I strongly recommend you make a checklist from the comments so far. Pick the ones you can deal with immediately plus those that are truly essential- e.g. Smoke Detectors!
Then set up a "to-do fund" as bookings begin to increase. As you are able to fix, replace, and improve at minimum include a snap shot immediately. Then once you've got it all put together take the professional photos using the notes given so far and put them to all good use. Do NOT be afraid to give the photographer direction and be sure s/he takes it & will work with you. Updating photos will always be an ongoing thing- start saving now.
My notes on photos- see my listing for examples: airbnb.com/h/sea-ranch-abalone-bay
-avoid cutesy vignettes (e.g. the corner shot of an end table). If it is a vignette- be sure that there's a means of seeing how that focused point fits in the full scheme of the experience
-iron your sheets/bedspreads...at least get the look of fresh out of the package folds out
- put captions in your photos explaining what you want the guest to see in it. Some are not obvious
-highlight the views where ever you can. People come to BB to get out of the city and breathe. Show what they'll see from various perspectives, including from chair-seat level.
-bedroom 2's window where are the shades for privacy in a bedroom? ( I suggest getting push up/down shades then raising them half way to indicate privacy available and note there's a house with windows right next door- be honest yet discreet)
-get wider shots - views of rooms. There's many that highlight the walls getting the essential view lost as a result
-plenty straight on views of things (house, deck, hot tub). Need more views from the guest perspective...what will THEY see, sense, hear, smell, touch ...experience?
-Children's playroom/bedroom. adjust the photo exposure/lighting its soooo dark. What is the switch in the long hallway? Is there a smoke detector/CO2 monitor for that space-make sure there is and highlight it. How will the kids play in it and what will they play with (get toys/games and a storage system for them-
-do you provide booze for your guests? If not take a photo of the bar table without it.
Are you an LLC? Is that why you don't show photos of yourself/ves? Your one-liner is really rather vague. It appears (based on the URL from UK) you are British - tell us about that. Why do you have a Big Bear house? At least include an About Us bio of the business. Humanize it. Why are you doing this---besides for the joy of passive income🙃
See mine: www.airbnb.com/p/searanchabalonebay
The listing itself-when I started I actually got a copywriter (mostly for our direct booking website). But it was helpful for me to see what I needed for my marketing copy. You are marketing -selling your space. The terms you use to do so should -MUST- invoke the 5 senses- things that will linger to form memories! Go beyond just terms that tell them what they will see. Include what they will feel when they touch- bed, railings, snow, fir trees, that liquor table or coffee cup by the fire. What are the smells that linger to form memories? The sounds of the wind through the trees, the mountain lion that is sure to prowl... gotta love nature...And so forth.
Careful you don't get busted for including your insta link-- take some of the photos and include them in your listing. Don't make people go off your booking sight. They'll never come back
Go into more depth - what exactly makes it a "perfectly located vacation cabin." What makes your perfect cabin more perfect than the one that pops up right next to it?
