is missing. It also appears "dark" and uninviting, as if shot on an overcast day. I would definitely get professional photos done. You are trying to convey "warm" and "cozy".

How photo appears on Listing (cropped)

Actual Photo

In the mean time, I would reshoot this same photo with some suggestions:

1. Landscape mode (phone sideways; horizontal not vertical)

2. Clean up the front..looks like leaves or debris left side?

3. Re-take shot at twilight. Open the curtains inside and turn on all the lights. Turn on all available outside lights. Wait until it is just starting to get dark (twilight) and reshoot

Guest Safety

You mention a pond on the property (no photo?), but don't have that listed in your Guest Safety section. I would add that.

Let us know how it goes 😊

[Kia272]

@Elizabeth3634 

8 pictures is not enough. Booking your property would be like going on a blind date. You need to give potential guests a LOT more information in pictures and words. 

[Tiffany617]

@Elizabeth3634 I would suggest having some professional photos taken as the pics appear quite dark so not very enticing to guests. Also description wording could be improved making it more inviting by using wording like welcome to your home away from home or something similar- personalise the space to guests and speak to them like you know they will enjoy your space with their family or group of friends perhaps not “the whole group” for example.  Your use of wheelchair accessibility options is a great draw card. Your house sounds lovely but pics possibly don’t do it justice. Good luck and happy hosting 

[Tonia699]

@Elizabeth3634 Make adjustments to your price, making it affordable for guest.  Lots of pictures help.  Always make your guest feel special and that you are glad they came.  

[Sandip11]

Hi Elizabeth,

It’s common for guest inquiries to slow down after the summer rush, but with a few adjustments, you can keep attracting bookings even during the off-season. Here are some tips to help boost your listing’s appeal:

1. Highlight Seasonal Appeal: Update your listing description to showcase how your home can be enjoyed in the off-season. If it’s in a quiet area, you could promote it as a peaceful retreat, perfect for remote work or family escapes.
   
   

2. Showcase Unique Amenities and Experiences: Make sure any special amenities, like a cozy fireplace or scenic views, are front and center in your listing. You could even include nearby indoor attractions or local seasonal foods that make staying at your place unique and enjoyable.
   
   

3. Learn from Past Reviews: Glance through recent reviews to see what past guests loved most about your space. This could reveal features to highlight more in your listing to attract similar guests.
   
   

4. Consider Seasonal Pricing: Adjusting your pricing to fit the season can make a difference. Lowering rates slightly or offering discounts for longer stays can appeal to guests planning extended stays or looking for affordable getaways.
   
   

5. Refresh Your Listing’s Photos and Description: New photos that reflect the current season or a warm, inviting description for colder months can make your listing feel fresh and relevant, drawing in guests seeking a cozy stay.
   
   

6. Leverage Social Media: Share your listing on social media with a seasonal angle, focusing on unique amenities or any local events. It’s a great way to reach potential guests and remind them why your place is special.

These small steps can help keep your listing attractive year-round. Let me know if you have any questions or want more personalized ideas!

Best, Sandip

[Åsa33]

Hallo Elizabeth !

What a nice and attractive home you have.

My best tips is to have a personal welcome where I offer advice for what to see an do in the area and where to eat e t c.  I also welcome them with some coffee and sandwich or cake. Its very appreciated.

I wish you good luck 

Åsa