Critique my Listing - Bettye- McHenry, Illinois

[Bettye6]

Hi everyone,

I just started my venture with AirBnB this past Feb, 2023 and have been very pleased with my experience thus far.

My concern is (good for AirBnB0 there has been a recent surge in the number of AirBnBs and VRBOs poping up in my area. I am a little nervous seeing all the new (and old) competition and want to stay ahead of game so to speak. Any suggestions, advice, etc. would be highly appreciated. 

I thank you in advance,

Kind regards,

Bettye6

https://airbnb.com/h/downtownmchenry-llinois

[Paula]

Hi @Bettye6, it's wonderful to see that you've started your Critique My Listing thread 😊

I'm tagging some of our amazing Hosts here to invite them to share their valuable feedback. : @Gwen386 @Bea2137 @Dawn241 @Patricia2526 @Joan2709 @Jennifer3640 

Good luck,

[Bettye6]

Thank you! 

I actually have guests now from Calgary and they seem to be enjoying my place thus far. 

Kind regards,

Bettye

[Jennifer3640]

Hello there @Bettye6 , 

You have a beautiful house! 

I would suggest the following:

Speak about the home and the spaces in it by describing what guests will experience. Something like, “After a long day (doing X, seeing X) put your feet up and relax on the patio/deck with your beverage of choice!”  

Also add captions to your photos so that guests are drawn to what makes each space so special. 

I’d also consider investing in an experienced professional photographer and reduce the number of photos. The photographer will take the best shots of the spaces in a way our cell phone cameras do not. 

best wishes!

[Bettye6]

Thank you @Jennifer3640 . 

Love you suggestions of coming up with some verbiage of what exactly my place has to offer. 

I have been slowly adding captions to the pictures as well but definitely has been my intention.

Actually an experienced realtor did take the room shots but some were added as she only did rooms where as I added closet, drawer shots, though have since learned one needs to have phone vertical rather than horizontal to capture the best angles. 

I really appreciate the feedback and will work on those suggestions!

Bettye6

[Dawn241]

@Bettye6  I love the space, the park, and the river walk. It is tastefully furnished and decorated and You have lots of amenities like toiletries, well stocked kitchen,  Kcups, games, chairs, throws.

I would like to see a picture of Bella in the listing since guests might interact with her. Most people love dogs and would be excited to see her, but for the few that might not be dog people they could decide if this place is a good fit for them or not. 

a couple of things that jumped out at me- the different size/color/style hangers are driving me nuts. Matching hangers gives it a higher end feel even if they are just white plastic from the dollar store. 

also, I see you “prefer” no shoes inside. I don’t think everyone will comply with this, but it wouldn’t cost a lot to put a new few new pairs of slipper socks and/or dollar store flip flops in a basket on the bench with a little sign that says please remove your shoes. 

also, check  the spelling under some of your pictures- I saw a few mistakes- mostly the wrong word. 

[Bettye6]

Hi @Dawn241 !

Thank you for reaching out.

I was considering pictures of Bella but was talked out with the explanation of it feeling that a picture would suggest that I am a dog friendly place. Though I will be adding her picture. Question? Would you think a updated picture of me with Bella would suffice as my profile pic?

I love the basket of slipper socks, etc. I realize that the no shoes is not what everyone is doing as I can hear the walking up stairs, though it was a comprise with my husband (he is a NO SHOES person. The placing of slipper socks, etc. might encourage those to comply.

I  have to laugh about my spelling. I have spent countless hours re-reading my entire listing as my past secretaries would with a wink, agree that I could never have been an editor in my past. I will look at them again when I'm completing addressing the picture captions as Paula also suggested.

Bettye

[Bettye6]

My apologies out to @Jennifer3640 , as it she who suggested the photo captions. 🙂

[Dawn241]

Yes

[Barb3537]

This is a great looking place. Totally agree with Dawn. Only thing I am not sure of is the stand in front of the window. Looks like breakables and plants to maintain. Not that that would apply, but if I was booking with young kids, that would worry me. Just my opinion. Great listing!