New on the Platform!

[Mabel252]

Hey there! My name is Mabel Nwobi. I’m based in Rivonia.I just joined and created my first listing of a cottage guest on the app. I’m still new here and if there’s any tips to get clients to book. Please help me out. I’ll truly appreciate the advice and support. Kind regards! 

[Gernide0 · Accepted solution]

Hi Mabel, welcome to the Airbnb family! 🌟

Congrats on launching your first listing — that’s a big step!

A few beginner tips that really helped me get bookings:

✨ Photos matter the most — bright, clean, and wide shots. Airbnb also offers a professional photographer for a fee, and you don’t pay upfront — the cost is simply deducted from one of your future bookings.

✨ Write a warm, clear description — highlight what makes your cottage special (quiet area, cozy space, nature, privacy, etc.).

✨ Turn on discounts for weekly or monthly stays — it helps new listings appear more in search results.

✨ Respond fast to every inquiry — Airbnb boosts listings with quick communication.

✨ Share your listing link on social media and with friends — it helps with early visibility.

You’re off to a great start already. If you ever want another host to take a look at your listing and share feedback, I’m happy to help! 🌿💛

[Elisa]

Hi @Gernide0 😊, 

Thank you for helping our hosts.

Do you also recommend opening an Instagram account for the listing and promoting it every day?

Do you do that for your listing?

[Mabel252]

Thank you so much Gernide. I’ll do that to improve my listing. Much appreciated for your advice!

[Elisa]

Hi @Mabel252 😊, 

Welcome to the Community Center, it’s marvelous to have you with us!

Will you be hosting during the holidays?

I’m glad our host shared such incredible suggestions with you.

I’ll also tag someone else to see what they can recommend: @Tom4999, @Daniel14755, @Bec3748, @David13337, @Ryan4241 and @Alex14140.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

[Mabel252]

Yes, I’ll be hosting during the holidays 

[Emiel1]

@Mabel252 

Nice listing.

Maybe change the title (now : "MK’s Cottage Guest")

You offer 20% discount to first 3 bookings (New host promotion)

But is also apllied to long term stays (which you offer also).

Maybe start with short stays only (less then 28 nights), to get experience and reviews.

It says under amenities: kitchenette , but also mentioned under NOT included: "kitchen".

Foto description says: Full  kitchen

It can be confusing to guests.

Hope this helps

[Bec3748]

Hi there @Mabel252   welcome! I’ve had a look at your listing… you have a great foundation to work with, especially that modern kitchen with its really nice tones, and private pool!

At the moment though, the overall décor doesn’t feel cohesive. Everything’s a little mismatched, which makes it hard for guests to get a clear sense of the style or the experience you’re offering. Your kitchen photos also show two different setups — one with a fridge and one without — which can be confusing, and the listing currently marks “Kitchen” as not available. It’s really important to double-check that all your amenities are correctly selected so you’re maximising your features on Airbnb. 

Also, when photos/amenities don’t line up, guests instantly lose confidence and worry what else might be incorrect. I would also suggest paring back some of the decor as a few areas look a little cluttered and simplifying those spaces would help the photos feel more open, calm and inviting for guests. 

The description is very short, and you get no indication of who the place is best suited for, or what kind of guest you’re aiming to attract. It helps to highlight in your description what the home is actually close to, which is a major selling point for most travellers.

I’d suggest starting by identifying your target market. It might help if you have a look at your competitors to see what they offer, and thinking about what you can provide that they don’t. That will help shape a clearer identity for your listing and make it more appealing to potential guests. Good luck Mabel 🙂

[Daniel14755]

Hey Mabel,

I agree with the other responses that you’ve got a cute space. However, the photos don’t do it any justice. Get professional photos done if possible, including drone photos showing the area and highlights of why I need to stay there. Shoot for something around 30 photos for a 1 bed unit, and lay them out in a way that makes sense to me (flow through the cottage). 

I would also work on your description. Add to it what’s close by, what attractions, food, sights, etc that I want to see as a guests. Again, tell me why I NEED to stay at your place. Get me excited. Start to create an experience before I ever book. 

Other than those two suggestions, I’ll say to make sure your experience is what I expect it to be, that your level of service is very high, communicate well, and make it impossible for someone to leave less than a 5 star review (especially the first few!). Price it aggressively to beat the market to start with. The truth is that you have to create more value than your competition early on, and price is the first place people always look. Get as aggressive as you can, and work the price up as you start to get traction. We attacked our market on price and experience, and it treated us very well very quickly. We’re slowly bringing the price up to where we want it, and still getting bookings and great reviews. 

Wish you the best,

[PhuketBungalow0]

First it would be a good idea to let People know where Rivonia is. I am really good in Geography but even I never heard of it before. You should write Johannesburg, Rivonia SA 🙂  
.
I am sure you will attract the most guests with nice pictures of the property and a good explanation how to get from there to points people are intrested in. 
.
have fun, always good guests and best of luck for your business ♥

[Stéphane681]

Bonsoir Mabel,

Je viens de prendre connaissance de votre message.

Je propose plusieurs appartements à louer à Paris via un autre compte Airbnb.

Je vous offre mon soutien en vous fournissant une visibilité accrue pour votre location.

N'hésitez pas à me contacter directement sur mon compte pour échanger plus amplement à ce propos.

Excellente soirée,
Bien à vous,
Stéphane

_______________________________________________________________________
 
Google Translation added by Community Manager:  

Good evening Mabel,

I have just seen your message.

I offer several apartments for rent in Paris through a different Airbnb account.

I would be pleased to support you by helping increase the visibility of your rental.

Please feel free to contact me directly via my account if you’d like to discuss this further.

Wishing you a wonderful evening.

Best regards,
Stéphane

@Stéphane681 

[Selome0]

Hello Mabel,

Welcome to Airbnb! It’s exciting that you’ve listed your first cottage. Since you’re just getting started, here are a few tips to help attract your first guests:

High-quality photos: Make sure your photos are bright, clear, and showcase all the key areas of your property.

Clear and detailed description: Highlight what makes your cottage unique—amenities, nearby attractions, and any special touches.

Competitive pricing: Check similar listings in Rivonia and set a price that’s attractive for early guests.

Quick responses: Respond promptly to inquiries—Airbnb favors hosts who are responsive.

Consider a small promotion: Offering a discount for the first few bookings can help you get initial reviews.

**

Warm regards,
*** Selome

**[Content removed in line with - Community Center Guidelines]
***[Personal information removed in line with - Community Center Guidelines]

[David13337]

Hi @Mabel252 ,

Super cozy retreat, really nice. I think you already got a lot of feedback. I may add the following:

- Include captions to photos

- The pool looks really nice, but I was not sure about that protective net? I am wondering if guests may be confused about how to take a dip

- You have allowed smoking. That is typically very attractive for smokers but a turn off for non-smokers. Usually the audience of non-smokers is larger than that of smokers although it may depend a lot on your specific location.

Good luck with your listing!