How to get more bookings?

[Carmen2882]

Hi Hosts. I am Ms. Carmen at 'Angel's Amongst Us' ' enjoying the beach. I am definitely needing more bookings & would appreciate tips & advice to obtain more booking. Thanks!!

Listing link : Entire condo in Little River, South Carolina, United States 4 guests1 bedroom6 beds1 bath 

Ms. Carmen

[Content updated by Community Manager]

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Carmen2882 Have you searched for properties in your area and compared them to yours? You need to be brutally honest with yourself as to what they offer/cost compared to your listing. I would say you need to be 5 or 10% cheaper than an equivalent listing given you have no reviews. In fact Airbnb suggests a 30% discount for the first 3 bookings to get you started - Did you take them up on this?

[Marie8425]

@Carmen2882 

Congratulations!  Cute listing.

Use the Airbnb New Listing Discount that really helps get you started.

Suggestions

It is not considered a condo or studio.  It is a private bedroom with some kitchen appliances, but not separate areas such as a kitchen area.  Correct that because if the potential Guest doesn't look close enough at your pictures they might be unhappy on arrival.

One room 6 beds sounds like no walking room at night,

Identify your target market sell to them not I can make money cramming a lot of people in one room.

I think your trying to have the couple and maybe the couple with 1 or 2 children.

Highlight your couple things like the wet bar,  Looking at the futon pictures if we are traveling with a 6 and 8 year old sure.  Except there is furniture in the way so not an easy task for a parent to set up and if set up things like the microwave not accessible unless I fold up.  TV available to watch but only if the group of four sit on the bed.

Outdoor dining table for 2 at a time.

And you can not on Airbnb require a cash security deposit against Airbnb TOS.

If you are trying for couples and couples with children.  Price for 2 adults and then additional fees for person 3 and person 4 so you are priced right for both markets. 

I have seen Hosts mention often spend a few nights in your own rental then it is easier to see how a potential Guest stays ST are you a relaxing vacation or a cheaper destination with cons

[Guy991]

Hello @Carmen2882 @Alex,

I think you may be underestimating how much influence guests have on Airbnb.

Could you explain how four people are meant to sleep in this room? It might help to set up the beds and take photos to show guests what the space looks like when four people stay. You may even discover it can accommodate more (or maybe less ) than expected.

I also noticed a couple of safety concerns. The toaster placed on the edge of the sink and the kettle stacked on other appliances could be risky. It might be a good idea to have a certified electrician check the setup and confirm what is safe. This way you protect your property and also make sure your insurance is valid.

One last point, I did not see photos of the bathroom. Is it shared, and if so, with whom? Adding this information would make your listing clearer for guests.

[Joel1613]

@Carmen2882  Some good advice already shared here. Brighten up you pics of the bedrooms, and use the wide angle lens on your phone--or borrow someone's that has that feature.  Highlight the living spaces before the other condo exterior images.  The outdoor pool is more attractive than the covered one, but even with your exterior pics, take them early morning or late afternoon, and make sure they are not crooked.  You want the images of your place to look beautiful, inviting, and professional, and not look like snapshots your gradkids took with your phone when you weren't looking. Feature the picnic tables, but use "portrait" mode on your phone camera to blur the parking lot. Include one inviting picture of the ocean that is only minutes away.

Good luck.  You've obviously made some nice efforts to present your place.  It just needs some more polish.

-JG

[Alex]

Hi @Joel1613, 

Just stopping by to let you know that I mentioned @Carmen2882 in your comment to help her see your message more quickly and continue the conversation. Hope this helps!

Best, 

Alex

[Jodea2]

Hi @Carmen2882,

I hope things are going well for you. I have visited South Carolina and it is beautiful! I can see you've made a real effort to make your space welcoming.

Some thoughts:

- I definitely recommend a discount for your first few bookings to get you up and running. It worked really well for me and got me those all important first few reviews to get the listing noticed.

- A few of your photos seem to look the same, maybe streamline down from the 50 or so that you have to really let people focus on the important aspects. It's not an option for everyone, but getting a professional photographer made such a difference for my listing. 

- Can you explain what "Angels Amongst Us" means? Just wasn't sure what this relates to? 

I hope that helps!

Jodea

- Try to remove as much clutter as possible - guests generally prefer a simple, unfussy space as much as possible.

[Karen114 · Accepted solution]

@Carmen2882  As other's have mentioned you need to have better pics of the enitre space rather than snippets of the space.

Your headline means nothing to the scroller- use your headlines to add things they can know without even clicking. An example would be 

"Studio Unit Pool BBQ Minutes to N Myrtle Beach"

For a studio unit I would personally only have 2 guests sleeping in the bed.  Nobody wants to sleep on a futon.

Your prices are showing in CAD which is Canadian.  

Your first 5 pics are what draws in guests. Your first 5 pics are of the covered pool, which doesn't look that inviting and exterior of the building.

Your descrptions could be a lot better.  Tell more about the area, what there is to see and do. 

Here is what ChatGPT spit out for me

"Welcome to your perfect beach getaway in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! This cozy and stylish studio apartment is designed to comfortably accommodate up to three guests, making it ideal for a couple, small family, or a group of friends.

Located just minutes from the pristine shores of North Myrtle Beach, you'll be able to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf with ease. After a fun-filled day at the beach, come back and unwind by the sparkling swimming pool or fire up the BBQ grill for a delicious outdoor meal.

The studio features a comfortable sleeping arrangement, a well-equipped kitchenette, and all the essentials you need for a relaxing stay. Whether you're here for a weekend escape or an extended vacation, this charming space is sure to feel like your home away from home.

With its prime location near local attractions, restaurants, and shopping, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips. Book your stay today and experience the best of North Myrtle Beach!"

This is longer than the 500 charcheters allowed.  You can make your 500 charchter section just highlighting in bullet points things about the property and area and use the longer descritption in about section. 

[Alex]

Hi @Carmen2882, 

I'm so happy to come back to your thread and see that you received the suggestions and advice you were looking for! Thank you everyone for your support.🤗  Did you have time to check their answers? Let us know if you’ve started applying any of the advice!

Best, 

Alex