no bookings in the last month

[Bart205]

I haven't had a single booking since last year, our home is rented this weekend for 3 nights and that is all we have this year.

our home is viewed  3 to 10 times per day but not booked, we are average price for the area.

just wondering if anyone else is down on bookings?

[Sudsrung0]

@Bart205 

If I were window shopping on AirBnB, I would just give your place a miss, All the photos look dull and boring, not at all inviting, I also don't see the need to put in your title "No Smoking" then you start your description by saying the whole place is wiped down with Clorox, which sounds like you are trying to create a sterile environment. I wouldn't want to walk into a place smelling of Clorax. 

[Helen744]

Maybe help with one of your lovely descriptions Sudsrung.... H

[Sudsrung0]

@Helen744 

I did take a look but I was struggling to think maybe it was to early in the morning, I wasn't getting inspired by anything, 

[Helen744]

Bart205 , a lot of people are down on bookings but you have lots of reviews from happy guests. If you have a little down time look up the comments on how to take some better photos. They are a little dull. a few flowers or a pretty handwash or soap in the bathroom , a pic from wider out to show the landscape , a barbecue with cooking food , a beer open , a lovely throw on the sofa , take pics on days when the light softens everything, have fun , it can only help. do you leave milk or other things / do you have a toaster , nice glasses, play it up , although it must be clean when people turn up ,they need to see that it can be also full of life. good Luck ....H

[Trude0]

I see you have many amazing reviews, commenting on both your nice place and you being a great host. So I guess you are in the same situation as many of the experienced hosts in here; bookings are definitely down vs ”normal”.

Some say that January has been slow; few stays vs normal for this time of year, and few booking requests coming in for upcoming months.

Others say that their bookings (and views) took a nosedive after the changes Airnbnb made last summer, and haven’t recovered. They used to be fully booked, now they are far from it.

I suggest you spend your unexpected free time tweeking your texts, photos and settings. Also, make searches incognito/in private mode, for dates when your listing is available. Check all the features/amenities that your listing has, and try different lengths of stays. To see if your listing comes up in search results when it should, and that everything (incl final price) looks the way you expect it to. I do this now and then. 

Hope things pick up soon!

[Alexandra199 · Accepted solution]

Hi Bart

You have some good reviews but as other hosts have advised I think you need to take a look at you listing in comparison to other listings. There is stiff competition out there and listings are set up now with the eye of an interior designer. Now, dont get me wrong, I dont like clutter, but the thing that jumped out at me with your pictures were that there were bare walls and surfaces everywhere. It just isn't conducive to a cosy comfortable stay. I especially noticed there were no bedside lamps on the tables by the bed, and a nice coffee table in the lounge would be a great addition.

You don't need to spend a lot of money getting some bits and pieces for your place. Go to a charity shop or second hand furniture place and buy some character pieces that will stop the rooms looking quite so bleak. It is very clear to me that it is spotlessly clean, but sometimes that can come across as clinical. If this is something that you feel is out of your skill set, ask a friend who you think would be good at interior design to help you out. I'm afraid in this day and age there is just too much competition and guests just move on without reading any reviews etc.....its all in the pictures.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Bart205 ,

Seems like other Hosts have given some really good suggestions here!

Have you reached out to other hosts in your neighbourhood to ask them if they have had a similar experience? Could it be worth checking if it is simply a slow booking time in your area?

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