I offer a place which is kind of unique in my area, so that may be why, but I never put a lower price at the beginning (my place is one of the least expensive and nicest in its category in my area) never did instant book, or special offers, and I started getting bookings almost right away, even though of course there were no reviews yet. I did tell my first guest that I had just started hosting when she asked shortly after arrival, why I had no reviews, and she gave me a lengthy and really wonderful review, which really got things going.
If you post great photos, and can make your place unique in some way from all the rest of the competition in your area, that works well. Also how you come across as a host in your listing description- try to let your personality show through (assuming it's a good one, haha) while still being businesslike.
Don't be too anxious to give special deals or accept guests you don't like the feel of just so you can have that $ rolling in right away- you don't want your first hosting experiences to be crummy or stressful ones. If your hosting is good and your guests write good reviews, it will all unfold well for you. There's something to be said for taking it slow in the beginning while you learn the joys and pitfalls of being a host.
