Please critique my new listing, Özer

[Özer0]

Who would take a look at my ad and give me tips on how I can be found better. : 

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/770056136566485860

At the moment, my flat doesn't seem to be findable on AirBnb.

Many kind regards from Cologne
Arslan

 [Title updated by OCM to make it relevant to the post]

[Bhumika]

Hi @Özer0 , How are you doing?

I had a quick look at your listing and it looks very neat and posh. I can see that there is a beach within walking distance from your listing.

Are there other attractions nearby to your listing? If so, it would be a great idea to post a guidebook to attract potential guests.

I am also reaching out to our lovely members @Marina481 @Patricia2526 @Storme0 @Bettye6 if they have any insights to share with you!

[Özer0]

Dear Bhumika,

thank you very much. Thank you for finding our flat chic. In fact, everything is new.
Thanks to you and the other users, I now have some great ideas to implement in the near future.

You guys are great.

[Bettye6]

Thank you @Bhumika!

I have a very strong guidebook & my guest seem to really appreciate it. I’m constantly updating it as well as my area is growing! 
it took my hours to compile but well worth it. 
I’m currently trying to figure out how to copy it so I may leave one for guest to look at a hard copy. That has been a frequent request as not everyone likes using a app all the time. 

[Patricia2526]

Hello

Hope you are doing well.  Love the neutral colour of your space, looks clean and comfy maybe also try to upload eye-catching photos to your listing. Your photos should create a tour of your listing to help guests understand and “imagine themselves” in your space before they book.

I suggest to change your cover photo, The first six images in your listing are the most important, your cover photo that will be shown in search results and a grid of five photos displayed at the top of your listing page. You can easily highlight neutrals by pops of complementary colors in art , decorative pillows and accessories. This way, you will establish balance and harmony throughout your apartment.

Offer competitive rates, a well priced listing can lead to more bookings. To set a competitive pricing strategy, it’s essential to search similar listings in your area, analyze seasonal trends, Airbnb’s pricing tools and dynamic pricing can also assist us hosts in optimizing our rates based on market demands and competition.

Pricing is just one aspect of a successful listing, excellent customer service, accurate and appealing listing descriptions, great photos are also critical components for attracting guests and ensuring positive experiences. Hope this helps.

[Özer0]

@Patricia2526

Thank you very much for your great tips. They are really a great help to me.
Which photo would you recommend as a cover photo?

[Patricia2526]

Hello again,  @Marina481 

picked the right photo as your hero photo, but  I suggest to retake them

again. Use landscape format when taking photos if you are using your smartphone. Use natural light and avoid using flash. Capture more of the room, this can help give potential guests a better sense of the space. Don’t forget to take exterior shots as well, showcasing entrance, outdoor seating areas, view from balcony or window. 

[Marina481 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Özer0 ! Congratulations on this new listing! I see you are not new to hosting already and so have much experience with that and a great rating already 🙂

I agree with @Patricia2526 comments on the photos, that would be the most important to update. You have such a wonderful looking place I would love to stay there! I think some of the photos would be even more amazing with all the lights turned on in the flat to make the indoors brighter and to use landscape / long ways shots. My favorite picture is this one:

If you were to retake this shot longways with some lights on that would be an amazing cover photo. Also there seems to be a lot of items in the flat, on the tables and in the cabinets. For the pictures it would be best to tuck these away as is feels more inviting to guests to have a space they can move their own things into.

I like that you're also very clear that it can be in a lively neighborhood to set expectations. Maybe that's something you can actually advertise? Like if there are guests that are excited about the nightlife and being close to town that this is a good location for them.

I had trouble having my listing show on searches after reactivating it as well. I believe the algorithms to get a high enough score to show on the first page and have it show as a listing when "zoomed out" on the map requires a bit of time. You can always check under Insights > Opportunities > Conversions > Views to see how many people are seeing your listing.

I would also check out these awesome articles from the official Airbnb Resource Center as well...

1. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/writing-an-effective-description-of-your-place-13
2. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-set-up-an-effective-listing-page-12
3. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-take-great-listing-photos-307
4. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-make-your-listing-stand-out-321

Thanks @Bhumika for alerting me to this request. Always enjoy helping the Airbnb host community!

[Özer0]

@Marina481 

Thank you very much for all your unbelievable good advice. It's great to get so much support from you and the other users. I will implement your advice as soon as possible. However, it could take a long time with the photos, as I am currently still in Cologne for a while.

Kind regards
Arslan