Critique my listing

[Drashti2]

Hi! I have been a host for about a year now. Although there are some months when my place is fully booked and some months are either slow or there are no bookings at all. I hope by using your experience, I can make changes that helps my place be a better choice for my guests.

Thanks!

Home in Mumbai · ★4.91 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath

[Listing link edited by OCM]

[Paula]

Hello @Drashti2, welcome to the Airbnb Community!

I wanted to let you know that I’ve edited the link to your listing to make it more visible so other hosts can take a look and offer their suggestions.

I’m also reaching out to some experienced hosts to see if they’d like to share their feedback: @Melinda438 @Shady2 @Lamberto-and-Enrica0 and @Elise43 

Regards,

[Drashti2]

Thanks Paula!

[Maria-Eugenia67]

Hola paula, gracias por contactarme. Creo que pondría menos fotos e intentaría mejorar las que hay. Por ejemplo las de la ventana. solo podría las que dejan ver el exterior. las fotos de la biblioteca con una me parece que es suficiente. Espero  haberte servido  de ayuda. Saludos cordiales. 

Maria Eugenia. 

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Hi Paula, thanks for contacting me. I think I would use fewer photos and try to improve the ones you have. For example, the ones of the window—I would only include the ones that show the outside. One photo of the library seems sufficient. I hope this helps. Best regards. 

Maria Eugenia. 

[Google translation added by OCM]

[Elise43 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Drashti2 ! I really like that your listing description is detailed— that builds confidence. But I think there is a lot of room for improvement in the photos. 

I mentor new hosts for Airbnb’s SetUp program, and this is the advice I give them about taking great photos— I hope it helps: 

Photos say volumes, and it's worth the time to style your space and edit your photos to make them clear and bright. Don't post your photos until you edit & brighten them!

Here's my quick checklist:

~ Open curtains and blinds
~ Turn off lights (you will brighten the photos when you edit them-- Airbnb has done a lot of market research and photos without the lights turned on get booked more often!)
~ Remove all clutter and personal photos. Minimize knick-knacks
~ Obsessively fluff pillows and fold and drape throws
~ Make the beds PERFECTLY
~ Minimize kitchen clutter, close-up of coffee set-up
~ Straighten rugs
~ Fold towels precisely
~Minimize ceilings in photos
~ take wide shots and close shots of details
~Review photos to look for bare-spots. A painting on a wall or a vase on a table can make a whole room look a lot better.

Airbnb has a great guide to help with this:

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/take-great-listing-photos-with-your-phone-14

And this is a new guide that really gets into the nuts and bolts of great photos:
https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/prepare-your-space-for-a-smartphone-photo-shoot-213

I like to think about the different ways my guests might interact with my space, and take photos to reflect that.

A close-up for the table, set with nice china or cool pottery gives them a deeper sense of the care that's gone into designing the listing. A photo of the fresh flowers or cookies you leave guests lets the know this is a space where details matter!

Views out windows, of the green spaces, and of the entrance help them imagine what being there will really be like. And don't forget to include informative captions under your photos.

Airbnb will rearrange your photos for you-- it's worth trying-- you can always change it if you don't like that order.

Photos are part of the listing you might update often, as you change and upgrade your space. And this guide will help you arrange them so that Airbnb can highlight your home's spaces https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-organize-listing-photos-into-a-home-tour-456

good luck!

warmly, 
Elise

[Drashti2]

Thank you for your insights @Elise43 !

[Elise43]

@Drashti2 I hope it’s helpful! All of our listings are works in progress! Experiment, try new things, move photos around, and see what happens. I think that the most successful hosts are those who are always working with their listings to make them more accurate and more pleasant for their guests.

[Kimberly1275]

Hi there @Drashti2 ,

Thank you for the opportunity to review the listing. I think the space itself has great potential, but the number one thing I would recommend improving is the photography.

Many of the current photos appear dark and a bit difficult to see clearly. When guests are browsing, they need to be able to immediately envision themselves staying in the space. Bright, well-lit photos make a significant difference in both perceived value and booking confidence.

I would suggest:

• Opening all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible

• Turning on every interior light during photos

• Taking photos during the brightest time of day

• Possibly using additional lighting or hiring a photographer to enhance brightness and clarity

Additionally, I noticed there are no exterior photos of the home. While the interior is well shown, guests also want to see what the property looks like from the outside. Including at least one or two exterior shots would help build trust and give guests a better sense of arrival and curb appeal.

With brighter photos and a few exterior images added, I believe the listing would feel much more inviting and competitive.

Wishing you success with the property!

Best,

Kimberly Murillo

Vexlux Properties 

[Loida21]

Hi @Drashti2 

Most of my suggestions would be similar to those of the hosts that have already replied therefore, I won't repeat those.  I loved your listing description, and the apartment is very nice.  Professional photos will increase your chances of your listing being prioritized by Airbnb's algorithm because it uses AI to recognize "high performing" aesthetics.  High quality photos may increase your views which can increase your bookings.  It's worth the extra cost.  

Regarding the TV placement, I don't see an electrical outlet on the wall in front of the couch but if there is a way to get an electrical outlet on that wall, I would recommend placing the TV in front of the couch. You can add a nice piece of artwork in the area where the TV is currently located adding some color and life to the area so that it does not look sterile.   Add a few matching throw pillows on the couch to tie it all together.    

If you can't move the TV from its current location, then add artwork to the wall in front of the couch.  The living room layout is a bit off, because the TV is far from the couch and facing away from the viewer to a blank wall.  I suggest finding a way to make it look more inviting and relaxing.  An idea could be, an area rug, artwork, throw pillows or throw blanket and greenery.  Bring it to life without clutter and call in the photographer.

Best Wishes, 

Loida