Please jog my memory around Categories

[James2743]

I thought I read that after the AI made such a big mess of the new categories system that hosts would be able to 'Prime' the algorithms that choose the categories for our listings. The idea was to help the AI learn things.

For example.

The London Suburbs are not a National Park.

'Dark Skies' regions may not be great for Skiing holidays.

A picture of the beach 5 miles away doesn't mean you are beachfront.

I filed it away, and as I've been pretty sold out, I thought I'd wait and see. Now I wonder if I dreamed it as I cannot find any information about it.

[Huma0]

@James2743 

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by 'prime', but I'm guessing what you read was that hosts can try to get the AI to put them in a particular category by including the category title as key words in their listing titles and descriptions and as many times as possible in the latter. Also, we were told that having 'front page worthy photos' would help, but I don't believe that one.

Anyway, forget all that. Airbnb has now put actual people on to the case, apparently a specialised team. Hosts can now contact CS and ask that their listings be reviewed and included in a particular category or removed from one. There is no guarantee this team will agree, but they are supposed to review it and give you an answer within seven days. 

I am giving this a go and will report back on what happens as this started just two days ago and I sent my request yesterday.

[Huma0]

@James2743 

Just to update you that CS did put my listings in the categories I requested and it only took two or three days, so worth a shot. I can't say it's made any difference to enquiries or bookings (still tumbleweed in my inbox), but perhaps it's too early to tell...

[James2743]

Thanks for that.

who is CS?

[James2743]

Doh! Customer Services.

Having a moment.

[Huma0]

@James2743 

No worries. I've been having several 'moments' recently...

[Emilie]

Thanks @Huma0 for the advice !

@James2743 Let us know how you get on with contacting the Support teams and having this updated. 🙂