Critique my listing - Peter from Switzerland

[Peter4698]

My trouble is, I started 3 years ago as a host, but never rented it out - rather we used the flat in our family. Now I have renovated the flat freshly, got online and also my first proper client that gave me my first propre client's feedback. BUT: this seems "very poor" ==> One CLIENT IN 3 YEARS. What can I do to promote it better? And please take a look at my listing - what can I improve. And do emails an Linkedin posts to ones friends really help...? Here is my link: airbnb.ch/h/bern-alps-view-quiet-apartment

Thanks alot, dear community!

Peter

[Nandini11]

Hello @Peter4698 

Welcome to the hosting journey — you're off to a great start by asking for feedback early on!

I had a quick look at your listing, and here are a few suggestions that could help improve your advertisement and boost your bookings:

🛏️ Listing Presentation

• Cover Photo: Make sure your first photo is the most attractive — usually a well-made bed or a cozy living area.

• Photo Captions: Add captions to explain what guests are seeing. For example, “Spacious king bedroom with city view” or “Fully equipped kitchen for home-cooked meals.”

✍️ Description & Title

• Your title should stand out. Instead of a plain label, try something like:
  “Modern Studio with Balcony | Peaceful Stay in [Your Area]”

• In the description, highlight what makes your place special:
  Is it close to transport? Super quiet? Good for remote work? Near a market or tourist spot?

💬 Support Sales

• Be very quick to respond to inquiries. Airbnb ranks listings higher when hosts respond fast.

• Turn on Instant Book and Early Bird Discounts.

• Keep your calendar updated and prices competitive — check what similar listings nearby are charging.

You're already doing great by being open to feedback!

Keep tweaking as you go — the first few guests and reviews make a big difference.

Let me know if you’d like help rewriting your title or description too.

Happy hosting! 😊

Regards,

Nandini 

[Marie8425]

@Peter4698 

My two cents:

The bed, for me your title your description speaks to me as a couple.  2 beds even next to each other is not 1 bed.

Smoke alarm, easy online purchase you can even plug in ones get one.

I can understand  AC is not a norm for your area, give access to a fan

Your Amenities, if you check off multiple views then include a picture of each view.

You check off grill outside dining your pictures don't reflect those items.

Closets are great but even a small dresser for underwear. lol

Think of who your target market is?  Being an hour away from were a guest wants to be, they will probably rent closer.  

Then you will be considered by Airbnb Search has Low Traffic, that really impacts Display position.

Airbnb Search reads Date Modified on every listing looking if Host active.  Update your listing regularly.

The Search does give priority to lower price.  Look at competitor's and calculate a Sale Price.  Figure about 2 months to fix traffic so plan that way.

Create some Airbnb Guidebooks General Search Engines read the Airbnb website if they get a lodging request near something or some reason.  General Search Engines are all Keyword matches Guidebooks give you space to do that

Create an Airbnb Custom link for your ad.  Then post every where

Once a few conversions then Airbnb Search won't consider Low Traffic

[Kenzo13]

Bonjour @Peter4698,
Selon mon expérience la meilleure façon de promouvoir son annonce est de faire des photos digne d'un professionnel, suite a ça votre taux de clic sur l'annonce devrait augmenter considérablement. Si le prix, les équipements proposés et le lieux sont cohérent, vous devriez avoir d'autres réservations !

Enfin, le cumul d'avis positif (comme celui que vous avez reçu), vous mettra en avant sur la plateforme.

Kenzo

[Google translation]

Hello @Peter4698,
In my experience, the best way to promote your listing is to take professional-quality photos. This should significantly increase your click-through rate. If the price, amenities, and location are consistent, you should get more bookings!

Finally, the accumulation of positive reviews (like the one you received) will put you in the spotlight on the platform.

Kenzo

[Satu26]

Hi @Peter4698 , great that you’re asking the community for feedback. First of all – wow, what a place you have. It’s an absolute gem. I believe that with just a few small tweaks, the apartment will attract more renters.

Here are my tips: Make the title unique – something like “An Outdoor Lover’s Dream with Mountain Views.” Next, I’d suggest adding a few decorative touches like flowers, artwork, cushions, or other interior elements. I’d also change the cover photo. Maybe make the beds with bedspreads too. Of course, these are a matter of taste, so there’s no single right answer. 🙂

In my own listing, I’ve mentioned that the apartment became available in summer 2025 after a long-term rental – it adds a sense of rarity and freshness. 

