Please critique my listing in Nova Scotia Canada, my name is Kevin

[Kevin2758]

Hello all,

We are a bit discouraged as a new listing. We know there is demand in our area, we know most of the comparable properties are booked, we don't know why we haven't had any enquiries or bookings, perhaps there are problems in our listing? Please critique, be honest, I can take it.

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/858486040517469759?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=23a8b9ae-336f-...

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

Hi Kevin & Tracey!

Don’t be discouraged! We were all where you are now and there’s a learning curve just like for any new venture. I took a look at your listing and I would love to visit myself someday! Below are a few things to try. You can always change things if you aren’t seeing an uptick in bookings. Other hosts can also provide ideas as well:

What are the Listing’s Best Features?

This is what you should highlight throughout the listing. What makes your place unique compared to the competition? Highlight that in your Title, Description and Photos.

Property Type

Your listing shows “Entire Home” but it sounds like it is actually a Guest Suite upstairs? Are you (or someone else) living in the home on the first floor? If so, this would be a private “Guest Suite” in your home. I would change that on your listing under Property Type to: House/Guest Suite/Entire place.

Price

I did a search of the area (Canning) and Guest Suites are going for $74-$114 per night. I would say your price per night is a bit too high at $134/night. You might consider adjusting that to be more competitive with similar listings that are guest suites.

Title

I would add a bit more than just “Riverview.” I think Airbnb gives you 50 characters. Maybe try, “Historic Riverview Home Near Kingsport Beach” or “Historic Riverfront Home Near Kingsport Beach” (since Kingsport Beach seems to be a popular attraction in the area). Once you correct the Property Type to “Guest Suite”, the listing will then say Entire Guest Suite hosted by Tracey and Kevin under your title. Below is an airbnb help article for writing your title:

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/new-guidelines-for-writing-your-listing-title-533

Description

I would avoid using the word “old” to describe your home (or anywhere in the listing). I would use the word “historic”… say “newly renovated historic home” instead. Emphasize they have the entire upstairs suite, including private bathroom, and kitchen. Having a private bath & kitchen area is a plus for guests staying in a home. Your first sentence in description is important. Remember, if guest searching on a mobile phone, not all your 500 character description will show. Try something like:

Newly renovated historic home with peaceful riverfront views. Entire second floor suite with private bathroom and kitchen (900sqft). Launch your kayak/canoe right across the street! Walk to our quaint village for coffee and then enjoy the local shops, a massage at the spa and dinner at the pub/restaurants. Head to Kingsport Beach (6km) and stroll along the red sand at sunset. Try the ice cream shop at Blomidon Look-Off. The Riverview is the perfect spot to relax, unwind and explore.

Safety & Property

There is a place in this section to indicate “must climb stairs” here. Right now, you have it under “Other Things to Note.” That’s fine, but it should also be in the Safety & Property section. You can add how many steps, etc. here also.

Photos

I would include an exterior photo of the home/entrance. Caption ALL photos so guests clearly understand what the photo shows.

Wish you all the best!

[Kevin2758]

@Joan2709 Wow!! I mean wow!! thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are totally appreciated and have made a huge difference in our lives. You are welcome here any time. 

[Joan2709]

I'm definitely thinking about a visit!  It looks beautiful!  Reminds me of Ireland 😊

[Kevin2758]

Tracey is from England, and she says it reminds her of home. 

[Kevin2758]

Hello again @Joan2709 , they seem to have removed this option: "

Property Type

Your listing shows “Entire Home” but it sounds like it is actually a Guest Suite upstairs? Are you (or someone else) living in the home on the first floor? If so, this would be a private “Guest Suite” in your home. I would change that on your listing under Property Type to: House/Guest Suite/Entire place."

[Joan2709]

Hi again!

Ok...since that choice is not available, try:

Secondary Unit/Guest Suite/Entire Place. Then describe the shared spaces clearly and what areas are not for guest use (you mentioned the porch area is not for guests). Clearly indicate that host lives on the first floor (if that's the case). That should eliminate any questions from prospective guests that they are not booking an entire house, but the private guest suite upstairs. Make it clear that the porch/front door is shared, since technically they don't have a "private entrance" inside, as they go up stairs to enter the guest suite (I'm assuming there is not a door at the top of the stairs?). 

The only other option is "Place to Stay in a Home". I believe airbnb sets that though under the "Rooms" category. I have seen a few properties like that. Not sure if that's the way to go. See: 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3400

As long as you clearly state this is NOT an entire home they are booking (which you do), you should be ok in terms of listing accuracy.  It's a good idea to take screen shots of the sections of your listing and save on your computer or phone for reference.

Hoping you're off and running soon!

[Kevin2758]

Thank you for the clarification Joan.

We got our first booking today! Yaay!!

The entrance to the suite is for the guests only, the downstairs has an entrance at the rear of the house. 

[Nur785]

@Kevin2758 Your listing actually made me think of a road trip. Apparently it takes 14 hours to drive to Canning and an overnight in Bangor, I could have myself a vacation! I would love to see Canning.

All this is to say, I don't see anything wrong with your listing and photos. @Joan2709 has given some wonderful advice. 

The only thing I would add is this. Take advantage of the 20% new listing promotion Airbnb makes you offer. So don't change your nightly rate but activate the new listing discount, because when you do that, Airbnb algorithm will promote your listing and when you are starting that makes all the difference. 

[Kevin2758]

@Nur785 Thank you so much for your great advice, you are welcome here in Canning anytime. It truly is a wonderful place! 

[Fariza2]

@Kevin2758 When I search Canning Nova Scotia or Nova Scotia Canada, your home in not in the listing. No issue when click your link directly. Try do your own search, may be there is a issue with listing.

[Joan2709]

Looks like @Kevin2758  has set a 3 night minimum?  The listing does appear when you enter a 3-night stay.  I would suggest changing to a one or two night minimum, so your listing would appear more often when a guest searches. This might get you more bookings so you can get those important 1st three reviews under your belt. You can always change it back once you are on your way. 

Cheers!

[Kevin2758]

Thank you for your response, much appreciated.

[Fred13]

@Kevin2758  It also won't hurt to retake the town photo on a cheerful sunny day and also include one outside one of the actual dwelling. If possible without ones showing the power lines. 😉

P.S. I started wondering why the town was called Canning and got lost in its cool history and the invention and history of canning itself.

[Kevin2758]

Thanks for your feedback Fred, much appreciated. Canning was originally called Apple Tree Landing. Our tides are the highest in the world and ships would be waiting out in the Minas Basin for the tide so they could come in to the wharf. The distance and occasional fog would make it difficult to see where they were going. (long before sat nav) There used to be a giant apple tree just up the street from us which was tall enough for the lookout on the old sailing ships to see and they could navigate in to the wharf.