How long are we ‘new’?

[Carrie219]

We registered our Airbnb on 10th Feb and the ‘new’ sign popped up which I’ve read means the algorithm gives us a helping hand. I heard this happened for 5 weeks to help us get started but it stopped after 3weeks and we’ve noticed a drop in viewings. Should it be 5 or is it different in the UK? It makes it tough because we’ve done well and have our 4th set of guests in and couldn’t have gone any faster but disappointing our ‘new’ has vanished! Thoughts?

[Paul1255]

Hi @Carrie219  I hope you are well!

I believe that new listings get a boost in search for the first 3 months, not 5 weeks.

Certainly I don't see it as a positive to be "new" or have that advertised on a listing, as new hosts can attract guests that take advantage of less experienced hosts.

If your bookings are still coming in at a rate you're happy with- 4 sets of guests over 5 weeks sounds good, then you shouldn't worry too much.

If things drop off a cliff at the 3 month mark then I would be worried.

Best wishes,

Paul 🙂

[Carrie219]

Thanks for that info Paul - extremely helpful! I’m trying to get to grips with how it all works! 

[Elena87]

@Carrie219 

One obvious thing as well to consider, when you start up your calendar has absolute full availability and that is the optimal chance to catch views and requests because of this.

Now after you have bookings - for example, your listing has bookings for all June weekends - less viewings/bookings as your listing isn't available/visible.

Probably you will see a more settled pattern moving onwards now, but taking your occupancy rate into account.

[Carrie219]

Ah! So our June bookings reduce our SEO position! Got it! It certainly has reduced and we couldn’t work out why!

I’m learning! Thank you so much Elena and Paul, you’ve given great clarity! And how exiting to Hear from St Petersburg - wow!

[Susan17]

@Carrie219 

The "newbie boost" does exist, the exact parameters of which have been the subject of much speculation and debate, over time.

However, while its widely assumed to be time-specific - say, 3, 4, or 5 weeks - I've been told by a former Airbnb CX agent, off the record, that the expiry of the newbie boost is not absolute, nor limited to a specific timeframe and instead, is determined instead by the host reaching a certain number of nights booked, over a certain period of time. The number of booked nights in question remains another of those legendary Airbnb myths and mysteries, unfortunately, with conflicting responses from Airbnb every time  clarification on the matter is sought.  

On top of that, the levels of Airbnb over-saturation and professionalisation in each specific city/neighbourhood will have a major influence on how long it takes a host to reach the target number of nights booked, and how long their boost lasts. 

Just had a peek at your listing @Carrie219, and after a weekend of hosting 24 extremely enthusiastic and exuberant French rugby fans, I would give my right arm to be sitting in your gorgeous place right now! Looks fantastic. I'm a regular visitor to the UK and I've added your listing to my Wish List. I do love a stunning sea view... 😉

[Susan17]

@Carrie219 

FWIW, I believe the boost may expire at around 50 nights booked, over a minimum of 3 consecutive months. However, I haven't been able to get official confirmation (or denial) of that from Airbnb, as always, so it's really just hearsay at this point. 

[Julia1047]

I am so curious about the 24 french rugby players - sounds like there's quite a story to tell! 

Thank you so much for your helpful information Susan - it makes great sense. I suspect it will start to balance out but its just a bit of a surprise to go from a booking every other day to nothing for 5 days. Still, we've had the invite for 'plus' status so hopefully that will help. We've had 5 sets of gorgeous guests through the door now with 5* results so hopefully this will all help.

Susan, you make sure you book us when you come over - it would be lovely to meet you, and you can also fill me on your rugby story! 🙂