And if you’re able to be a little flexible with the price at the beginning, you could run a short campaign to attract your first guests and build up fresh reviews – that makes a big difference in visibility and trust.

With your beautiful countryside, space and a few thoughtful tweaks, I’m sure you’ll have happy guests lining up in no time. You've got this! 🌿

BR Satu from Finland

[Vicki704]

Hi @Peter4698 , 

Your place looks beautiful in a stunning location. I would definitely want to stay there!

Your description is also on point.

Smoke alarm is standard here, is it in your country?  I would include it.

If you have gas, I would definitely consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm.

I would also consider a washer & dryer, very handy if you can fit them in.

Your place is stunning, well done, Peter!

[Serah6 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Peter4698 , 

Thanks so much for sharing your journey it’s actually more common than you think to start slowly, especially when a space was originally meant for family use. It’s great that you’ve now renovated the flat and taken the first big step with your first proper guest and review congrats! 🎉 Every successful hosting journey starts with that one booking.

Here are a few practical tips that might help you attract more guests:

1. Improve visibility on Airbnb:

• Make sure your listing is fully optimized  use high quality, well lit photos, especially of the views and unique details that are going to be catchy to your audience… Since times has changed so the competition is abit stiffer more listings have come up since then that are more modern than ever.
• Write a compelling title and description. Mention the Alps view, the peacefulness, and proximity to Bern guests love knowing what sets your place apart.
• Consider creating a guidebook to help guests navigate around and have a clue about the surroundings before hand. 
• Use relevant keywords in your description like “Bern getaway”, “Alps view”, “peaceful Swiss retreat”, etc.
• Enable Instant Book if possible  it helps your listing show up more in search results.
• Consider having a co-host to help you do instant responses because guests will always have different opinions while searching for a place. 

2. Adjust your pricing initially:

To gain momentum, consider offering an introductory discount or setting prices just below similar listings in your area to attract your first few guests and build reviews.

3. Promote externally (and yes, it works!):

Yes! Emailing friends, posting on LinkedIn, and sharing in local community groups (like Facebook travel or expat groups) and also WhatsApp broadcasts works this can absolutely help. It gives your listing some exposure and social proof. Ask friends to share it too  word of mouth is powerful.

4. Airbnb Boost & Visibility:

If you haven’t already, make sure your calendar is up-to-date and try tweaking the title or cover photo now and then Airbnb’s algorithm likes active listings. Also, enable weekly/monthly discounts  longer stays often appeal to digital nomads or remote workers.

If you’d like, I’d be happy to give more specific advices or even co-host for you. You’re off to a great start one guest means your door is officially open now 🌿✨

Warm regards 

Serah_W

[Bhumika]

Thank you so much @Serah6 @Vicki704 @Satu26 @Kenzo13 @Nandini11 @Marie8425 for sharing guidance and ideas with host @Peter4698 ! 

Hi @Peter4698 , I had a quick look at your listing pictures and it has such fantastic views 😍 

What do you think of these tips shared by experienced hosts? I noticed that few hosts have suggested updating title and description to make it unique and catchy. Are you looking forward to updating them? 

Do keep us updated!

Regards,

[Sara9482]

Hi Peter, I actually would suggest you to try to add a sofa bed, so maybe even couples with kids can actually rent your place! Having a place not close to the center and only for 2 guests it’s harder to rent in my opinion. Hope it’ll be helpful! 😊

[Helen3]

Why are you posting a comment to someone called 'Peter' on an international community rather than messaging him directly @Sara9482 

[Sara9482]

I’m sorry I thought I was replying to another posts, instead I published another one, and I don’t know hot to remove it 

[Rebecca]

Hi @Sara9482 

I can see you were trying to reply to this topic from @Peter4698, so I've moved it for you. I hope that's okay. 😊

[Thu1387]

I agree with Marie8425 on this. I think a King sized bed would be ideal for a guest and also adding a sofa bed, so people can bring their kids would be great. Invest in a nice piece of furniture and don't skimp because it is felt by guests. Perhaps adding air mattress in the listing and having enough bedding for that would be good. Also, better pictures of your surrounding area and approximate location to other areas?  Invest in local artwork (bigger piece for the living room wall or go thrifting to find something unique and beautiful. A large rug would make the space so much more inviting in the living room. Also, adding pillows and throw blankets would make it look so much more cozy. It's the little things that people notice when booking! Please don't take offense to my thoughts. Good luck 🙂 

[Rebecca]

Great insights here @Thu1387 - thanks so much for stopping by. I'll tag @Peter4698 here so they get a notification of your response. 😊