Critique my Listing/Booking issues

[Tella829]

Hello,

We have a listing that was active from December 2022 until April 2023.  We haven't had one booking since.  We have had a lot of views but no bookings.

Link: https://airbnb.com/h/disney-oasis-4bd-3ba

[Paula]

Hello @Tella829 !  I've made a slight change to your title and added a picture of your listing to help boost the visibility of your post. 

While our wonderful community members share their opinion, I thought it would be helpful to share this article with you. It offers great tips on 👉 making your listing more competitive.

[Tella829]

Thank you so much Paula!

[Kia272 · Accepted solution]

@Tella829  Your problem could have something to do with your reviews, which have not been great, and resulted in a somewhat low rating. Your place looks very nice, but it seems there's room for improvement. Guests have commented on the lack of privacy (sheer drapes) and your cook-ware. Have you made changes to those things? If you have, you should address that in your description, so potential guests know that you took the feedback to heart, and made improvements. 

 You should also update your listing, as you're currently advertising a Memorial Day special. 

Biggest mistake by new hosts is to have too high a guest capacity. Why are you trying to shove 10 guests into your home? It looks like your dining table seats 4. Where are the other six guests going to eat? Why would you put an air mattress out for additional guests? 

It seems you are or should be catering to families who want to go to Disney? Focus on making your place family friendly. Maybe offer a crib or pack and play, or games and toys for little ones.

Definitely try to have the pool serviced when guests are not there. You should include in your description that pool service may happen with guests in residence (for longer stays) and coordinate with your calendar to avoid (if possible) service while guests are there. If it has to happen, be very clear with guests before their arrival. Many would see it as a privacy violation if it just happened without pre-arrangement. 

Last but not least, your price is way too low. I know you're trying to attract guests, but low prices attract bad guests. It's coming up at $153/night for a weeklong stay in July for 6 guests. Your cleaning fee is more than your nightly rate, and they might not be doing a great job, as the cleanliness score is not good. A good cleaner is VERY important! That is WAY too cheap and will lead to bad guests. Your price is at odds with people who might want the use of a private chef? If your place is high-end, then make some improvements and market it as high end. 

Lower your guest capacity to 8. Make improvements with the drapes and kitchen ware. Buy a bigger dining table? The pool is a big draw, as well as the number of bathrooms. Tailor your description to the type of guests you want to attract. That's just a start on attracting more bookings. Good luck, Kia

[Tella829]

Thank you so much @Kia272 !  Everything you said was so helpful.  We have already started working on the updates and suggestions from the guests.  May I reach out to you again after we have completed those items?  I would really appreciate being able to continue this conversation further.

[Kia272]

@Tella829  Glad to be of help. Wishing you success with your improvements. There are many helpful people in this forum, but I'm happy to help in the future if you need it. Just tag me if you post something. Cheers, Kia

[Erin6739]

@Erin6739 I think that your listing is slightly confusing. You have disney oasis in your title but I do not see any themes or disney decor. The overall decor is fine but doesn't photograph. Add some pops of color or an accent wall. Have 3-5 hit photos to really wow your prospective guest.

Your listing does appear family friendly. It seems as though it comfortably sleeps 10 people. But who is your ideal guest. Someone visiting family in town, someone visiting the town because of what it has to offer, or someone visiting Disney? Really ramp up your visiting to target that type of guest. I am more than happy to help you with the wording of your listing if you need some additional suggestions. 

As far as your guest reviews. I suggest that you reply to each and every review. Even the negative ones and let them know that you are implementing their suggestions. And then of course implement those changes. A must is having the pool ready for each guest which means you should have weekly cleanings and chemical checks. 90% of the people booking your house is because of the BEAUTIFUL pool! Having a green pool or a pool that they can not get is will forsure result in less than a 5 star review. 

Do not be discouraged make some of these changes and you will be successful!

[Tella829]

Thank you so much @Erin6739 !  We are so grateful for your insight.  We have already started working on the updates and changes.  

[Daniel10299]

Hi @Tella829 I came across your post and are very curious to learn if the ratio of business has increased after the changes you mentioned you've started implementing? I'm a host of three listings and are working on a research project about people getting more bookings, and would love to learn from your experience, so anything you would like to share, I would be so thankful for!

Thanks

Daniel

[Tella829]

Hi Daniel,

Unfortunately, no :(...we did get way more traffic, but no bookings.  We still have yet to get the professional pictures done, but will in the next month or so.