Hi Jennifer!
I went through all your 3 listings - rooms.
First of all, there is no way you can manipulate the algorithm, because it's more complicated now than in the earlier days. None of us can. Professional photos, 5 star reviews or wishlist additions etc. won't make much of a difference anymore. Views depend on the profile of the guests more now, so relax. Now, even for the suitable guests, you have to make it more appealing to tempt THEM, not to tempt the algorithm.
I will explain you my feelings while taking time to see the photos of all 3...
I have to be honest with you, if I were searching for a room in Mableton , (and your listings came up high on the first page so there is no problem with ranking,) I would never click on them to view them, and even if I did, I would pass them after looking at the first 4-5 photos. Photos are not appealing!
-You don't always need a professional photographer. Mobile phones take quality photos now, but if you are not familiar with deco and right angles or lighting, you'd better use one.
Although you used a professional photographer, I have to say that a lot of photos are not clear because either the artificial light indoors reflects on the surfaces so much that makes them not clear (like the double bathroom sinks), or the natural sunlight from outside (apart from the 'artistic' photo from the staircase) reflects on all surfaces (e.g. floor, furniture, walls) such as in the dining room, or the 'Klimt' painting on the wall, distorting the subjects of the photo. Despite the light, photos of the dining room are dark and not clear. A professional photographer knows how to deal with these issues, but perhaps you should take some photos at a different time of the day when the sun is at a different angle, or change into warm lights at indoor areas to reveal the true colors of every surface
-Please REMOVE the photo of the 2 drawers! They look so messy, and the second drawer looks like a deadly weapon area. Even if you have so many different knives, don't leave them all in that drawer, except the ones you use almost daily...Anyway, you don't need to show what's in the drawers. It's a kitchen, we can imagine.
-You have used this monochrome dark grey/dark brown colors...they make the whole place look shady, dark, boring & dull, even gloomy. Nothing stands out! You can try adding some contrast with accessories or even different pieces of furniture with brighter colors.
-You can add more green in the rooms! The place is so spacy, it's ideal for this. There are so many suitable indoor plants to choose, they make the place look so much warmer and cozy!
-The fireplace, which is such a lovely addition, seems lifeless and miserable! You don't need to have a photo with it lit up with a cozy fire, but you should definitely add some decorations, perhaps some deco candles of different height, width and color. Use colors in accessories! They will make the place look so cheerful....(pull away the wire hanging on the side of the fireplace, by the way).
-You can add some touch of entertainment (apart from the TV) to show that the place is actually LIVED by people (e.g. add some books somewhere in the living room), create some interest to the guest.
-I know it could be local art or a private piece of art, but you can replace the woven painting on top of the sofa with another painting of some contrast. It may be a private piece but adding to the rest of the colors in the room it makes it look even more boring and old.
Finally, I checked other similar places in your area. Despite their photos are not all so good, they look so much more cheerful and pleasant to live in. Your prices are way too reasonable and I think they affect the views in a positive way.
So sorry for such a long reply! I have a thing with the feelings that spaces create to people. It's such a big thing, trust me!
I believe it's simple to make such changes and that it will work. Just to mention, things in short term rentals are not how they used to be and they're getting more difficult day by day, so we need to be alert and do research all the time. It takes time and work.
Hope I helped and wish you all the best!
Xanthi
