attracting the right guests - aligned with off grid principles

[Lani1490]

My property is off grid and has a composting toilet. For this reason I keep the price lower than other properties in my area as it's more like a Tiny House. How do I best reach a demographic of clients who are aligned to off-grid housing? I seem to be attracting clients based on price and even though I clearly spell it out on my listing they are confronted by the composting toilet.  I think I've spelt it out pretty clearling in my listing information but it seems that not everyone reads the blurb!!

[Joan2709]

@Lani1490 

I didn't see anywhere in your description that there was a composting toilet? You should add something like:

"our studio comes equipped with a kitchenette, Starlink Wifi, mini split AC and an eco-friendly composting toilet."

Change Title

Consider changing your Title:

Off-Grid Eco Friendly Studio Montacute

Add an Instant Book Pre Booking Message

Looks like you are using Instant Book? I would add an Instant Book pre-booking message stating you have all the on grid conviences and an eco-friendly composting toilet. Say its easy to use and that you provide instructions. However, if the guest wouldn't be comfortable using a composting toilet, another property might be a better fit. 

[Lani1490]

Okay great thank you. Great suggestions. I have mentioned it in several other places but not everyone reads through all of the information available on the listings. I've got some Indian people here now who have no idea and no respect - they've gone out each day leaving all the heaters on high (it's winter here) and had long showers (we're dependant on rainwater) . Not off-grid aligned behaviour!

[Joan2709]

@Lani1490 

Oh boy...yup seen that behavior. 

Yes, guests don't read. That's why a pre-booking message will really help you. This will prevent guests who don't want to use a composting toilet from booking in the first place:

I would make the first sentence under "Your Property" in the description:

"our studio comes equipped with a kitchenette, Starlink Wifi, mini split AC and an eco-friendly composting toilet."

i would add to Other Details:

We have an eco friendly composting toilet that does not use water to flush (or something similar)

[Lani1490]

great thank you - I have found where to add the pre-booking message. 

[Lani1490]

I've made those changes you suggested but I can't work out how to add a pre-booking message with Instant Book. Still searching!

[Joan2709]

@Lani1490 

Go to:

Listing Editor

Scroll down left side - Tap Booking Settings Card

Right Panel appears

Turn ON Good Track Record Slider

Pre Booking Message can be added

[Joan2709]

@Lani1490 

If you're not using Instant Book, then a pre-booking message is not possible.

If you have set Request to Book, when a guest sents a request, before accepting, send the message about the composting toilet and let them respond. You do need then to acknowledge the composting toilet is not an issue, so word it saying you would love to Host them and do ask that they reply they understand there is a composting toilet and that is not an issue for them.

[Lani1490]

Thank you! I just worked out how to select instant book with a pre-booking message. I've spelt it out nice and clearly now!

I also wonder if anyone reads the house rules. I've had information there about it being off-grid and needing to be conservative with water as well, since we're dependant on rainwater. I'm wondering whether I should list this property as an "experience" instead. Guests need to really appreciate the location and have an enjoyment of being in nature.

[Joan2709]

@Lani1490 

I would say most guests don't read your House Rules. You have to put everything there in case it is need, but most don't read them. We pick out the most important rules ones and add those to the check-in message so there is no doubt. Are you using solar power?

Something like:

"As an eco-friendly property, we rely on rainwater and solar energy, so we kindly ask that you help us conserve water and power during your stay. Every small effort—like shorter showers and turning off lights when not in use—makes a big difference. Thank you for supporting our commitment to sustainability!"

I do think you should make it clearer in the first paragraph of the description un the Property section also.

[Marie8425]

@Lani1490 

Hard to remember sometimes what is basic knowledge to us is not to everyone Haha.

Your listing does clearly say composting toilet, that tells me who doesn't know a composting toilet nothing.

Easy Fix in a positive way maybe on the additional notes page tell me how incredible for my week I get to be environment friendly by using a compost toilet which means a toilet that does what ever great things it does.

[Joan2709]

@Marie8425 

Good idea...

@Lani1490 you might add a brief explanation what a composting toilet is: environmentally friendly as it doesn't use water to flush like a traditional toilet...or something like that.

[Marie8425]

@Lani1490 @Joan2709 

I figure sure I probably don't do a lot of environmental friendly things not because I am terrible but yes I like my treats lol.  Presented positively to people like me that have no clue and only a short period of my life 7 or 10 days, I could definitely be encouraged to do something good for a week especially when nothing scary.  I would use it as a selling point which then gives happy Guests a talking point to friends.  I had a great vacation and by the way brag I was eco friendly.  Top that maybe you should go there.  Haha