Critique my space!

[Elizabeth3867]

Hello everyone!

I recently became a co-host of this unit, and I hope to increase our bookings. We are located near downtown Memphis and are looking to provide a simple yet comfortable space for our guests to relax while enjoying the surrounding areas. 

Any advice you can give regarding the space or the listing is much appreciated!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/963893225011829443?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=f0d314f0-f9e1...

[Elisa]

Hi @Elizabeth3867 😊, 

Thank you for asking for a critique listing here.

What are you doing as a co-host for this listing?

I’m tagging a few hosts to see what advice they can give you on this: @Branko38, @Cindy1764, @Tariq52, @Supriya29, @Naomi208, @Lorina14 and @Karen4131.
Thank you in advance, everyone!

[Cindy1764]

The space and the description are a bit of a mismatch. With 2 queen beds and a pull out sofa, all together in one room, it's unlikely you will get 2 couples (who would be interested in the cocktail bar you mention), but more likely to attract families who are willing to share an intimate space. Maybe not families with kids since you mention the noise - maybe families with teenagers or adult children - or sisters traveling.  Think of who you want to attract and then align the  description to focus on reasons that ideal customer would want to stay here.

With one bedroom, you are competing with hotels more than with other BnBs.  Why stay here vs a hotel?

The rooms are very sterile with nothing on the walls - no personality. I always inject something with some personality in every property. Something memorable that stands out and stops people from scrolling. Maybe hang an Elvis poster (I'm not kidding) or hang some musical instruments on the wall. Give it a theme and play it up!

[Elisa]

Hi @Cindy1764 😊, 

Thank you so much for helping our host!

You highlighted some nice points. What do you have on the walls of your listing?

[Branko38 · Accepted solution]

Hey @Elizabeth3867, this is what I noticed about your listing:

1. Your description of the space is concise. Explain the space as you would to your best friend adding why he/she should book your apartment. Mention the amenities that you think the guests will enjoy the most. Do you provide Netflix or Amazon Prime? - mention that. Fast internet? That too. 

Guests want to paint a picture of what it will look like if they book with you.

2. Add some more greenery (doesn't have to be real), as that will add some life. 

Add some more texture. Additional rug under the dining table, some more cushions whose color will work with the base colors, and some light that will enhance the mood inside. 

Other words - add color to your walls as they are white.

3. Remake the pictures again after the changes. 

I hope my contribution will be helpful.

Cheers 🥂 

[Tariq52]

Hi @Elizabeth3867 ,

The space looks clean and inviting and photos are good. I always recommend a few highlights of the area if location is a main selling point, especially in a central location like this place.

First and foremost, I would read every single review and make sure that any maintenance items are taken care of. There were certain things that multiple guests complained about like the bathroom door, not enough toilet paper, etc. These are low hanging fruit that will go a long way.

My main suggestions are on the listing description. You need to establish who your customer base is. From your reviews, a lot of guests are from couples or solo travelers visiting Memphis for concerts, food, nightlife, etc. And since you are located next to a few bars it looks like it can get pretty lively at night. From your description:

- Please note that there is a cocktail bar next door, so there will likely be guests outside in the courtyard on the weekends. But this should not affect a guest's ability to enjoy a peaceful stay.

Instead of framing this as a drawback, sell it as a feature! It could be something like:

- Central downtown apartment just steps from Memphis nightlife, live music, restaurants and bars. Located next to a popular cocktail bar, you'll enjoy some lively evenings just outside your door.

Here's a great quote from Seth Godin, marketing savant: “You’re not here to make everyone happy. You’re here to delight the people you seek to serve, and to repel the ones you don’t.” It's all about strong positioning to make sure you're getting the guests (perhaps on the younger side) who come for downtown Memphis vibes.

Lastly, make sure you have very clear instructions for parking and constantly optimize the check in experience until it is smooth like gravy!

Tariq

[Helen3]

Who do you see as the target market for your listing ? @Elizabeth3867 

What's supply and demand like for your sort of listing

Once you've optimised your listing then you can invest in researching and developing a marketing plan to promote listing through direct bookings , marketing and promoting across relevant platforms .

[Elisa]

Hi @Branko38, @Tariq52 and @Helen3 😊, 

thank you so much for helping our host!

@Elizabeth3867 Have you been able to implement some of the suggestions from our hosts?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Elizabeth3867]

Yes, thanks everyone for their suggestions! I have tweaked the listing and added more details. I will say some of the listing setup feels a little redundant, but I think I have it pretty well organized. The owner has mentioned in the past about adding a mural. I think that will be good for adding color. We are also working on replacing the couch and the bedding, so we will get nice new pictures after that.

Thanks again, everyone!

[Elisa]

Hi @Elizabeth3867 😊, 

Thank you for updating us!

I’m happy you found the help you needed here.
Do you already know what colors the new couch and bedding will be? This is so exciting, love design!