New to Airbnb Hosting - Alicia -Critique my listing in Bonney Lake

[Alicia751]

Hello and thank you for allowing me to be apart of such a wonderful group. I am new to Airbnb Hosting and to be a bit honest I am a bit nervous. I am hoping the flood gates will open far and wide for my unit. As of right now, I am starting with only 1 room on my home but eventually would like to scale to the entire unit. 

Asking for honest feedback on areas I can improve my listing so I can have the success I am looking for. Thanks in advance for your feedback. Much appreciated.

[Belinda375]

Hi @Alicia751, 

Your place looks gorgeous!

Here are my suggestions: who would be guest be sharing the space with? Perhaps you could give some information on yourself (and/or anyone else who stays there). I would also include whether there is a lock on the bedroom door. I saw someone else comment in another post about not feeling secure without this. You could also include photos of other spaces in the home that the guest might have access to eg yard, kitchen facilities, living room, TV. Will the guest have access to their room through a separate entry, or enter via the main front door?

I couldn't see whether you had a guidebook, but I have found that a great place to include my restaurant recommendations, which would be particularly helpful if your guests won't have access to the kitchen.

All the best with your hosting!

Belinda (NSW, Australia)
https://www.airbnb.com.au/hosting/listings/editor/48259831/details/custom-link

[Paula]

Hello @Belinda375 thank you very much for your insightful feedback.

@Alicia751, I am reaching out to some of our amazing Hosts to ask for their suggestions regarding your listing   @Patricia2526, @Dawn241, @Bea2137, @Cheri354, @Calvin173 and @Marisa182 

All the best,

[Patricia2526]

Hello @Alicia751 

Welcome to hosting! 

I suggest to highlight Key Features: Focus on the unique and appealing aspects of your Airbnb, such as a cozy reading nook, a beautiful view, or stylish decorations. Showcase what sets your listing apart from others.

Shoot from Different Heights: Experiment with taking photos from various heights. Sometimes crouching down or taking shots from a higher perspective can result in more interesting and flattering. Shooting from angles that showcase the entire room can create a sense of space/openness.

Consider staging the space with fresh flowers, folded towels, or other decorative elements to make the property feel inviting.

Include photos of your shared space/common area like your kitchen, living area, patio, backyard and street view.

And if you have CCTV’s in your property properly disclose their location on the premises in your descriptions and house rules if they are recording 24/7 video/audio.

Hope this helps

Best Regards and Happy hosting! 

[Bettye6]

Hi @Alicia751 .

Your place looks lovely but I would definitely add more pictures of everywhere the guest can be on your premise and take the the time to explain the pictures as needed (As I am, you should be able to offer an explanation to each picture posted as needed) My guests have really appreciate that I over explain everything as it keeps them from reaching out to me with questions when they are here but has promoted in my getting bookings.An example is a picture of closed closet (?) but I would add one with the doors open so a potential guest can get the true essence of your listing and add to the picture the explanation, i.e. ample closet space

Also use the HOUSE RULES! That is the #1 feed back from my guest that I have an on site PLEASE READ HOUSE RULES binder directly in front of the TV that repeats my House Rules, instructions, owner manuals and adds more. There you can emphasize where your guests have accessibility. 

IMPORTANT! Please note that or if any shared spaces they will come in contact with you or other guests. That is another reoccurring theme I hear from traveling guest with AirBnB. No one like surprises.

You are on the start of a great journey! The best of luck,

Bettye6

[Calvin173]

Hi @Alicia751 , if I were a guest, I'd definitely like to see more photos of the house, of the shared places, from different angles, etc.... But the ones you already have look good!

[Mila1926]

@Alicia751  Are your guests allowed to use other parts of the house, like kitchen etc? It's a little unclear from the listing.

[Lorina14]

Hi @Alicia751, welcome to the community!

I took a look at your listing and have some suggestions:

1) I love your photos and could you provide a caption to each picture? Invite the reader to your home, what would you say if you were giving a grand tour of the space to someone in person?

2) What exactly is shared? Kitchen, living room, backyard, patio? 

3) I looked at your amenities and it appears you list that there is no heating and no hot water. I think that may be a mistake. Usually those are for rustic places/cabins.

I think you need to check the box and write in your description something like the following: My home is kept at a comfortable temperature between 65-68F (or whatever you keep it at). Being that it is a house, there is no ability for you to control the temperature in your room as there is central heating but there are blankets and a space heater if needed.

4) You may want to list the common bus lines or transit stations nearby, as well as common places of interest (parks, closest grocery store, airport, university/school, restaurants…you get the idea) with the mileage and approx drive or walk time to the places.

5) Pictures of common places shared would be helpful (couch, tv, dining room/kitchen area). A picture of the parking area would also be helpful.

6) Do you offer tea/hot water in their room? I once had a host have a small coffee maker with pods in my room although I could also use the kitchen (it was a nice touch) with some granola bars and a small chocolate with a welcome board in the room.

7) Highlight in your listing that you offer a lock for the bedroom door as that is key for private rooms. Are we sharing the bathroom? Do you provide basic shower soap, shampoo, conditioner? This was not mentioned in the amenities. 

😎Is the entry through the front door, side door, garage? Is it shared? 

9) A house manual is key to let guests know what is allowed. No shoes? Pets? No smoking/vaping? Do you work from home are there pets in the house? Are there other people in the house - roommates, kids? Some people do not want to rent a room if there is a kid there (potential for noise). Just some things to consider.

10) Do you only have a washer and no dryer? Is there a clothesline or a dryer tack offered? Was it a mistake and is there a dryer there?

Your place looks beautiful and I’m sure with some tweaks you can get a more thorough listing so you attract the right guests for your space.  Congrats on being a new host again!

[Lorina14]

For some reason the number 8 with a ) makes the emoji of a sunglasses smiley face 😊