New property looking for traction

[Eric-And-Lisa1]

What is the best way for a new host to gain traction and get bookings? 

[Sheila646]

There are lots of things you can do to help drive listings. Perhaps foremost you can play with your pricing. Start low and see how the market responds. You might also try a pricing app, like Pricelabs that monitors the market and adjust your prices automatically. You do have to set a base price, but the app will give suggestions. 

Make sure to have photos of your unique property features and include them in your description. Looks like you have already done that last part. 

You might try strategically gifting a two night stay to a local charity for a silent auction to build awareness among locals who might be looking for places to recommend. I wouldn't do a lot of this as the return is unpredictable. 

Put your property on social media where you can highlight decor changes, great reviews, area recommendations and articles that will interest your target audience. Invite guests to ta you in social media and give them a photo op spot where they can show off your place to friends and family. 

Offer a referral discount to guests who are referred by a previous customer.

Just some thoughts. Good luck!

[Eric-And-Lisa1]

Thanks, @Sheila646. 

We do use Pricelabs.  Our base price is currently set to the economy recommendation and our minimum price is currently half that to try to get more bookings.   We feel like we have good pictures, a good title, and a good description.   That is one of the reasons why we are reaching out.   We feel like we have a low price and a good listing.  We did get 3 bookings this month (2 of them were around Christmas), but we haven't gotten anything else. 

I never heard of the charity route.  We might give it a try.  

Social media is where we may go next.  I do have a small following and I have been posting since I started my real estate journey last year.  I have heard that creating an account just for your property is a good idea.  This seems like what you are referring to.  We don't have a good social media spot on the property so we can investigate that.  I like the referral idea as well.  We can try that with our two bookings that are coming up.  Thank you for the great advice. 

Eric

[Sudsrung0]

@Eric-And-Lisa1 

When you first list your property airbnb give you the option to give 20% discount on your first 3 bookings and give you a boost, did you take up the offer?

If not, you cannot go back it's a one time offer, 

As for social media I not sure it works, might for some,

Dont forget if you go off airbnb you have no cover,

I have recently done some advertising on FB but I included my airbnb link any inquiries went to airbnb.

[Eric-And-Lisa1]

Hi @Sudsrung0, no we did not do the 20% discount.  We thought about it.  We decided to just lower the base price instead.  We do have 3 bookings already but nothing else.  We really don't want to go off Airbnb right now but just direct potential guests to Airbnb.  The social media route sounds promising.  Thanks for the advice. 

[Sudsrung0]

@Eric-And-Lisa1 

If you do any advertising dont forget to use a link tracker, https://bitly.com/ 

[Eric-And-Lisa1]

@Sudsrung0 , thank you.  Will do.