Critique My Listing

[Robert9239]

airbnb.com/h/homeatthealamodome

Greetings-  relatively new host (July 2025).  I have had 7 bookings since I started with all five star reviews.  I am always looking to improve my listing to attract my bookings.  Five days ago I made some changes to the property description...nothing major...just some wordsmithing. Since then I have been registering 0 views daily in pro tools insights.  I have never had a zero view day and now I have five in a row....despite me getting a booking during that time and added to a wishlist.  Customer service claims nothing is wrong. My listing has consistently performed above "similar listings" in insights until this series of goose eggs.    I am  hoping the community could provide some insight into what the problem could be while at the same time, get some constructive criticism on how to improve my listing.  

Any feedback is appreciated.

[Malika148]

many factors...

people not traveling (seems is happening globally), maybe your area has different seasons?

your home is big, maybe people choosing smaller if they travel in smaller groups..

price issue.. -try to play with it and see

[Lisa10148 · Accepted solution]

I agree with Malika.  I have listings in SC.  I have been on Airbnb finishing up my second year and will start my third year Jan 2026.

During the holiday season, I usually do not get a bite from Nov up through Feb.  People are focused on family, traveling less outside unless they will be staying with family.  

I know one thing for me; I will be looking at adding an outdoor hot tub.  Maybe this might draw some people in for romantic getaways.  Also, I am going to invest in placing a cowboy pool in by a Secret Garden area I have been slowly developing.  We just finished placing the 16x16 shade tarp up with solar lighting.  Chairs, a small fire pit, adding an outdoor grill, hammock, adding a couple more sitting spots where two people can sit and chat quietly away from the center location of the gathering of people. I have dropped little treasures within the area so when people just happen to look over through the trees, they may find a small handmade fairy house, or a fairy inside a lantern with fairy lights lighting her up, a miniature fairy garden made out of an old three their water fountain etc...I think the cowboy pool will draw more people in the summer.  We do have a trough 6 foot long where two individuals can sit comfortably inside under the stars soaking in cold well water to cool off on hot humid summer nights.

[Martha1293]

Hi Robert.  I can't critique your listing! It seems perfect.  😕 Hmmm. Is it a seasonal thing 🤔??

Having such a large space at a great rate is a bargain. 

As a writer by trade the only tweak I can think of would be to choose an audience and write your description for them. Currently it's appealing to everyone,  which is fine in high demand.  But what sort of people would really like your place?

My tiny apartment is decorated for girls. We want to attract women for shopping holidays. And we've done well.

Just a thought. 

[JoAnn2219]

Hi Robert, 

Your place looks amazing and you have some really nice reviews listed.  I have been booked since July and now these past couple of weeks crickets. I am still getting views and I to have tweaked my listing which can impact some potential customers. I do agree with the others that it is this time of year, not much happening in between the holidays. Maybe run some specials and see if that stirs up some interested. 

Ran your wording through AI and it tweaked it a bit:

"Headed to San Antone? Hang your hat steps for the Riverwalk, Conventione Center, and Alamodome."

I use ChatGBT for all my listing wording. 

Hope this helps, 

JoAnn

[Melinda438]

Hi Robert! I have been a Superhost since 2022. 
This was the slowest month I ever had. I only use Air Bnb as a platform. I started to wonder too but it is slow all over. It will pick up in a few weeks as we get closer to the holidays!

Beautiful place you have.

You will be a Superhost in no time. Always give a little more. Baseboards clean and Starbucks ALWAYS. I also provide Chai tea and an electric tea pot.

Good Luck!

[Elisa]

Hi @Robert9239 😊, 

Thank you for asking for a listing critique here.

You have such a nice view!
Are your guests able to enjoy this outdoor space all year, or only during certain times?

[Laura8323]

Hi Robert. 

Your listing is very well done, great pictures and great location.  I see that you are offering a military discount and that is also wonderful.  I don't really have anything to add as you have done a great job with your listing!

Laura

[Robert9239]

@JoAnn2219 @Laura8323 @Melinda438 @Lisa10148 @Malika148 @Martha1293 

Thanks for all the feedback! My wife will appreciate the compliments as we poured our heart and soul into it!

I totally understand the seasonality and economic factors impacting demand; e.g. federal workers furlough.   I still think there is a technical glitch at play here with the "insights" data.  When I looked this morning, it continues to show zero views all week, including the 27th.  The monthly view, shows I have 30 views for the week beginning on the 27th! Makes no sense.   Customer Support has been an abbot & Costello routine.  

