Suddenly ZERO bookings??

[Marie10515]

I'll take any feedback anyone can give me. We've been hosting just over 2 years. We are a guest favorite and are super hosts. We use smart pricing, I checked other listings - we have one of the lowest prices. For our 2 years of hosting we have been pretty consistently booked, a combination of long term and "last minute" short term. We have great reviews. We just had a 40 day guest leave, and we have no bookings whatsoever for the next 9 months. This has never happened.  We haven't changed anything - did something else change? airbnb.com/h/lacasettadibrigitta

[Shelley159]

Hi @Marie10515 I

I searched North Austin, 3 guests, flexible dates. I found you on page 7. It's not terrible if you consider that I added no details, but it could be better.

Some hosts suspect the algorithm (for now anyway) may like recent reviews, which may be why you hit a bump during the long booking. You just need to do something to get momentum again.

I understand why you're frustrated - you already seem to have free cancellation and no minimum stays, etc. Instant book is another feature that could possibly help.

I'm afraid the way to get bookings may, as we don't want to hear, once again come down to lowering the price. If you search North Austin, you'll see that there are entire home/apartment listings for 3 guests that are cheaper. I don't know which ones are directly comparable in terms of location, etc., but I'm guessing that neither does the Airbnb bot. He's just increasing the probability of each listing ranking well by looking at the factors he's told to look at, and we all know price is a big one. You could try to make it lower (it doesn't have to be overall, perhaps just promote some dates in the near future) and track your progress in a private search.

While I was looking at your listing there was one thing you could clarify - it seems strange that at the top it says 3 guests and 1 bed. I think you need to specify a sofa bed for the 3rd guest? Just go to the photo tour on the listings tab and, in the living area, add a sofa bed to the living room details. Hope your dip in bookings is flooded soon!

[Marie8425]

@Marie10515 

Another thing to keep in mind is activity on your listing.  You mention you haven't changed anything and you were booked 40 days.  So the computer just stores the date of last activity.  If your listing is not available for guest activity then you want to maintain just minor changes to your listing.  When you hit save the computer date is updated so the computer sees activity.

[Joan2709]

@Marie10515 

Excellent advice already from @Shelley159 and @Marie8425 . You have great reviews and are doing an excellent job. The issue for long term stays is "recency" and "activity" from the algorithm's standpoint. The more recent the stays with good reviews, the more the algorithm grades your listing as "popular" and the higher it will appear in search results. There are many areas that are considered by the algorithm; some known, and some only known by Airbnb. I listed some areas you might try that could help boost you in search results.

Update/Edit Listing Regularly

It's important to update/edit your listing regularly as @Marie8425 mentions. This may signal an "active" listing to the algorithm. It looks like your listing was created in 2022? Be sure to update your photos, edit your description, change your Title and add addl information to your photo captions regularly. 

Title

I would change your Title. Your title should include the best features of your listing. "Cozy" is a subjective term and "Clean" kinda sends the wrong message that maybe you're in an area where many listings aren't clean. Many Hosts look at their guest reviews and see what they say they like the most, then use that in their Title. Some guests said they could walk to a supermarket? Some commented they liked the neighborhood? Maybe put driving distance to Austin? A W/D is great as many guest suites don't have that. I would definitely put that in the Title. Are there popular attractions nearby? Is there a college/university nearby? Many parents come to town to visit their kids. Put distance to the attraction/college in title: Something like:

Studio w W/D (then how far from University or downtown Austin)

Professional Photos

Airbnb states that professional photos can increase your profitability by 20%. I would consider getting professional photos done. The few hundred dollars you will spend will pay for itself quickly in increased bookings and you can generally deduct it as a business expense (check with your accountant).

Cover Photo

I would change your cover photo to the one below for now until you get professional photos done. The cover photo should highlight the best or unique features of your property. I think your nice kitchen area is one of the better amenities for your listing. Also, you can see the W/D in the background. Many guest suites don't have a W/D:

Captions on EVERY photo

You need to put captions on every photo. Describe the amenities in the photo and how guests can enjoy the space (this also contributes to "listing completeness" for the algorithm.

Where You'll Sleep

If you add Living Room Room to the photo tour, choose the sleeping arrangements and then the actual photos will appear in that section on the listing instead of icons. I would also add the "toddler cot" to sleeping arrangements and explain it's available on request in your caption. I would also add a photo of the travel crib, toddler cot and high chair to the listing. Make your first photo in the Living Room the murphy bed pulled down. If you want more info on how to take advantage of photo tour features, but choose the actual order of photos yourself, just post here and I'll provide details on how to do that:

Clear up Parking Confusion

The amenities callout says "free parking on premises" but the Guest Safety Section/Property Info says "no parking on premises"?

 

Guest Safety Section/Potenial for Noise

There is a place to add text information here. I would explain the shared wall and the noise with children.

Guest Safety Section/Shared Spaces

Are there any shared spaces on the property including the driveway? Do you share a driveway with guests? Any outdoor space shared? If so, be sure to add that to this section:

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Although you may not be required by building codes to have a CO2 alarm, you never want any strikethroughs on your listing. Suggest you get one (they are inexpensive) and and add to your amenities list to get rid of the strikethrough. Lots of negative media attention to several carbon monoxide deaths at Airbnbs. This is why Airbnb emphasizes you don't have one. Might also give you points in the algorithm:

[Elisa]

Hi @Marie10515 😊

Welcome to the community, and thank you for asking this question here!

Our hosts shared great advice with you. Did you get a chance to review it?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Warm regards 🌻