Guest

[Godfred1]

I have not received a single guest since hosting for over 40 days. Is that normal

[Gillian166]

@Godfred1  are you ready to have your listing critiqued, because there are some very clear reasons why you aren't getting bookings. 

[Gwen386]

@Godfred1 Your place is not ready for hosting. I recommend putting your listing on pause until there is no construction going on. The noise, dust, and workers all around make for unsafe, unclean and undesirable conditions for any guest to want to stay at your STR. 

Then, once you relist, make sure your pictures show a place that is filled with light and is welcoming. External pictures should show grass, flowers and landscaping, not something that looks like a vacant lot in addition to a construction area. 

Internal pictures should show the entirety of every room where guests will stay; and rooms should be furnished. There should be pictures of the living room, dining area, bedrooms. These pictures should be taken in landscape, not portrait. 

Until your STR looks more inviting and hospitable, you will not get any guests. Stop and ask yourself a question. If you were either going on vacation or needed a place to work remotely, would you pay to stay at your STR?  

[Sudsrung0]

@Godfred1 

First I would say the photo's are all wrong it looks like a building site people will think thats what it looks like now.

The title is way out and no description.

[Anonymous]

@Godfred1  Did you really think there were tourists out there who want to stay in a construction site with no furniture?

What's crazy is that Airbnb let you put this listing up in the first place. Delete it and try again when you can show that you actually have a complete home that is ready for guests. 

[Godfred1]

Andrew0

im sorry but I don’t know which building I talking about. I would also ask for us to be civil when addressing each other. Hoping we will encourage each other than to cast slurs on people we do not know. I don’t know which pictures you saw but I will post them for your sake. Be blessed. 

[Anonymous]

For reference, these are the photos in the only listing associated with your profile: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/639313056102600441

That is the building I'm talking about.

If you were a guest looking for a comfortable place to stay, is this the listing you would choose?

[Kirsten266]

Yes I think it's very obvious why you don't get any guests. 

Guests want to know where they stay. Put your listing on pause, make sure everything is finished and let a photographer make some good pictures ( there even is a lady on your bathroom photo) 

[Godfred1]

Thanks very much for your insight. The lady was the one taking the pictures and this is my first time going into something like this. I do appreciate your suggestions.  I believe my address was included when I filled out the form. How do I get back to view the pictures I posted. 

[Godfred1]

Thanks Andrew0, just seeing the pictures you spoke off. I will be the first to admit it was a very poor taste. Now how do I get rid of it to post the new ones. I never knew they existed. 

[Anonymous]

@Godfred1  Go to: https://www.airbnb.com/hosting

Choose "Listings" from the Menu.

Select the listing to edit.

The first page that will display will show all the photos in your listing. Select "Edit" to delete the bad ones and add the good ones. Make sure they show all of the indoor areas of the house that guests have access to, with all the amenities and furniture.

But while you're there in the listing editor, write a complete description text. People booking a place that doesn't have reviews yet are taking a big risk, and you need to earn their confidence.

If someone else has access to your account and is making decisions for your listing that you didn't approve, you need to change your password.

[Godfred1]

I’m over joyed to follow your advise. I just downloaded some pictures that I took myself as a look for a professional to help spruce my listing. Thanks again and you may take a look to critique. 

[Helen3]

I'm a little confused @Godfred1  have you given access to your listing to someone else who uploaded the photos?

Can I suggest you look at similar properties for Superhosts in your area to see how they are described, their photos and what amenities they offer and also check their pricing. This will help you understand gaps in your listings that you can address. 

[Anonymous]

@Godfred1  The new photos are definitely an improvement! Now guests can see that the main building construction is finished, and the home contains furniture. But keep adding more so that people can get the whole picture. The listing says there are two bedrooms, but you only show one of them - and just the corner of the bed. Guests really want to know what their sleeping arrangements will be. I can see a toilet but no bathtub or shower. If there's a living room or anywhere to sit other than the bed, you should show that too.

Be sure to fill out all the description text fields. You don't have to write a Tolstoy novel here, but the text should be thorough enough that guests know what all your home's features are and what they can expect from their stay. You should also have a description of the location that is mindful of trip planners who haven't been to Accra before - what kind of neighborhood you're in, how close you are to major landmarks/shops/restaurants, which kinds of transport are available to reach the house.

The best thing you can do is put yourself in the shoes of a first-time visitor traveling to a new city and create the listing that would make you feel most excited to choose over the other options.

[Huma0]

@Godfred1 

Well, that's already an improvement, but there are still some tweaks necessary. Once you feel the property is actually finished, fully furnished and fully equipped with whatever you decide to offer to your guests, then update the photos and maybe post on this thread again. I am sure other hosts would be happy to help you fine tune it.

Also, it's a good idea to check out other listings in your area, particularly those with a similar offering (number of rooms, beds, guests etc.) and price range. Have a look at how they present their spaces and what they offer guests.

The listing itself so far looks like it has promise. It just needs a bit more work!