New Host!

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New Host!

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]

Top Answer

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

 

 

 

 

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21 Replies 21

Hi Krystle58...I saw your listing and it looks great....When you start off, you may like not to spend on much more than what you already have, no matter who advises to....

The right attitude in welcoming guests and making their stay pleasant may be one of the best ways to get you to Super Host Status in no time...
I am enclosing a link of the Airbnb Non-Discrimnation Policy below ok: 

Nondiscrimination Policy - Airbnb Help Center

You'll need to press the Ctrl Button and Click the Above link to access it ok.

With a big place like yours, you may expect big families, maybe even with kids and pets...Thus detergents, cleaning chemicals may need to be stored higher up in the kitchen or store where they are.

Also, remove.bg and Adobe Express are cool for free photo editing....I like cool pics of the WC, and Towels in the pics in or near the shower are an attraction. You may get more editing software for pics and write-ups from free AI Software like Gemini, Chat GPT, Grok AI. Try to remove duplicate pics in your listing too.

Once you get guests, they all know you're new, and thus If you show you're welcoming, warm and accomodating, you'll go up the ratings ladder soon enough.

Best of luck, Jazz


Congratulations! Your property is quite spacious. I would recommend investing a little in remodeling it with a more modern decoration. In addition, consider hiring a professional photographer to take more attractive photos.

 

It is also important to include detailed descriptions in each photo. Not only describe the size of the space, but also convey how guests would feel about spending time in each area.

Hi there 

 

Not knowing the area or the market, I can still offer some feedback on the attractiveness aspects of the listing.

 

* Grab guests attention with your best pictures, lead with bright and welcoming ones

* Including decorative touches inside can improve the appeal (eg. Paintings, Potplants etc) 

* The listing does not tell me much about the area, surrounding or convenience, include that

* Ensure you've benchmarked your price <> value against other listings in the area

* Value adds help, things that guests might appreciate eg. Bath amenities, Coffee etc

 

Hope this helps, and all the best!! 

 

 

Congrats! Your listing looks like it's off to a great start.

 

Remember Show & Tell from kindergarten?

Do that with your listing!

 

TELL the story of your home. Where is it located? What is nearby? What makes it "Sportsman’s Paradise"? Are there hunting grounds and fishing nearby? What can they hunt/catch?

 

How far is the home from places like grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues? Or are there no neighbors for miles?

Sometimes people include photos of a neighborhood if it's in a city. You might share photos of nearby bodies of water or lush woods.

I can see on the map that you are close to two wildlife refuges as well as a bayou and a river. Tell, tell, tell!

 

Do you have any items that guests can use in their outdoor adventures? I've seen people list things like kayaks and canoes. I'm 50 minutes from the beach, so I list beach chairs, an umbrella, and beach towels.

 

SHOW!

 

You absolutely need more photos. Most spaces only have one photo. Don't get redundant and show the same part of the room repeatedly, but at least show a few different angles. You can even take photographs of some closets, especially if they are walk-in.

 

Take another shot of the front exterior that shows the whole house. The one you are using is zoomed in. That could work for the cover photo, which you are using now, but it will help to also have another photo to really show off the home. Also, show the backyard. Is there any seating? A deck? What does the private patio or balcony look like? What is the view like? You have a fenced yard, so show it off!

 

It's a two-story home, so show the stairs. Some people have mobility issues, and some stairs are easier to use than others.

 

If you mention something in your amenities that could be a cool feature, show it! Ex. Indoor fireplace: gas.

 

Other tips:

 

You need decor! Most of the walls are bare. I can only see one piece of artwork (in bedroom 2). Even a few pictures from a thrift store would help. People book Airbnbs because they want to feel like they're at home. Even hotels have artwork. 🙂 Artwork will also make your photos look so much better. I would make sure you have at least one piece of decor in every small room (bathrooms included).

 

TRUE STORY: Multiple people have told me they booked my place because they loved my Star Wars-themed guest bathroom. I probably have 6-7 photos of my tiny bathroom because I am showing off my art and decor.

 

You need lamps. A lot of people (myself included) hate overhead lighting. I would take the lamp from the little seating area in the living room and move it to bedroom 1. Make sure you take pictures of the rooms with the lamps on. The soft glow is inviting. I have versions of photos of most rooms with daylight and lamp light.

 

To do once you start getting more income: get new/matching bedding for bedroom 4.

I would just like to advice you to talk well before accepting the requests. You guests feel more comfortable once they already had a conversation with you. Tell them your house rules before hand .

@Krystle58,

 

You have a fantastic place! From my 8 months of hosting experience, one thing I’ve learned is that it really helps when the name of your listing is linked to something special about your property — for example, walking distance to a lake, nearby forest hiking trails, or any attraction guests can enjoy during their stay.

 

Regarding pricing, it’s always good to regularly check the rates of other Airbnb listings nearby and adjust accordingly.

 

The beginning can be challenging, but stay patient. Make sure to upload bright, colourful, and clear photos — ideally taken by a professional photographer — as good photos make a huge difference.

 

Wishing you all the very best!

 

You’re welcome to check my listing as well. https://airbnb.com/h/villapetria

Hi @Krystle58,

you have a wonderful home and space.
I'm sure that with your friendliness and hospitality, you'll soon be successful.
Based on my experience as a host, I suggest you include everything you consider important in your “house rules.”
I assure you that there will be no misunderstandings with your guests.
Finally, I also recommend giving your guests some local food or drinks, which they will appreciate, especially if they are not from the area.
Good luck and welcome to the community!

 

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