Bookings

[Jeremy1195]

Hi, I have been listed with AirBnB for over 6 years and have not had a single booking in the past three years, please will someone look at my site and tell me what I am doing wrong. I get plenty of bookings from Booking.com Though

www.umhlangalodge.com

[Shelley159]

Hi @Jeremy1195 

I can understand why you ask - it's strange that you're not getting more bookings. I'd start by tweaking the listings a bit so the search bot knows they're active - the listings probably look inactive to the bot. Here are some things you can change, maybe update some more areas to refresh all of your listings:

1) At the moment your headings only show "no shared bathrooms". It may look like you have no bathrooms at all, and your listings will not appear in bathroom-related filtered searches. Here's how to fix it: go to the Listings tab and for each listing, upload photos of each room and area in a separate, correctly labeled folder. Inside each folder, tick the correct amenities for that room. The listing title auto-updates from the photo editor.

2) I can't see your cancellation policy. If you're willing to use free cancellation, that'll give you a boost in search results.

3) Go over each listing and make sure you've filled out as much as possible, for example a description of the area.

4) In at least one of the listings under "House rules" there's a line about keys. I'd take that out of the public information - you can put it in a scheduled message to confirmed guests.

5) You could avoid strikethrough amenities on the front page by buying a combination CO/smoke detector on Takealot. I know it's not really important for the local market, but international visitors may pay attention to that (and one never knows how many "points" you lose in the search algorithm).

6) Make sure your calendars are linked - your Booking.com bookings should auto-update on the Airbnb calendar. This will also help keep your calendar active on Airbnb,

The most important thing is to be visible in search. The algorithm loves low prices, although one doesn't want to attract bad guests with extreme bargains. Your prices may be reasonable, but you need to check what others are charging (look at the ones on the first search page for the area). You may need to come in a little bit lower to get started, as they already have reviews displaying.

[Elisa]

Hi @Jeremy1195 😊, 

I’m sorry you’re experiencing this slow period.

Have you been able to connect with local hosts to see how things are on their end?

I’m also tagging other hosts to see what advice they can share, in addition to Shelley’s suggestion: @Tariq52, @Cindy1764, @Branko38, @Oksana127, @Marie8425 and @Guy991.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

[Cindy1764]

I'm not able to see the AirBnB listing, only the website for the lodge. If you're getting bookings from booking.com but not AirBnb, I would guess it's a matter of how you've structured the listing in AirBnB. Photos are the face of your marketing - you don't have to show a hallway - show the important things people look for - the bed, the bathroom, a comfy couch, kitchen (or at least coffee). Title and description are the voice of your marketing. Does it include things people search for in your location? Since children are not allowed, be sure your description aligns to your ideal guest. (Do they come for sporting events? For business travel? For safaris?) In AirBnB, the amenities, check in process, etc. reflects how carefully you've thought out the guest experience. 

[Elisa]

Hi @Cindy1764 😊, 

Thank you for helping our host.

Do your guests usually come more for work or for pleasure?

[Tariq52 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jeremy1195,

If you're not getting any bookings for 3 years then your listing is simply not working. I viewed your listings and it appears you only have 1 review. When starting out on Airbnb, it's all about volume until you can prove that your place is loved by guests. Currently, you need 3 reviews before it even shows up. I'm not familiar with the area, but I would suggest looking at other listings similar to your setup and see what prices are like, then tweak yours. You don't want to be too low to appear cheap, or too high to price out guests.

My other recommendations are on the first listing (the only one where you have a review):

1) Bad photos: Your photos appear unorganized and confusing. You have many photos that are taken from similar angles that don't add any value. For example, you have 9 photos of the fish pond, 8 photos of the pool, 6 photos of the back door, and 4 photos of the bathroom. I would completely start over with your photos, making sure each one highlights a specific feature. It's quality over quantity with your photos. Consider hiring a photographer to the get the lighting, composition, and focus right.

2) Description is lacking: The description does not describe some of the most important things, like the pool! You can never have too much detail in your description, in my opinion. Describe your setup, what the lodge is like, the location, and some of the amenities. Again, you want to highlight the features that stand out.

3) Amenities not listed: You crossed out kitchen in your listing, but there is a kitchen in one of the photos? You must make sure that every single amenity is check off or this creates confusion among potential guests.

4) Airbnb recommendations: It's likely that you might have some issues with your listing, to which you need to make sure you're not missing something that Airbnb needs. You can find this in the host portal. Also, make sure you are following all the recommendations you possibly can to maximize your reach. If you have fast internet for example, you can test your internet speed with Airbnb and they highlight it on your listing.

That's it for now. If you redo your photos, description, and make sure you're priced correctly, I'm sure the guests will start rolling in.

[Elisa]

Hi @Tariq52 😊, 

Thank you for helping our host Jeremy,  it’s so nice to hear from you.

You shared a lot of great advice!

Did you hire a professional photographer for your listing, or did you take the pictures yourself?

[Tariq52]

Thanks @Elisa, I'm also a photographer so I took them myself. I'm due for a refresh though!

[Elisa]

Hi @Tariq52 😊, 

Thank you for your kind reply!

That’s amazing. Are you a photographer as a passion or for work?

Why do you think you need a refresh? Have you added anything new to your listing?

[Tariq52]

Hi @Elisa , I've done some commercial work, but I prefer doing it as a hobby! It's all about exploring and discovering. 

I think it always good to keep your photos up to date as you change things. But I'd also just like to highlight more of the community and nearby places. The location is everything, especially with my listing according to my guests.

[Marie8425]

@Jeremy1195 

Very cute your listings!  3 years is a long time, you are considered "No Traffic" by the Airbnb Search you need to rebuild your traffic.

Your first two listings correct they both say zero bathroom.

Correct picture folder from "Full Kitchen" to " Kitchenette"

You allow smoking put smoke detector in bedrooms, lots of inexpensive options online now

Your check in window of 3 hours is restrictive to the market.

Could be maybe six strangers if all rooms booked sharing the space.  Set up your private rooms to utilize the large bedroom space.  A private tv a private mini fridge a butler's cart do a coffee set up.  You have room

Pricing unless your market is one price for a couple that avoids the guest having a negative surprise.

The Airbnb Display algorithms does factor in price to guest.  You have to look at what the market is charging and Sale Price to stimulate traffic/

Update your listings regularly.  Hitting Save updates Date Modified which the Airbnb Search and General Internet Searches read and determine Active Host.

General Internet Searches read Airbnb to display lodging suggestions.

Create some Airbnb Guidebooks about a reason someone wants to visit your area and sprinkle highlights of your listing,  Keywords

Create an Airbnb Private Web Address for each listing.  Then you copy the address and where ever you post it is an ad for your listing, creates traffic..

[Elisa]

Hi @Marie8425 😊, 

thank you so much for helping our host Jeremy. 

I wish you a wonderful day!