New Host

[Tessa231]

Hi  -  I am new here and listed The Parkside Luxe Escape , South Melbourne, Melbourne.   the location, pricing & photos are great - and besides one 2 month booking,  i have no other bookings.  The surrounding houses or apartments are doing very well with much higher prices - not sure what else i have to do.  Has it got to do with reviews,  I am starting.  Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Helen3]

Airbnb sees anything below 4.60 as a failing listing. This puts you at risk of Airbnb suspending your listing until you demonstrate what actions you are taking to improve your listing. @Tessa231 

I can see you're an experienced host with over 90 reviews with a 4.26 rating so presume you have deleted this listing?  I was a little confused by your comment that you're a new host??

Unfortunately your review rate for your previous listing will mean you fall down the Airbnb rankings and the reviews will put some guests off from booking with you. 

as you have a cohost helping you manage your listing I would ask their advice on how you can better market your new listing as they will be more familiar with with your location. 

[Tessa231]

Thank you for your reply!  i did host the same property 8 years ago, but took it off as it needed renovations.   It is now renovated and so i started a new listing!  i will study more how I can get bookings! 

[Ericka104]

Looking at your property the photos do not look professionally done. Your place is nice but the photos also look like real estate photos and not life style photos that evoke an emotion or experience. Is there something special about your place or location of so display it. You should include some beautiful photos of the area and things to do. Here is a link to an example of photos that were professionally done and staged to create a feeling of what it would be like to stay there. https://www.vacana.com/vacation-rentals/whisper-house1/?beds=

Also, maybe consider hiring a revenue manger to adjust pricing to match the market around you daily. Your pricing should be checked and adjusted daily so hard for people who self manage to control. If you have a property manager then they are failing you here and maybe should get another one. 

Hope this helps! 

[Tessa231]

Thank you Ericka, for the nice advice.  Will add some nice photos of local area!

[Hashmat4]

🏡 How to Increase Your Bookings

📸 1. Make Your Listing Look Irresistible

• Use bright, high-quality photos (daytime + evening shots)
• Show your best features first (hot tub, location, space, vibe)
• Add 1–2 lifestyle photos (couple/friends enjoying the space)
• Use a clean, attractive cover photo

✍️ 2. Upgrade Your Title & Description

• Keep the title short, clear, and benefit-focused
  (Example: “Hot Tub • Walk to Caesars • Free Parking • Sleeps 9”)
• In description, highlight:
  
• Location perks
• Unique features (hot tub, parking, space, TVs, etc.)
• Who it’s perfect for (families, groups, couples, events)

⭐ 3. Build Trust Fast

• Respond to messages quickly
• Always be polite and helpful
• Ask happy guests to leave a review
• Reply nicely to reviews (future guests read this!)

💰 4. Price It Smart

• Check similar listings in your area
• Offer:
  
• Slightly lower price for weekdays
• Discounts for longer stays
• Use competitive pricing during slow seasons

🧼 5. Make It Feel “Hotel-Level” Clean

• Spotless bathrooms & kitchen
• Fresh sheets and towels
• No clutter
• Nice smell = big difference

🎁 6. Add High-ROI Amenities

• Free parking
• Fast Wi-Fi
• Coffee/tea station
• Extra pillows & blankets
• Clear instructions for everything (Wi-Fi, TV, hot tub, etc.)

📍 7. Sell the Location

• Mention nearby attractions (Caesars, waterfront, downtown, etc.)
• Add how far things are (walk, drive, minutes)
• Guests LOVE convenience

📱 8. Use Social Media

• Post reels of:
  
• Hot tub
• Cozy vibes
• Night shots
• Before/after cleaning
• Add your booking link in bio

🛎️ 9. Make Check-in Super Easy

• Clear instructions
• Simple self check-in
• Quick replies if guests are confused

🔁 10. Keep Improving

• Read guest feedback carefully
• Fix small complaints fast
• Upgrade little things over time (lights, decor, comfort)

[Tessa231]

Hi Hasmat,  thank you so much for your tips, will act on it.