New Host!

[Krystle58]

I would love any feedback on anything I’m a first time host but super excited for this chapter. 

Listing link : The Bayou Haven | Entire home in West Monroe, Louisiana, United States 8 guests4 bedrooms6 beds3 bat... 

[Content updated by Community Manager]

[Krystle58]

[Content updated by Community Manager]

[Emiel1]

@Krystle58 

I looked at your listing.

There is not much description to read !

- I suggest to add the captions (settings in the editor) to the bedroom photos (size and style of beds)

- You charge same price for 1 or 16 guests. To also attract smaller groups you can use the "extra guest fee" option for pricing.

- You offer 1 night stays. Be aware of guests booking for parties !

- Add more houserules like "(no) pets allowed" also extra explain the "no parties" rule, no unregistred guests allowed etc..

Airbnb will probably block certain guest to book your property, maybe read:

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/223

Added:

I also suggest  to remove the housenr from the main photo and set location to "general" in the location editor.

The house is now easy to find for everyone !

Hope this helps

- 

[Marie8425]

@Krystle58 

Welcome!  Beautiful property.

My advice is always though more people sounds likemore money your actually advertising cram your guests in because tou don;t want to pay more for what you should rent. Said that way says economy rental, your rental is to beautiful don;t  encourage guests with the wrong mindsei.

Set a price for 8 and then you can accept up to 10 but additional charge per additional guest.  This way your price is competative both narkets, but doesn't encourage people who want to spend a 7 day vacation on an  air mattress instead maybe a kid in a kids bedroom.

Your ad speaks a lot about enjoying outside but you only show the driveway.  Show the backyard maybe you have a deck?

Okay  you have 10 sleeping areas.  This is a bigger group on vacation together.  They want to eat together relax together comfortably.

Seating is just as important as sleeping areas.

The Guest doesn't know your area like you do.  Tell  them near this or away from that.  Share your knowledge.

Instead of a sale price turn on the Airbnb  New Lusting Discoun.  Airbnb boosts your listingif you do and that really helps you get started.

[Donna-Broom0 · Accepted solution]

Krystle - Congrats on your first property! I started with 1 personally owned, which grew to 7,  and then retired from Corporate America (after 35 years...whew) and started my own property management company and...love interacting with guests. A few suggestions:

* Guests are less interested in the name of the property (we started off with that at first) as compared to key words describing the property. Here is the title for our first property (Tennessee Delight): "Fenced yard - Dogs - Chattanooga 7 miles - Hiking"

* Remove the WiFi - only needs to be shared with confirmed guests

* Use the feature of $xx for each guest above xx

* Add some local  pictures above the couch and dining area to brighten up the rooms and highlight the area

* Add some details in the listing about venues and activities nearby. When guests are looking, most times, they are in the area for a specific reason and want to know how close your house is. 

* We too started off with photos from our personal cameras but then found the services of Box Brownie to be very helpful! Website where you can load you pictures and then they will complete image enhancements for a nominal charge of $1.60 per photo. Item removal (as in removing the house #) is only $4.00.

Best wishes on your future success with The Bayou Haven

[Crisette0]

This is a great advice especially with the photos. I didn't know about Box Brownie. Thank you!

[Diana3203]

Hi, what a cute place. It sleeps a lot of people, so it should do great. I also love that you are in Louisiana. My grandpa is from New Orleans, so that made me smile.

If there is one suggestion I might offer, it would be to consider hiring a professional photographer if that is possible for you. It truly makes a world of difference when it comes to drawing people in. If hiring a photographer is not an option right now, I would recommend redoing any photos taken with overhead lights on and instead using natural light.

For example, Bedroom Four, where there are no overhead lights on, has a much nicer, more inviting feel than the image of Bedroom Three. I hope this is helpful, and thank you for sharing your space.

[Crisette0]

Congrats Krystle! 👏 1st celebrate your success. We're cheering you on! Photos are dimmed so if I agree with one of the suggestions below to improve it. It's worth it because that's what will convert guests to book your place. 😀

[Bossdiva0]

Based on your listing in my opinion the color n the decor is not vibrant.. definitely need to hv a modern look and definitely need a pop of color..Remember it’s not what you like but what you attract. Attraction sells. Hope this helps. 

[Anibal78]

krystle58 Bienvenida!! , te deseo mucha suerte en esta aventura! 

La redacción del anuncio es muy importante, destaca los puntos fuertes y utiliza palabras "clave" sobre aquello que quieras destacar por ejemplo "Piscina, aire acondicionado, vistas al lago, aparcamiento gratuito..."

Describe tanto el alojamiento como los alrededores, omite lo que no te interese, pero se sincero para no crear falsas expectativas y que el huésped  se sienta engañado.