Anyway, I do appreciate the constructive input I got from the group...discovering what a helpful community this is!   To respond to some of the feedback....The "Is anyone going to San Antone" is a tip of the cap to Charlie Pride who sang a hit song with that title...we have the sheet music framed on the wall inside the property.  it is the only line in the description that has survived all the re-writes!

Interesting point on targeting a specific audience.  I definitely went for a mass appeal approach as we get such a diverse crowd here with the military bases, conventions, sporting events etc.  The limited booking we have had has covered the spectrum.  That said, it would be interesting to target one specific demographic, ie. families, and see what the data looks like after a month.

As for the question on if the deck space is usable year-round.  Yes, to a degree.  Winters are mild, so usable during the day (am reluctant to put any propane fire pits or heaters).  Summers are hot and humid but the nights are great.  

Thanks again for all the input!!!!

[Mary-Beth32]

Robert,

Great job! Well done, I must say from the decor to the layout and most importantly the location! I lived in SA for 20 yrs and started cleaning  Airbnb's before Airbnb existed. I now co host and manage act as a liaison for  city permit and emergency contacts in San Angelo. 

Everything looks great, however when going through the photo tour some pictures and descriptions seemed a bit repetitive. This could cause confusion among potential guests looking over your site. You can always place extra photos in the additional spot. 

I suggest correcting the room descriptions to coincide with the room as a whole and remove any extras that are duplicates. 

Example: the third bathroom photo doesn't state it's part of the game room , but the second br photo does.

Also had some grammar errors for the third floor patio area. 

Yeah I would just try to keep your photo tour pics to a minimum with one main description for each. Example: Showcase the photo showing master bedroom, & TV as the main photo, and additional Master BR photos simply add Master BR #2. If each bedroom has a private bath, add that picture under bedroom pics as well. Be sure to label it: Full Private Master Bath and so on for each bathroom pic. Any shared bathrooms state accordingly.

Remove  pictures of the of the bedrooms showing just  doors for the private bathrooms. 

When you edit, it's good to go through every angle view ex: photo tour, view as a guest, and from hosting end. 

Oh one more thing, I recommend removing the "I'm new to Airbnb" stated on your intro profile. Never want guests to know your new, it opens you up to be taken advantage of.  With confidence that next line how you and your wife have traveled says that your a pro . 

These are the pics I was referring to in my reply. 

This kitchen photo is a duplicate.

 

 Add photos of closet space and private  bathrooms to room photos. 

[Robert9239]

Thanks for the feedback Mary Beth!  I have struggled with the photo tour....watched too many you tube videos and it becomes paralysis by analysis.  I have heard remove the airbnb photo tour all together by removing the photos from the rooms...to just have one pic in each room with a bed to populate the "where you will be sleeping" fields.  To exacerbate the whole thing, trying out Hospitable 14 day trial.  Their direct book website maker pulls indiscriminately from your Airbnb listing and gives you no ability to edit.  I am stuck with a pic of an empty closet and a garage door to woo potential guests. 

Armed with your feedback I am going to go back and give the photo lineup the once over....twice!

Thank you!

[Gernide0]

Hi Robert,

Great job on your early success and congrats on the five-star streak — that’s a strong start! What you’re describing is actually something many hosts experience when they make updates to their listings. When you edit your title, description, or pricing, Airbnb’s algorithm often temporarily reassesses your listing. During that time, it might lower visibility for a few days while recalibrating search placement.

A few things that can help you bounce back faster:

1. Refresh your calendar daily — even just toggling availability helps Airbnb see your listing as “active.”
2. Add a few new photos or reorder them to show recent activity.
3. Use Smart Pricing or custom weekend rates to stay competitive.
4. Promote your listing on social media or direct return guests to rebook through Airbnb — this engagement boosts search performance.
5. Check your listing preview mode — ensure your headline and first five photos look clickable and warm.

Also, make sure your cleaning policy and house rules are clear — I include a short line in mine that says:

“Cleaning fee covers standard turnover between guests. Excessive cleaning may incur an additional fee of $100.”

It keeps expectations clear and adds a layer of professionalism.

You’re doing great, Robert — a few days of low visibility is usually temporary. Keep your activity up and Airbnb’s algorithm will boost you again soon.

Warm regards,

GeGe | STR Host & Property Manager