Anyone else's reservations cratering? (Denver, CO)

[Caleb1]

Normally we are pretty close to fully booked 3 months out.  That changed back in November, and this is the slowest its ever been.  Our occupancy is typically around 90%.  Prices are as low as they go, if I drop them anymore we get sketchy guests.  Reviews for us are very high, have been for the entire time we've been hosts.  Anyone else experiencing similar?

[Shelley159]

Hi @Caleb1 

The problem seems to be with your ranking. Even if I specify National Western Center, 4 guests, I don't see you on pages 1 to 5. I agree with you that the price is reasonable compared to other listings. You'll have to try other things to rank higher. Free cancellation would be the most obvious one. Instant book may help, also make sure that you refresh things in your listing so that the system records some updates and activity on your page. If you still need to do something more after that, you could consider reducing the 3-night minimum if practical.

[Joan2709]

@Caleb1 

Good suggestions already from @Shelley159 . A few things I noticed:

It appears you haven't updated your listing text and photos in awhile? I would go through all the sections of the listing and make updates. The Airbnb alogorithm tracks how "current" you listing is, so frequent tweaks to the listing help. The listing is "never set and forget" and this is true for your calendar pricing as well. The algorithm can "see" if the listing and calendar is "active" and I'm told that all counts towards search rank.

Photos

I suggest getting professional photos done. You especially need a better cover photo. They will pay for themselves very quickly in increased bookings and most times the cost can be deducted on taxes as a business expense. Put captions on ALL photos. Airbnb gives you "points" for high quality photos and notes if captions are on the photos.  

Pets

I see that you allow pets with no fee, but do you want to allow a guest to bring 5 pets? Airbnb defaults the pet number to 5 unless the Host edits that in House Rules. I would change that ASAP if you don't want to accept 5 pets:

Where You'll Sleep Section

This is only showing icons, as you aren't using the photo tour? Photos work better in this section. I would click photo tour and get that corrected so actual photos appear. Don't forget to add your beds under sleeping arrangements in the bedroom (rooms) and Living Room. If you don't like the photo tour after you get the Where You'll Sleep section corrected, come back here and we can explain how to stop using the photo tour room arrangement but still get the benefits.

Amenities

You are missing some information here. Go to the Amenities section and ciick the (+) sign and choose "All". Review each amenity. Add any you are missing and complete the text areas indicated by the pencil icon. These also indicated to the algorithm that your listing is "complete" and affects search rank.

Guest Safety Section

You are missing some important information here under Property Info. You need to indicate all shared spaces here (driveway, backyard, etc.) and also Potential for noise, as some guests have complained this is a basement unit and they hear noise from above.

[Alex]

Hi @Caleb1, hope everything is going well.

@Joan2709 left you an amazing answer with some tips and advices in order to improve your listing. 

Did you take a look at it? 

Kind regards, 

Alex