Beginner host advice needed please

[Simone2283]

Seasons greetings to all

I have activated my first listing 2 days ago, but when I do an independent search on airbnb in my area, the search results do not show my listing.

I have tried multiple search adjustments and still it only shows 2 other listings in my area, but not mine.

I have no bookings yet, so availability is not a problem.

What am I doing wrong?

Listing link : Entire home in Kloof, South Africa 5 guests3 bedrooms3 beds2 baths New listing New 

[Content updated by Community Manager]

[Jigme2]

Hi, I got the same problem @Simone2283 . Have you solved yet ? 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Simone2283 , which criteria are you using to search for your listing? 

Sometimes it may take up to 72 hours for listings to appear in search results. You can read more about it here : 👉Appearing in search results 👈 

[Simone2283]

Thanks so much Bhumika, Joan and Mafuso - I have done as indicated and updated the amenities and as you both mentioned - just be a little patient.

I have now had multiple booking requests 🙂

[Joan2709]

@Simone2283 

Good job! 😊

I do notice you are still missing some details on your amenities? Don't forget to tap the "Edit" button in the Amenities section top right and add details indicated by the pencil icon for each amenity listed:

Response Rate/Time

Also, your response rate/time is not very good when guests message you. It is critical to respond to guests quickly (at least within 1hr). Airbnb tracks this and if your rate is lower than 90% and more than 1 hour it can place you in a lower search rank. Be sure you have turned on email AND SMS text notifications for guest messages in your Account Settings/Notifications so you don't miss guest messages and be sure to respond quickly:

Price

Your price seems VERY low compared to other 3bedroom/2 bath homes. You need to be close to what other listings comparable to yours are charging per night.

[Joan2709]

@Simone2283 

I took a quick look and some information is missing on your listing that might be affecting your appearing in search results:

Missing Amenities 

Airbnb is saying you are missing some important amenities like TP, soap, towels and linens? They call these "Essentials" are they are indicating you don't have them by the strikethrough and "Not Included" that appears to guests at the bottom of the amenities list. You also don't show a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector, but you have what appears to be a wood-burning fireplace? 

You are also missing a lot of the additional details Airbnb requires for some of the amenities. Click "Edit" top right of the amenities section and everywhere you see a pencil icon requires additional details be added:

Here is a Guide with tips on completing your listing:

New Host Guide

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Community-Guides/A-Guide-For-New-Hosts/m-p/2073093#M2346

[Mafus0]

Hi  @Simone2283 , congratulations on activating your first listing 👋

This is actually very common with brand-new listings, so you’re not doing anything wrong. Airbnb’s search results can take a little time to fully index a new listing, especially in the first few days. It doesn’t always appear immediately in independent searches.

A few things to check and keep in mind

Make sure your listing is fully complete (photos, description, house rules, pricing and payout details). Incomplete sections can reduce visibility.

Try searching while logged out or using an incognito/private browser, as Airbnb personalizes results.

Adjust filters like price range, dates and number of guests sometimes a single filter can hide a listing.

New listings often start showing more consistently after a short period, especially once Airbnb’s system finishes reviewing and ranking them.

Give it a bit of time, keep your calendar open, and make sure pricing is competitive for your area. Visibility usually improves naturally in the first week or two.

You’re off to a good start, welcome to hosting and best of luck with your first booking!

[Joan2709]

@Mafus0 

I'm a bit confused...your profile says "Guest". Are you an Airbnb Host?