Critique my listing- Julie -lake Cushman, Washington State

Julie6687
Level 2
Lacey, WA

Critique my listing- Julie -lake Cushman, Washington State

IMG_2581.jpeg

 hi! I don’t know if I have a favorite photo for our house. We took over an existing Airbnb and other than changing some wall decor it’s all the same but our calendar is not filling up as fast as the previous owners did. So looking for some assistance on our profile to make it better.

 

https://www.airbnb.com/l/9QpjHtaH

2 Replies 2

@Julie6687 

Luv your place! I took a quick look...

 

Your cover photo and title should highlight your most unique amenties. To me, that would be how close you are to the lake and all the outdoor activities. You are also close to Olympic National Forest and Staircase aren't you? I would put something in your description or Title about that. Put King Bed in your title somewhere as although guests can filter using the King Bed filter, many guests don't know that and they want a King Bed. I would also add Deck/Firepit/Kayaks if you can fit. I would leave out the word "Getaway" in the title and just start your Description with:

 

Escape to our retreat at Lake Cushman! A paddlers paradise perfect for group trips or family vacations.....

 

Photos

Your photos are not doing your listing justice. Please get professional photos done. They will pay for themselves with one booking and are usually tax deductible as a business expense. Airbnb says listings with professional photos not only generate 20% more bookings, but also place higher in the search algorithm. I would get these done ASAP prior to the busy summer season. Be sure it is a photographer familiar with Airbnb photography. You should be able to find a photographer in the Seattle Area. Here are a few I am aware of and like their work. One is on the Olympic Peninsula in Port Angeles, one in Seattle and one who is willing to travel from Spokane. You can probably find some others searching for "Airbnb Photographer". Take a look at their portfolios and you will see what I mean as to why professional photos are a must:

 

Seattle - Emily Keeney

https://www.emilykeeney.com/blog/seattle-whidbey-airbnb-interior-photographer-commercial

 

Inle Media

Port Angeles, WA

https://www.inlemedia.co/

 

Zach Nichols - Spokane

https://www.zachnicholz.com/airbnb-promotion

 

Cover Photo

For now, you want to highlight your best amenities in your cover photo and next 4 photos. I would say your best amenities would be the lake and all the outdoor activities. Right now you have several photos of the exterior of the home in your first 5 photos?

 

I suggest you use the photos below for now until you get professional photos done. Exterior, twilight photos do really well on Airbnb. Also, good quality drone shots that show how close you are to the water. A professional photographer can get those twilight shots and drone shots you need:

 

Cover

Joan2709_0-1742518444661.png

 

Photo 2

Joan2709_1-1742518493060.png

 

Photo 3

Joan2709_3-1742518684080.png

 

Photo 4

Joan2709_2-1742518539121.png

 

Photo 5

I would try to lighten this one if you can. I like it as it shows the forest through the large windows but it's too dark

Joan2709_4-1742519234540.png

 

or use this one as Photo 5

Its in portrait mode so it might not look good on the actual listing. The photo above is in landscape mode (preferred on Airbnb as they crop photos) so may have to use that one.

Joan2709_5-1742519374616.png

 

Captions on ALL Photos

Please put captions on ALL your photos! Guests need to not only know what space they are seeing in the photo but when they can do and enjoy in the photo. For example, for the firepit don't just say "Firepit" say, "gather around the firepit and enjoy smores and stargaze!". You can review some of the positive guest review comments and use those as ideas for your captions.

 

Seasonal Photos

Delete your winter photos and Christmas Tree photos as you are coming into summer season. Save them and upload them again in the Winter season. Try to get some fall photos for this fall and use them then.

 

Number of Photos

70 photos is too many. Try about 45-55 and choose the best quality ones. Try not to show too many photos of the same spaces. 

 

 

Alex
Community Manager
Community Manager
Toronto, Canada

Hi @Julie6687!

 

Thank you for sharing your listing with us. I'm sure there are many hosts willing to help you with this. For example, I already saw Joan leaving you some amazing feedback on what you could improve. Thank you @Joan2709! 🤗
 
Additionally, I will tag some members to see if they can offer you some great advice as well: @Rose422@Ivan2229@Jonathan2725@Kwesi9 and @Nathan146
 
Thank you everyone in advance!
 
Best, 
Alex