Critique my listing - Russ in New Mexico, USA

[Russ474]

Hi!

We are new hosts, and have had a couple of bookings.  We welcome any advice on our listing from experienced hosts.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/925994760413462258?preview_for_ml=true&source_impression_id=p3_16897811...

Many thanks in advance! 

Russ & Andrea

[Marina481 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Russ474 - Congratulations on starting your hosting journey! Your listing looks great and the pictures are wonderful too.

I can tell you're catering to the outdoors crowd! Horse boarding on property is a unique thing for Airbnb listings, I would absolutely make that a highlight in your listing name or at least in the top description as far as "Horse Owners Retreat" or "Horse Boarding near the Gila Forest". I would also add pictures of the barn / horse accommodations and make that the 2nd or 3rd photo on your listing.

I'd also love to read more about the local trails and outdoor attractions that are near your listing. What is the name of the closest horse trail? Can you ride from the property to it or would you need to trailer the horses?

Lastly, maybe its just from my experience hosting lots of different guests but I would be incredibly nervous that someone would try to sit on the decorative saddles you have down the stairway haha. I would suggest maybe hanging a small sign that tells guests not to climb up there.

Hope this helps, good luck!

I would also check out these getting-started articles from the official Airbnb Resource Center as well...

1. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/writing-an-effective-description-of-your-place-13
2. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-set-up-an-effective-listing-page-12
3. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-take-great-listing-photos-307
4. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-make-your-listing-stand-out-321

[Russ474]

Extremely helpful, @Marina481 , some things I didn't even think about! Especially about catering to horse people, thank you.

The decorative saddles aren't as big as they appear...about 8 inches in the seat. So it would take a real...adventerous...person to try to sit in them. Thus, yeah...I better think about that 🙂

Thank you for the response, I really appreciate it.

Russ

[Sarah5258]

Yayy! Congratulations @Russ474 . Beautiful home, beautiful setting. I would not list as many photos as you did. There's something to be said for when they arrive, they have all of these amazing  pleasant surprises. GOOD LUCK

[Sangeeta8]

What a huge and lovely space! Congratulations! Wish you all the best, Andrea and Russ!

[Helen744]

@Russ474 Yes russ the place looks perfect and very reasonably priced for that certain crowd .horsy people are us . too many landscape pics. just put in the best ones and take a few more as they are blurry . the hoses ? State very clearly if people are able to bring their own horses and if there is stabling nearby or a way to hire horses for a trail ride as that seems to be your niche. I hope people wear helmets as well , just saying . If this is your love then beef it up . Talking about beefing it up , is there a bbq area and the wide open plains that seem to beckon , could do with a pic ,especially with horses as climbing over rocks is not really what horse people or horses like so much . Id the area suitable for hiking . can you provide picnics or can they be ordered nearby ? you have evoked all the feels now show the reality and people should be beating your door down to stay ... giddy up and good luck .. H

[Helen744]

further to the cowboy theme ,could you call the place 'a ranch experience' or 'bunk house' because 'cliff house' seems a little stuffy . The carved stone steps , is that peublo or anything to do with the local first nation peeps. ? Sounds lovely anyway... H