Critique my listing

[Jessica3926]

Just started my property on Airbnb and have had great success alot of my guests have given me great ideas of things that could be better and I've updated accordingly but is their anything else I could be doing .... are staged photos good ie. A set picnic table or smores with a fire going things that would liven up the listing paige worth the extra money worth it ? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 👏 

Home in Rapid City · ★5.0 · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1 bath

[Image and link added by OCM]

[Will3684 · Accepted solution]

@Jessica3926 Remove the shots that are hyper focused on the TV. they can see you have a tv available in the listing and they can see that there is one in the photos of the livingroom. the highlight of the tv isnt necessarily offputting but its not over a grand mantle or something and its not a giant centerpiece and since its off center just comes off as odd. 

The lighting in this listing is not good. It seems dark in every photo. Hiring a professional photographer will make a world of difference. 

in kitchen photo with shot of laundry room remove stick that is randomly resting against laundry machine, and remove paper towels off the counter. Less is more. 

in bedroom shot with open closet, close the closet door or remove everything from the closet for the shot. Feel free to put them back after. 

for outdoor shot of fireplace, seal the crack in the concrete, this is a cheap fix and you can but sealant from home depot or lowes cheap as a dyi project. Make sure that the photo is taken on a day that there has not been rain before the shoot. And make sure that the grass if freshly cut. 

close the screen door on the photo of the front of the house. 

bedroom with the relax and undwind wall fixture, hide the metal bedframe w/larger bedding, the bed just looks uncomftable. 

Basically the idea is that you want to use angles and perception to entice people to book your home. And you want to show it in its best possible light.

hopefully this comes off as helpful and not nit picking. I think overall this is a good listing, but we can always make small tweaks to make out listings better. My partner is an interior designer, and I am a real estate agent, thats the lense I am looking at this listing from. Best of luck I hope you make so much money!! 

[Tim3904]

HI there @Jessica3926, thanks for giving us the chance to chip and help. Im a host based in the UK - and always enjoy seeing other peoples listings. My personal opinion is that the same personalized welcome from everyone is troublesome - what one person will like, another wont.

That being said, Why not offer a welcome package, for those who might like like the picnic table, or a welcome basket. Add it as a additional extra and service that you can charge for. Im sure there must be some local produce that would appeal to people from far away?

In terms of the listing, what I noticed right away was lack of photos/pictures/artwork. The space is lovely, and the plants are a great touch, but looking at bedroom 3 - it stands out as colorful and different. Can you include or find any pictures of the local area and/or places that people may wish to visit?

I notice that essentials are listed as not included. These airbnb list as : toilet paper, soap, linens, a towel, and a pillow. - I imagine this may well be an oversight and these would seem impossible to host without?

Lastly I might suggest new photos on some of the rooms, - as the lighting seems a bit dark and off. - Silly little thing really, but the first picture people see is of a TV. in my experience here, very few people sit and watch TV on a break, unless late at night. It may well be different there, but the kitchen for example is much more of a bright inviting picture - somewhere for the family to gather and socialise.

Just my few pence, - hope it helps - I do like the look of the place, but a small amount of work on brighter/more inviting photos would help massively. I wish you all the very best. 

[Tim4077]

Hi @Jessica3926 ,  

I agree with the two listings below.  

I think your property would benefit from professional pictures.  The photographer would  bring in lighting and make everything look bigger and more open.   Remove all the closeup/zoomed in pictures they make the space feel more cramped.  Remove all items from countertops to give a cleaner simpler look.  

I would remove any closeups of the firepit area, the concrete is old and cracked. The last picture is the best and all that is needed of this area.  It hides the cracks and doesn't show the old sheds in the neighbors yards.

I would also include some nice pictures of attractions in the town. A downtown area, local playground or other attraction that people come to town for.  Look at other listings or houses for sale in the area and they probably have some of these areas to give you ideas. This will increase your picture count.  

In the amenities I would recommend getting a CO2 alarm. This might be a requirement of your local licensing and your insurance anyway.  It shows up a crossed out on your main page.  Even if your house is all electric some guest might not understand why it's not there. It's a cheap $20 to avoid any confusion. 

I hope that helps and it looks like you are doing great so far.

[TNT-Vacation-Rentals0]

@Jessica3926 I try to focus on the guest experience and keep things clear and concise so it's easy to understand what the guest is getting.  I stay away from the descriptive marketing fluff.  Here is how I would list it.

Welcome to Nature Nest!

Nestled close to downtown Rapid City, Nature Nest offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and access to outdoor adventures. This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is ideal for families, friends, and nature enthusiasts looking for a comfortable retreat.

Highlights:

• Prime Location: Located just minutes from downtown Rapid City, you'll have easy access to local shops, restaurants, and popular attractions.
• Spacious Backyard: Enjoy a large backyard perfect for playing, relaxing, or hosting evening gatherings. Light up the fire pit after a delightful BBQ or start your day with a refreshing morning yoga session.
• Comfortable Accommodations: Three cozy bedrooms provide ample space for up to 5 guests. The home is baby and toddler-friendly, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay for families.
• Work-Friendly: A dedicated desk space is available for those who need to catch up on work or personal tasks during their stay.
• Outdoor Amenities: The backyard features a patio with a picnic table, perfect for al fresco dining and outdoor relaxation.
• Family-Friendly: This home is designed with families in mind, offering a welcoming and accommodating environment for all ages.

Nearby Attractions:

• Mount Rushmore: Just a short drive away, visit the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
• Badlands National Park: Explore the stunning landscapes and hiking trails of Badlands National Park.
• Custer State Park: Enjoy wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and numerous outdoor activities.
• Downtown Rapid City: Discover local shops, dining, and entertainment options in the vibrant downtown area.

Come experience the warmth and comfort of Nature Nest, your ideal home away from home in Rapid City. We look forward to hosting you and ensuring a memorable stay!

---

Additional Suggestions:

• Photos: Ensure high-quality, well-lit photos of each room and the backyard. Include images of local attractions. The hero picture should be of something unique to the property, pool, fire pit, and colorful mural wall.  something that stands and draws interest.  the other four should be different rooms or shots of other interesting things for the guest.
• Pricing Strategy: Compare similar listings in Rapid City and consider competitive pricing, discounts for longer stays, and seasonal adjustments.
• Reviews: Encourage guests to leave reviews and respond to them to build credibility.
• SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords like "Rapid City vacation rental," "family-friendly home," and "outdoor retreat."

Conclusion

By enhancing your description and implementing these suggestions, you can attract more potential guests and improve the overall appeal of your Airbnb listing.

Hope this helps!! Troy

[Paula]

Hi @Jessica3926 👋

There are amazing suggestions from our Hosts in this thread 😍! Have you had the chance to read them? Are you planning to take some professional photos or offer a welcoming package?

Please keep us updated on when you can get back to us, as we would love to know your thoughts.

Regards 🌟

[Jessica3926]

I love everyone's thoughts and ideas I've taken alot of it into practice I've added some more art taken new pics I did have a professional taking photos but we were rushed and some things weren't quite ready to be photographed.... alot has changed and ill be posting new photos and I've added alot more detail to the listing descriptions to appeal to more people family's and adventure seakers. Theirs still alot I haven't done yet but ill keep working on it thankyou so much @TNT-Vacation-Rentals0 @Tim4077 @Tim3904 and @Will3684 !!!!

[Todd415]

@Jessica3926 Looks like you have all five star reviews, so not sure what you're asking for?  Looks nicely decorated and homey with a lot of amenities.  Maybe showcase the seating in the dining area more is all I can think of.