Feeling perplexed.....I just reached Superhost status and now I haven't had a new booking in weeks!

[Matthew530]

I am a fairly new host (3 1/2 months) and I recently reached superhost status (yay me).  However, ever since I achieved that, I haven't had a new booking in weeks.   For, June, July and August, I am fully booked, but September is a bit spotty and October, November, wide open.  I have pulled out all the stops; one night stays, instant booking, no one-day blocking between stays, my reviews are all 5's, I have played around with the pricing and nothing.......crickets.  Now I am getting 3-5 views a day vs. the 15-20 I used to get.  What am I missing???? 

Thanks for any help or suggestions!  

[Sarah977]

@Matthew530  You're not necessarily missing anything. September is back-to school, summer's over time. I think people are not in "vacation brain" mode. Depending where in the world one's listing is, there are going to be down times. An exception might be if you had a place near an airport, and there were always people looking for a one night stay to catch an early flight. Personally, I rarely get bookings between mid-May and mid-October. It's just too hot and humid in tropical Mexico at that time of year for many people to consider a vacation. 

Your bookings in Portland will probably pick up, try not to fret. Many hosts do needed repairs or upgrades during slow times, or maybe use that time of year when bookings are low to take a vacation themselves.

[Matthew530]

Thanks Sarah!  You always give me such good advice 🙂

[Emilia42]

@Matthew530 I don't think this has anything to do with your newly acquired Superhost status but more so the time of year. My calendar looks about the same as yours. And from my experience with the last 2 years of hosting there is a big shift in booking patterns as seasons change. So many more people are free and able to travel in the summertime. As @Sarah977 mentioned once back-to-school hits you are dealing with a different type of traveler. In my area, people who are traveling on business tend to book fairly last minute. Weekends will book up with people who are coming to the area for a specific event but not necessarily a 'plan 3 months in advance' event. Also, since less people are traveling in general that means more options are available.  

[Matthew530]

Thanks Emilia!  This is helpful.  I thought it was my pricing (which I think is already ridiculously low).  It will be interesting to see what happens when the typically Portland gray rainy season starts in November.  

[Linda108]

@Matthew530   A couple of years ago while I was attending an Air BNB Open I spent time with one of the Air BNB analysts and discussed trends found.  One of the trends, platform wide was how long in advance most travelers book accommodation.  I was told 8 to 30 days in advance average.  In my area, due to a number of large events, I will get reservations up to a year in advance.  However, outside those events, this average seems to hold.  Hope this helps.