Getting bookings

[Ilse140]

Good day

I need help with getting bookings . I have been on airbnb for 3 years and I received my first bad review. These guests complained from the start to the end. We tried our best to accommodate them. They gave me a bad review and now this review is the first thing you see when you go to my profile.

What can I do? I did respond on there review I changed the photo's but still I only have 1 new booking.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Looking forward to hear from you.

Ilse

[Shelley159 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ilse140 

Some good news - by default, reviews come up in order of relevance. This is determined by an algorithm. 

I understand what you mean by the bad review coming up first, but that's on your host profile. For me, when I'm logged in and go to your listing, John's review shows first.

I think it's more likely the 14-night minimum that's slowing down bookings, rather than one bad review.

Of course, for a luxury place with great views like yours, 14 nights in December, January, February in Somerset West will be no issue at all.

If it were me, I'd lower the minimum stay for November (before large numbers of overeseas guests arrive) to get some quick bookings with good reviews and get the score back up.

For next year: guests don't usually book well in advance for winter around here, but before you get close to May, you may need to override the winter minimums (especially outside of school holidays). The shorter the minimum, the more searches you feature in.

I assume you use request to book (not instant book)? Asking because I see I can check in on Christmas Day, which is probably inconvenient for you.

[Ilse140]

Thank you so much for your quick response.  I will look into that thanks.

Lets see of that makes a difference.

Kind regards

Ilse

[Helen3]

Don't forget to upload your host profile and photo it helps to instil trust @Ilse140 

[Ezekiel15]

Hi Ilse,

Thanks for sharing your situation. Getting a tough review can be really frustrating, especially after putting in so much effort to accommodate your guests. Responding thoughtfully and updating your photos are great steps.

Sometimes, it helps to boost guest satisfaction by ensuring quick responses to inquiries and smooth communication throughout the stay. We offer virtual daily or 24/7 co-host-style support that can help manage guest messages, bookings, and reviews to keep your guests happy and improve your booking rate.

If you’d like to hear more or get some tailored tips, feel free to reply here. I’d be happy to help.

Best regards
Relaytask

[Elisa]

Hi @Ilse140 😊, 

Thank you for asking this here, and I’m sorry about what happened to you.

Have you been able to look into Shelley’s recommendation? Do you still need more help with this?
Looking forward to hearing from you!