lots of views, no bookings

[Clive159]

Can you help, I've just restarted airbnb in my new house and am getting lots of views but no bookings, I've only listed for a week.

[Joan2709]

@Clive159 

For photo descriptions, don't just state what the room is and what's in it. You want guests to know what they can do, enjoy or experience while in the space. Your photos tell the story of your listing and are sometimes the only thing a guest views when making a booking decision. For example:

The Garden

I would take another photo with the chairs set out (do you have a small outdoor table?) and BBQ lid open with BBQ tools on it. I would put 2 coffee cups and maybe two place settings on the table. Maybe a teapot also and a small flower vase. Just envision where you would like to sit in the morning sipping tea/coffee. 

Then the caption could say:

"Start your day with coffee or tea in the shared garden, or wind down in the evening with a BBQ on the charcoal grill—perfect for laid-back outdoor dining."

Professional Photos

Listings benefit tremendously by getting professional photos done by an experienced Airbnb photographer. The cost is minimal compared to the ROI and most times can be written off as a business deduction in the US; not sure about the UK.

Help Boost Performance With Quality Photos

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Airbnb-updates/Help-boost-listing-performance-with-quality-photo...

Why Professional Photos are Critical

https://intellihost.co/airbnb-photography/

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[Clive159]

I did get professional photos for my previous house, but they weren't any better than mine, he had not done airbnb photos before though. I'll try the airbnb recommendation if there is one nearby.

[Joan2709]

@Clive159 

I DON'T suggest using Airbnb's photographers. Lots of complaints from Hosts about that program. Airbnb DOESN'T allow Hosts to use the photos anywhere else but Airbnb and you will never get the photos sent to you. They are uploaded to the listing and you never get a copy of them.

Simply do an internet search using the keywords "Airbnb Photographer" and you can select 2 or 3 and decide which one to use. Be sure they have a portfolio of previous Airbnb's they have done for you to view and that you will have the rights to use the photos for any commercial activity including listing on multiple platforms. Most professional photographers will allow this. 

I posted another link above about how to take your own photos in the mean time.

[Clive159]

Thanks, will do.

[Joan2709]

@Clive159 

Just checked and your amenities list still stays you don't have "Essentials" like TP, towels or linens in the Amenities section? I would take care of that ASAP 😊

Essentials is found under the Bedroom and Laundry bubble:

[Clive159]

Done that, I think I was getting a lot of views as the picture was of the house, so presume people thought it was the entire house and lost interest when it was just a room. I've changed the cover photo to the bedrooms and then got hardly any views, so presume the bedroom photo is not good.

[Joan2709]

@Clive159 

I would wait to get your professional photos done and then choose from those for your cover. 

For now, you might try using the best of the Kitchen photos as a Cover photo? Then maybe garden, bedroom, bathroom with the shower in it and use the outside exterior photo as one of the next 4 so as not to cause confusion about the listing being the whole house.

Besides, you are in the "Rooms" category, so guests should already know it's not the whole house. Alas, guests don't read I'm afraid.

BTW, exterior twilight photos with all the lights on inside/outside (curtains open) do very well on Airbnb.

[Clive159]

I have tried switching the cover photo round with no success, will wait for the professional photos. I've ordered white bedclothes and will ditch the purple throw. I bought plants and other things on the recommendation of a youtuber, I think they were a waste of money.

It's only been two weeks and is not going well, previously my house was similar, but had three shower rooms and was in an expensive area, 10 minutes from Manchester Airport. Southport's nice but a bit different. We'll see but it's not looking good. Thank you for your advice, very helpful.

[Joan2709]

@Clive159 

I did a search for your area and didn't see your listing appear? You have the "New" designation and should be boosted by Airbnb for the first 8wks? 

Hosts have commented here the categories filters aren't working including the "New" Category. I would contact Airbnb about that as you are missing out on maximizing bookings while you have the "New" designation.  You should be appearing on the first few pages of search for Merseyside.

[Clive159]

I'll check with airbnb.

[Clive159]

Great, found some in Liverpool UK, 40 minutes away from me.