Airbnb boosting viewing of your listing

[Barbara3015]

Hello,
I launched just before June 15th 2023.  I was provided information, from Airbnb, that my listing would be boosted for a month to allow me to gather the analytics and the reviews.  

What happened was Airbnb stopped promoting my listing and in fact turned it off (per a conversation I had with a Airbnb customer service rep).  

I have tried to communicate that this was a promotion via Airbnb, but what has happened is that the CS reps want me to prove it.  I didn't make this up.

Another friend who is also on Airbnb, noticed that her listing was also nowhere to be found and was then reactivated too.

I am looking for the information that says that new hosts are being boosted.  Can any of you assist?

Also I am wondering if the new platform is causing issues in the background.

Thanks 

[Robin4 · Accepted solution]

@Barbara3015 

Barbara, there is a limit to what Airbnb can do to promote your business. 

What they will do is give your new listings in your search area preferential search placement for the first month or so. This gives you preferential guest visibility but, in the final analysis, it is those searching guests that will determine if your listing is worth visiting. Sooner or later you are going to have to leave the kiddie pool and swim in the big pond like the rest of us!

Please don't take that unkindly Barbara, you have to have a guest draw-card.....something that will make the potential guest say, 'Hey this one looks good, lets give it a try'!

I struggled in the beginning, from memory back there in 2015 it took me 9 months to get my first 10 guests. Compare that with where we are now! In the 6 months from November 2022 to May 2023 I had 4 un-booked nights.......yeah, just 4!

The only nights on that calendar where I didn't have a guest were the 4 with a price still attached to them.

Barbara, all Airbnb can do is list your property, they can't be your fairy god mother. 

All I can say to you is, the algorithm that governs where you will appear in a listing search responds to.....activity! Keep your listing active, change a photo or two, add something to your house rules, add an amenity, get some friends to send you an enquiry! It doesn't commit them to anything, just respond with a line or two and after 24 hours the enquiry drops of the system, put the price up a dollar or two and then a few days later drop it again. Keep something happening on your listing and it will keep your listing prominent in an area search.

Most importantly, give the guest something they were not expecting. I give mine an electric bed and a cheese plate on arrival. For what I charge they fall in love and give me a great review, and that is where your future business will come from.....those great reviews. 

I wish you luck Barbara, hosting is one of the best things I have done in my life! It has introduced me to many, many lovely people and given me a great income in my retirement. 

Cheers......Rob

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Robin4 How on earth does the guest get the electric bed home? Actually what is an electric bed?

[Robin4]

@Mike-And-Jane0 

Well they don't actually get to take it home!

Mike, it is specially made, it's 8 ft long and it has 4 motors in it to provide lift for the head or the feet and to provide massage function for each side of the bed.......

After spending a couple of decade travelling Ade and I got to learn, the centerpiece of any STR accommodation is the bed. If guests get a great nights sleep they are prepared to overlook other shortcomings in the property.  Sure it cost me a bob or two Mike but, it sure was worth it, I just love it when guests leave and say, "I could sleep in that bed forever"!

It's a luxury you won't get in a Marriott, a 4 Season, a Hilton, a Sheraton. 

It, along with my Cheese plate is my signature, it's just something I do to make each guest feel a bit special.....and it is paying off!

Cheers.......Rob