Critique my listing - your THOUGHTS and INSIGHTS on attracting more bookings! - Nathan in London, UK

[Manifest-Property-Group0]

Hello all,

I'm a new Airbnb host now Superhost based in London. I had a difficult winter season but persevered through it with enough bookings. I am now struggling to receive bookings for the last week of February. I expected March to be when business began to come back again as spring begins but still have hardly received any bookings so far. Please offer advice and tips on what I may be doing wrong and your thoughts on how to gain more bookings, whether on the pricing, presentation etc.

I do require a £250 security deposit for guests to pay, which I have noted in the house rules as I have heard the stories about the lack of protection Airbnb provides hosts regarding damage. Does this reduce bookings stearing potential guests away or does it not make a difference?

Listing: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1219725319906975302?adults=5&enable_m3_private_room=true&search_mode=...

Main listing Photo

Thanks,

Nathan

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Manifest-Property-Group0 why do you chase bookings in ow season when you can make far more money for your 90 night limit in high season?

[Manifest-Property-Group0]

Hi Mike and Jane,

Thanks for your reply,

I need a consistent stream of revenue through the low season also to cover expenses, I am listed on other platforms so I don't mind gaining bookings within the 90 day allocation in the low season while I can achieve longer term reservations aswell or through booking.com and vrbo when high season arrives.

When would you say the High season properly begins? I expected March to be honest.

Any thoughts on the listing also or gaining more bookings?

Thanks

Nathan

[Helen3]

Do you mean BDC and VRBO let you exceed the 90 day limit . Shame on them @Manifest-Property-Group0 

[Manifest-Property-Group0]

Hi @Helen3 

No I mean I aim for longer term bookings on those two platforms, so it does not affect the limit.

Could you pls critique my listing, any suggestions on the post?

Nathan

[Manifest-Property-Group0]

@Mike-And-Jane0 

[Emilie]

Hi @Manifest-Property-Group0, 

Fellow londoner here, although from a little further north than where your home is located! Did you find you were busier this time last year?

I will tag in a few more hosts in case they have additional suggestions for you: @Rosanna51 @Peter4379 @Sheri1 @Mia1090 @Laëtitia-Stephy0 what do you think? 

Thank you everyone 😊

Emilie

[Mia1090]

Hi @Manifest-Property-Group0 !

Congratulations on achieving Superhost status! 🥳 That’s a fantastic milestone. Looking at your listing, here are a few personal suggestions that might help enhance its appeal:

1. Update your first five photos to highlight key areas like the bedroom, living room, kitchen, and outdoor furniture.
2. Consider running custom promotions, such as a daily 10% (or more) discount, instead of offering a non-refundable option.
3. Instead of the non-refundable policy, a moderate cancellation policy might be worth considering especially if you’re priority is to attract more bookings which also means gaining more positive reviews.
4. In my many years of hosting, I’ve never had issues claiming for missing items or damages thanks to Airbnb’s AirCover. Removing the security deposit could make your listing even more appealing to potential guests.

Hope this helps and wishing you continued success! 🤩