Tips on hosting

[Kate3076]

Hello, i have been having challenges in getting a booking, would truly appreciate any tips on improving my chances 

Rental unit in Nairobi · ★New · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

Rental unit in Nairobi · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

[Alex]

Hi @Kate3076!

Thank you for sharing your questions here! This is the best place to get tips. @Shelley159, @Patricia2526, @Chippy3, @Cindy1764, do you have any tips that could help Kate with hosting?

Thank you everyone in advance! 

Best, 

Alex

[Cindy1764]

Where can I find the listing to review?

[Kate3076]

Hi Cindy, i host in Nairobi 

[Alex]

Hi @Cindy1764!

You can find both of her listings in the post above! If you have any trouble finding them, just let me know. 🤗

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Kate3076 

Low season on your side too? I get dips around this time as well. I usually use the downtime for deep cleaning or small upgrades, and I also check competitor pricing sometimes small tweaks help keep the calendar from going empty.

[Shelley159]

Hi @Kate3076 

I'd suggest 2 things that will help you show in more searches:

1) Make sure your listings are as complete as possible. For example, you need to tick more amenities (both in the general amenities section and in the photo folders for each room). It's important that you tick everything (down to the hot water) to make sure your listing is complete and searchable from all angles.

2) As your listings are new, price is even more important than usual. Do an Airbnb search of your immediate area and check what listings with similar occupancy and features charge. Calculate the average price of such listings that rank highly, and make sure you come in lower than that to make up for the fact that you don't have reviews yet.

Hope it helps!

[Neha176]

Hello @Kate3076, 

I host at Hampi,India

Even I was facing trouble with getting bookings at the initial stage, here is what I did to get more bookings

I did some art work like wall paintings ,decor and added some indoor plants it made my space stand out then I compared my price with others of my area, had listed lower pricing then the rest of you can add custom discounts on specific dates( this helped me lot) 

And at the initial stage I was focused on getting some good reviews so I provided complementary snacks sometimes breakfast or lunch,tea and coffee and had a good conversation with the guests, recommended them local places, restaurants, sightseeing list and etc 

This ensured me gain good reviews and constant bookings 

Hope this helps!

[Kate3076]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your tips and will sure adopt 

[Kate3076]

Thank you,tough as it is I will 

[Nancy2388]

Hello @Kate3076!

The appartment looks beautiful. I love the special touch with rolling the towels on the bed.

By looking at your listing, here are a few things that I noticed that might affect bookings.

1) Smoking policy: many travelers filter for non-smoking places. I personally don't smoke, so because you accept smokers, I would not rent it. I fear that you are turning away all non-smokers. Again, this is a personal choice for you.  If you still want to allow smoking, maybe it would help to clarify where they can smoke (outside only for example).

2) Your listing says no heat and no hot water.   That is likely a mistake. Correcting this could immediately help.

3) Other AirBNBs in the area have AC. If you do have it, make sure to list that.

4) Do you have a nice view from the balcony? If you do, make sure to post a photo of it. Night time views are especially beautiful when in a city. 

5) There's a photo of an outside table with an umbrella... Is that outside your appartment, or is it a patio accessible by guests of the building? Clarify that.

6) If you offer liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, make sure to list that. 

Good luck Kate! I wish you the best success.

[Kate3076]

Thank you so much being a newbie most things are assumed. Will note 

[Kate3076]

Thank you so much Nancy, being a newbie i assume so much. I truly appreciate and will incorporate