Hi Paula and ShareakaO,
First off, Please,I hope you will be open to ideas and criticism, which I think is what you are asking for. I just don't want my comments to be taken negatively, they are intended to help you. I don't have too much time, so forgive me if I am somewhat short or at time brutally honest. *I will also add, we have been running an extremely successful AirBnB for about 3 years in a historical neighborhood very close in to the city of Portland, OR. Between the 2 platforms, we book up 2 months in advance. The last 6 months we were at almost 100% occupancy. , and easily year around, 3-5 days a week. My wife and I are also Designers, so there is an extreme level of attention to detail, as well as all 5 star 'gleaming' reviews from about 80 guest stays. *We knew NOTHING about this business when we started, just a vision. We have traveled extensively all over the world [75 countries] staying at some super amazing properties. So we brought all the experience home to start our STR.
I would say first off. The pictures could be more *Interesting. More light, unusual angles, etc. Take some pictures of the big tree from below. Maybe less pix of the house standing alone, but more close up shots. 2nd, It would help to write A LOT more descriptive elements to your STR. Max out the letter counter in every possible part of the platform. Seems like you are sort of new, I only see 2 reviews. But, you will need to figure out who your target guests are, [the bread and butter clients], create a story around the STR, romance it, be descriptive. We get A lot of guests that are here to visit their grown children in the neighborhood, our B&B, we also get a lot of people coming in to eat at our amazing restaurants and explore Portland for the first time.
The space, Why are all the book shelves and hutch empty? [I'd also secure them to the wall if not already- the mirror in the corner too. * which also seems a bit random] We love to add decretive elements that also tell the story of where you are in the world. What are some unique things your area offers, and then add some decorations that speak to that. Personally, I'd paint in a bright white, and have a 'feature wall' of some sort. The curtains look old and dingy.
Outside, WHAT a beautiful massive tree, so Neat! Play with this theme, have a big swing, or bench swing. Shoot the house from the angle under the tree in a dramatic way. When shooting outside, use the golden hour. *this is the time about an hour before sunset, which will create dramatic light and shadows. Also, the landscaping looks way too minimal. How about a 3 foot planting area with flowers all the way around the house. And that power pole, just looks awkward sitting out there..
I would also do market research. What do the other STR's near you look like? you need to be at Par, or above if you want someone to choose you over another. I am quite hans on with our guests. I offer many suggestions of things to do, see, or good favorite local restaurants and coffee shops for our guests. Help your guests 'hit the ground running' so to say. You are the local expert, offer your advice to help your guests maximize their time there.
Last, If you are struggling to come up with descriptions, or even ideas of some interesting photos. It's quite remarkable what the AI can do in like 2 seconds. If you know, you know. You could easily just take my comments, and add your pictures as is, give the AI some basic prompts that are specific to your area, location and like magic. *Note, the AI is rarely 100% accurate, it's just a tool like a shovel or a rake. It's up to you to use it for ideas, and not as gospel. BUT it can generate content very quickly if you ask it the right way. Then use that as inspiration to create your own content.
My2cents...
I hope my comments help. Sorry to be short, I need to go Flip our apartment. Guest checked out yesterday, and another one coming in tomorrow... You got this!
Cheers, Bradley