Elige una buena foto principal, que será tu presentación, y todas las fotos que sean de buena calidad, algunos fotógrafos son bastante económicos y se aprecia el resultado.

Organiza las fotos de todas las estancias, se cuidadosa en los detalles, la limpieza etc. A los huéspedes les gustan las sorpresas agradables como una cesta de bienvenida con algunos regalos de comida o para el aseo. 

También se muy amable al responder, comunícate bien y rápido, que el huésped se sienta atendido y cuidado.

Respecto a los precios puedes empezar un poco a la baja según los precios de tu zona, hasta que tengas un poco de experiencia, acumules reseñas... Mi consejo no es que bajes demasiado sino que hagas promociones que son más atractivas  10%, 20%...

Y nada, sigue averiguando y como todo en la vida se mejora con la experiencia.

Te deseo mucha suerte 🍀 👌 

_______________________________________________________________________
 
Google Translation added by Community Manager:  

krystle58 Welcome!! I wish you the very best of luck on this adventure!

The wording of your listing is very important – highlight the key features and use “keywords” for anything you really want to draw attention to, such as “Swimming pool, air conditioning, lake views, free parking...”.

Describe both the accommodation and the surrounding area. Leave out anything that isn’t relevant, but be honest so as not to create false expectations or make guests feel misled.

Choose a great main photo, as this will be your introduction, and make sure all your photos are high quality – some photographers are quite affordable and the results really show.

Organise photos of all the rooms; pay attention to the details, cleanliness, etc. Guests always appreciate pleasant surprises, like a welcome basket with a few food items or toiletries.

Be friendly when responding to enquiries, communicate well and promptly, so guests feel cared for and attended to.

As for your pricing, you could start a little lower compared to similar listings in your area until you gain some experience and start collecting reviews. My advice isn’t to drop your prices too much, but rather to offer promotions, which tend to be more attractive – 10%, 20%, and so on.

And that’s it! Keep learning – as with everything in life, you’ll improve with experience.

Wishing you the best of luck 🍀👌

[Ali-and-Argen0]

Welcome to this great community and wishing you all the best with your hosting experience! ❣️ 

[Amr267]

Hi 👋

Welcome to hosting, and congrats on your first listing — it’s a great start!

One thing that really helped me, especially with new guests, was using short AI-generated videos.

I send a quick welcome & apartment overview video, a clear check-in instructions video, and a short polite review-request video after checkout.

It reduced questions, made check-in smoother, and helped with positive reviews.

Wishing you a great hosting journey!

[Genesis28]

Yei!! congrats! and welcome to the Airbnb family!

The property is very cute and cozy. Maybe add one of these words into the description. 

Here are my thoughts:

- Pictures: I agree with all other comments. Pictures need to be brighten up. These pictures does not make the place inviting 😞  When taking the pictures, make sure the beds are PERFECTLY made and show towels and toiletries that you offer. Your BEST investment in this listing will be the pictures. Hands down! 

- Decor: Adding a living room rug, center table, and wall decor will make a big difference. 

- Description: Make sure to add amenities to each of the rooms. I see you did that for Bedroom 1-4, but not for living room, full kitchen, etc. This will help with the algorithm 😉

Also, the listing description needs to be more detailed. Remember you are trying to sell your place. Describe it in a way that people can actually picture themself in the house, enjoying delicious meals with their family. 

Remove wifi information from the description. You can add this in the listing settings, and only confirm reservations will see it. 

- Pricing: I suggest using smart pricing, I know its an extra cost, but its worth it! You need to increase prices for weekends, holidays, and high season. And lower during slow months. 

- backyard?: I do not see a picture of the backyard. Do guest have access to any outdoor space? if so, you have to show it and mention it in the description. If not, then also mention that in the description. This will ensure you set clear expectations for the guests. Smokers will be asking questions 🙂 

- Guest count: I now see you have a max of 8 guests. I think is perfect!

In all, the house has great potential!!! Keep on the good work! 

Best regards,

Genesis Seguias

Forever Guest Management

[Cam4488]

Welcome to the Hosting side of Airbnb,

Your listing looks very nice, but I would remove the wifi details, items like that can be sent automatically once they are booked and closer to their stay so it's easy to find.

Add house rules such as No Parties, and add a guidebook for some of the local businesses, activities...

All the best,

Cam

[Paula]

Hello @Krystle58, it’s so great to see our host community come together to share their suggestions with you 😊

Have you had a chance to read them? Are you planning to implement any of their ideas?

We’d love to hear from you 🌟

[Andrew1849]

Disable instant booking, you can guage a lot from the quality of a written enquiry. 

minimum 2 nights. 

minimum Guests, 4???

set one day space at end of the booking. 

Regards, Andrew