Critique my listing - Jeff, New York, USA

[Jeffrey568]

 I'm looking forward to a new season of rentals to pay off my renovations...lol. I am surprised that I only have one booking at the moment though. Would you be willing to give me advice about my listing and see if I set something up wrong or if some of my policies are turning people away?

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/721646757420812096?source_impression_id=p3_1681466422_M5Py6dgwMxcCyu6...

[Fred13]

@Jeffrey568  Excellent place, has all the makings of a 'special' place. Two things, no need to have so many pictures and so many show the same thing, less may be better. Bring it down to 30 or so, slices of places oftentimes better than too wide a view, leaves more to the imagination.

Secondly, think outdoor activities: a nice colorful umbrella over the picnic table, swing by the little backwater (small lake or a stream?), a small outdoor fireplace with kindling/logs/easy-to-start, solar-powered bird bath (water sound), colorful comfortable outdoor furniture and/or ornaments on the conservative side (nothing gaudy) but pleasant to the eyes, etc.

And oh, why not $295 (or even $275), of course a bit bogus only a few dollars less, but $2XX may have a better ring than $3XX.

And oh #2: on Title, give it a theme, perhaps: Getaway Cottage by the Lakeside, something jazzy.

[Nikolina2]

You are so lucky having this!

I agree with previous comment that changing title or adding some phrase into existing one would be better.Pictures are great and so inviting.Only thing i have noticed that in amenities section states that you don t have heating and private entrance what is not true judging by the pictures and also in amenities you stated that a/c can heat.

This wrong infos are at the end of amenities section in your public listing so check that

[Jeffrey568]

Thanks you I will add a more detailed explanation of the amenities.

[Jeffrey568]

Thanks so much for the ideas. I will definitely make those changes. 

[Jenny]

Hi @Jeffrey568 

Welcome to the Community Center!

I've updated the title of your post and added a link to your listing, to see if we can get some of our Hosts to pop in and give you some advice on your listing.

Happy hosting!

Jenny

[Maxwell52]

Your place looks fabulous but I would be thinking how cold it could be out of season. 

[Suzanne302]

@Jeffrey568  Looks like a nice secluded getaway!

I echo what @Fred13  says about too many pictures. Use your pictures to walk your potential guests through your listing, as if they were literally, walking through the listing and looking around. As it's set up now, it's very confusing and overwhelming with too many angles of each space.

The pictures are also very dark, which, may play a psychological trick on people making the listing less desirable. Professional photography would make a huge difference! If you're not ready to invest in that, turn on as many lights as possible and don't shoot toward the window. The light from the window is making the rest of the room look even darker. (I understand you're trying to capture the view but perhaps there are other ways to do it)

I don't see anything in your policies that would turn me off. The Airbnb algorithm is a funny thing, it could just be you're in a down cycle and the lack of bookings have nothing to do with your listing.

Happy hosting!

[Teresa1912]

Your place looks so inviting, and the photos make me want to stay, well done.  

I have a few comments, there is one photo of the front porch that has the matts over the railing, I would remove the matts and add a potted plant in the corner.  There is another shot of the front door, I would add some shrubbery in front of the railing of the front door.   

Good luck with your beautiful listing.

[Moesha1]

Hey  @Jeffrey568!

I hope you're doing okay. Constant bookings are based on various reasons, one for sure being the season/occasion. Your pictures could be the best, and you still don't get a reservation if your space doesn't speak to the specific season.

I would recommend that you take the time to understand what is offered by others in your area and use your insights to see your overall performance and what Airbnb recommends. One way to gain Guests is D I S C O U N T S. Yup! If you aren't a luxurious hotel offering all-inclusive meals, then you have to view it as a competition where who is offering the most affordable. Go to your hosting dashboard > insights > view and see how many potential guests viewed your space.  See Airbnb recommendations and adjust accordingly. 

Lastly, and this is not to encourage you to change it but to your cancellation policy. As a Host, you may see it fit because "you want to prevent late cancellations" but as a Guest "they want some form of security" in the event that an unforeseen situation arises. That's all from me ❤️