number of views and increasing bookings

[Michael-And-Patrice0]

Hello,

My name is Michael. My wife and I just started hosting a new home we built in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It is a recreation destination location. Many people from the Greater Boston area own second homes there. We have received a few booking but are off to a slow start. It would be terrific to get some feedback on our listing to improve our booking frequency. I am having a difficult time even locating the number of views our listing receives. We would welcome any feedback!

Listing Link : Entire home in Wakefield, New Hampshire, United States 6 guests3 bedrooms4 beds2.5 baths 

best regards,

Michael & Patrice

[Content Updated by Community Manager]

[Karen114]

@Michael-And-Patrice0  You have a lovely place with great potential!  

The living room I just see a couch.  No coffee table, side tables or lighting or lamps.

The bedrooms, no night stands, lamps etc.  The beds and bedding are very dorm room like. 

There isn't anything inviting about those areas.  It needs to be properly furnished with art work, area rugs, lamps, lighting and more to make it feel homey.  Once that is done it will be very nice and then you should have pro pics done.  

You have a great outdoor area that can really be optimized with comfortable furniture, grill and fire pit.  

Your last pic shows the deck with no boards, I would take that pic out.

You have so much potential for a beautiful home in a great location.  Take some time to look at other homes in your area to get some ideas about decor and pricing etc.  

Best of luck!

[Kremena9]

@Michael-And-Patrice0 , lovely house and surroundings!

I agree with @Karen114, that you need some art and accents to make the house more cosy and inviting. Also adding rails to the deck would give a more finished and ‘safe’ look 😊

About increasing the views - most important are indeed the first photos which the potential guests see. Professional photos might increase the view rate.
You could also use AirBnB’s promotion tools to attract bookings.

Lots of succes in your journey!

[Dianne399]

Hello @Michael-And-Patrice0 , You have a beautiful home with lots of potential!  I have been a host of our condo in Mexico for several years and the reviews from my guests note the following:

The property matches the photos and description.

The lighting and decor are beautiful (artwork on the walls, and chandelier above the dining table are frequently complimented)

They also note how clean the place is. My cleaning crew goes the extra mile by doing a "refresh" the day of check in so there is no dust and the windows are clean after a storm.

They also do a "cruise effect" by creating a swan or other animal out of bath towels and placing it on the bed. They  place a sanitary strip on the toilet and form a flower on the end sheet of the paper towel roll. Guests say it feels like a high end hotel.

Special touches like this do make a difference.  I have business cards in a holder on the kitchen counter with the URL to the condo so they can give the cards to friends and family to view and book our condo.

I hope this is helpful!

Best of luck,

Dianne and Ben Cohen (Phoenix, AZ)

[Kelly2508]

Hello @Michael-And-Patrice0!

I agree with the previous comment about furniture and professional pictures.

I'd like to add that the outdoor space for fall is also a huge amenity for attracting guests.

I recommend adding some Edison bulb style string lights, adirondacks and a fire pit or table for making s'mores! Have you considered offering kayaks for your guests? 

Also the promotions tool is a great feature- where you can discount specific dates (try mon-thurs) which should also improve your visibility!

Lastly building trust by having 5 star reviews (as you know!) Is huge so gift baskets for the first few sets of guests are never a bad idea!

[Alex]

Hi @Kelly2508, 

Thank you for your advice! 

I often see recommendations to have a professional photo session for your listing. Does it really help that much to increase your bookings? What do you usually showcase in those photos? 📸 I’m sure your experience will help everyone better understand what works best! 🤗

[Karen4563]

Hi @Michael-And-Patrice0! I'm thrilled to see your house because it's exactly my dream biult for an airbnb somewhere surrounded by woodlands and peace. I have an apartment listing currently so I try to list  the description part for quick reading. Your description could be more jazzed up for such a beautiful house! also I noticed you described the house as colonial,  speaking from Kenya,  I didn't realize Colonial style houses are also in America. 

[Laura8127 · Accepted solution]

Beautiful home and property @Michael-And-Patrice0!  Fall is upon us and it would seem that you'd get lots of bookings for those who enjoy the fabulous colors and cooler temps. 

I agree with the previous posts.  We have similar comments for our coastal home.  It is important that the images of rooms and spaces are accurate. 

OUTDOOR SPACES:

The pop-up canopy on the deck is a nice feature but it fades into the blues and grays - some bright planters with a variety of lush plants would make it pop.  You might consider planting some vegetation around the deck - small evergreen bushes beside the steps would define the space. How about adding a bright garden flag or a birdfeeder, perhaps? You might consider a gravel or mulch/pine straw covering for the walkway to the deck.

Some potted plants, sturdy seating and a fire pit would be very inviting!  As someone mentioned before, Edison string lights would bring the space a cozy vibe. Amazon sells the lights and poles with very reasonable pricing.  If there is not outdoor lighting such as a utility pole, you should consider some solar lighting to mark spaces outside.  Motion lights would welcome guests and make sure the entrance has a solar light and something that will distinguish your driveway.  Someone mentioned kayaks - paddleboards might also be a good option for warmer months.

INDOOR SPACES:

I didn't notice a picture of the other bedroom.  It's a good idea to take your picture from the entrance to the bedroom so that guests see the size and layout of the room.  The closet shelf looks like items were placed haphazardly - taking the items out for the photo shows the storage space nicely.

If you take your pictures and then review them it might be easier to spot things that look distracting or out-of-place.  There is a spray can of something on the toilet that takes away from the clean look of the bathroom. There's also a washcloth and toiletries in the showers that make it feel like it's not fresh and clean ready for guests.  Towel racks and art on the walls will make the space welcoming.

The walls need some lovin'  - pictures, mirrors, etc.  It looks like the environment around your place would be rich with opportunities for pictures of nature, wildlife, etc.  Get out and explore at different times of day - after a rain or in the snow! You can get large canvas prints of photographs online for very little money - much cheaper than framed artwork.  Easycanvasprints.com is always having specials.

Attractive table lamps make the room feel inviting.  Side tables offer a convenient place to put a drink, etc.  Many side tables these days even feature ports for phone charging!  Guests LOVE this.  Attractive wastebaskets in bedrooms and baths - not generic white plastic is just another finishing touch that shows you are really keen on the details that will make guests comfortable.  Guests would appreciate cozy throws.  At our home I have doubles of everything so I can switch out bedspreads, linens, bath rugs, throws, etc. This makes it quick to flip the house~ I am not stuck waiting for the linens to finish the wash/dry cycle.  If you have some personal space that guests can not access, that's perfect for storing the extras.  We learned quickly when the cleaning crew arrived and found a damaged bedspread that couldn't be used for the next guests.

I wish you well with your rentals.  You have a really great canvas to work with.  Your property is beautiful and I know you must be surrounded by woods and waterways just waiting to be explored! Consider the enhancements suggested by others you'll have your space looking like the perfect place to book a family vacation. Maybe we could book a house-swap sometime! 😎

Warm regards,
Laura J

N Topsail Beach, NC

[Alex]

Hi @Karen4563, @Kelly2508 and @Laura8127, 

Thank you for supporting @Michael-And-Patrice0! I'm sure they will really appreciate your efforts. 🤗

Just so you know, I tagged @Michael-And-Patrice0in your comments so they can get a notification and return to the thread more quickly. I did this by using "@" and adding the username.

Hope this helps! 

Best, 

Alex

[Laura8127]

Thanks for the tip and for placing the @ in my response.  The property looks like a great option and the surrounding grounds are beautiful.  I can imagine that Fall and Winter are breath-taking.  I wasn't joking about a house swap! 😉