Critique my listing - Hannah, East Riding, UK

[Hannah1012]

Hi all very new to this. Wondering how long it can sometimes take people to get their first bookings? 

https://airbnb.com/h/thegatelodgeyorkshire

Please let me know what you think to my listing. I need to take more details photographs and more of the external which is my plan to do this week. 

Is there anything else you think I need to change? 

Thank you. 

[Anonymous]

@Hannah1012   That's a very nicely renovated and cute house. Your description is very well-written and the interior photos are appealingly lit. I think one of the highlights for your guests will be the beautiful bathtub. The exterior shot of the house is not the one I'd choose for the lead photo - perhaps one of the more colorful indoor shots would make a stronger first impression.

Since your listing is targeted at outdoorsy guests, it would be great to show the outdoor seating areas. A private garden to relax in is one of the most sought-after features in holiday homes, especially those that allow pets. About that pet thing: if you allow guests to bring pets, those pets are going to follow their owners onto the furniture and up the stairs no matter what your rules say. They ultimately just do what they're used to at home. 

[Hannah1012]

@Anonymous thank you so much for your feedback. That’s really helpful. I’ll make those changes that I can now and I will definitely get lots more photographs of outside like you have suggested.  

Yes to be honest I can only expect pets to be upstairs or on the sofa but I would just rather not. Do you think this would put people off booking? 

Thank you for your kind works. 
Hannah 

[Anonymous]

@Hannah1012 Guests so often book without reading carefully that I doubt a small detail like that will impact bookings much. But personally, if I were traveling with my dog, those restrictions would put me off booking, because I'm not going to banish my dog from my room all night. She would be so sad.

I've read that some hosts dedicate a set of linens to guests with pets, and put special covers or blankets over the upholstered furniture for easy cleanup. I'm always impressed when a host not only allows me to bring a dog but also thoughtfully prepares for it - that's one way to show you've gone the extra mile. 

[Hannah1012]

@Anonymous ok thank you, that's a good idea about alternative sheets/ extra blankets!

[Gordon0]

That's beyond cute, @Hannah1012. I agree with @Anonymous about the first picture as it doesn't do the place justice; I'm thinking a little 'plain'. And even tho plain isn't necessarily a bad thing, to use an external shot I think you'd need a rose bush or something to make it 'pop'.

On a similar note, the pics in lounge are a little lost on that wall and make it seem well, in your words, a bit of 'a self-catering house'. The lodge is so much more than that. All in all, I'd try and install some 'lifestyle' into the place. 

You've also got a handful of typos in the description (I'll point them out if you need me to).

It's a truly beautiful place.

[Hannah1012]

Thank you @Gordon0. Good point about the pictures in the lounge, I do agree with this so I will try find an alternative. I will really try ensure my new pictures show some 'lifestyle' too. I definitely think this is missing. To be honest we have rushed to get it online since we have just finished the renovations. Thank you so much for your advice.

Oh also any help with typo's will be great! I've tried had a look over again but think fresh eyes is needed. 

Thanks!

[Gordon0]

Check your inbox (and feel free to send a virtual two-fingers back at me :-))

[Anonymous]

@Gordon0   Only two? Hmm.

[Perry90]

Hi Hannah
Love the external photo. All the internals show clean minimalism which is great, but they lack colour and contrast, my suggestion would be to retake the same photo's on a sunny day when you're getting some light, shadows and contrast from the windows. Also a bit of greenery; a few pot plants would soften and make it look more homely without making it look cluttered

[Huma0]

@Hannah1012 

What a lovely listing and I think you've done an excellent job on the renovations. I agree with the other comments though that the lead picture is not the best choice. The exterior is very nice and I think would sell the listing better (but a bit of planing would help). The main bathroom is also a major selling point. I don't know if you want to lead with a photo of the bathroom, but a lot of guests have told me that the roll top tub is one of the main reasons they booked with me (and hardly any guests actually use it!)

I agree also that you need to add some finishing touches and accessories. You don't need to go overboard, but it just feels like it needs a bit more character and personality. Have a browse on Pinterest. You will find lots of ideas. Perhaps the local area has some good markets, vintage stores or charity shops where you can pick up some home accessories that have character without being too expensive. I have also found that TK Maxx/Homesense is good for those if you have one in your area.

[Hannah1012]

Hi everyone, thank you so much for all your helpful comments and feedback. I have taken lots more photographs and changed the text thanks to the amazing help of @Gordon0

I would love to hear what you think of the updates. 

I still need to update the sitting room. I have a colourful picture for the back wall where those two frames look lost. I’m also waiting for another chair to arrive. In the meantime I actually got my first booking so I can’t get any more photographs for now. 

Thanks again for all your feedback. 

Hannah.