Viewing to bookings percentages?

[Angela304]

Hi All!   New to renting out a home on Airbnb,  did some last summer (and they went well) but starting a fresh this year and approaching it as a business now.    I was wondering if there was a good ratio to aim for on views/booking percentages when renting a large house?  Any tips on how to improve from getting lots of views to converting to bookings,   are the early months (Jan/Feb) more of a viewing time and then bookings come closer to the holidays (from Easter on)?

Thanks for any help,  here is hoping we continue our luck with good quests.

[Helen3]

Hi Angela 

Your place looks stunning. The only thing I would add is whether you can walk to shops, cafes etc. I know  you mention having a car is useful but people want to know whether any facilities are within walking distance.

I wouldn't worry about the stats and there isn't a 'good conversion rate' - too many variables and you don't control where you sit in the listings.

Focus instead on high quality enticing photos, great descriptions, and ensuring your prices are line with your competitors. Getting lovely reviews and 5 star ratings will also make a difference.

[Angela304]

Thanks,  I thought that would be the case but then I saw someone posting about how a 20% conversion rate was a good thing to aim for and it threw me a bit,  we are nowhere near that!  I guess larger places get more views before booking as it's more of a long term plan organising a family holiday vs renting out rooms which people normally leave closer to the time to look for,  know where they want to be and only have themselves or one other to decide with before booking.

Going to try and get an Airbnb photographer in although because of the time of year and being on the coast we can go from bright sunshine to dark clouds in a matter of minutes.

 You mentioned about walking distance,  I've got on there "A path leads down to the beach, cafes, local pubs and shops" in the "about the listing" section do you think this is too easy to miss or lacks detail? 

Thanks again,  going to have a look more closely at other peoples descriptions and have a good think about what to include in ours.

[Helen3]

Hi @Angela304

I must admit I didn't do a detailed review but skim read so I must have missed the bit about shops and cafes. Maybe emphasise this a bit more.

My day job is in comms and marketing and I can tell you the person who talked about aiming for a 20% conversion rate was talking BuXXXXXox 🙂 😞

There are lots of reasons people might look at your place - they maybe a competitor, they may just be looking around for something to come back to later in the year, they may have clicked on your listing by accident, it could you, family and friends making frequent visits. They could be other hosts having a nosey.

BNB doesn't do photography everywhere. If they don't do your area, you cold get in a local freelance who specialises in interiors - a single day at your place is likely to cover the cost of a half day shoot.

Good luck...I will add you to you to may wish list.. Cornwall is one of my favourites spots.

[Lois-and-Darryl0]

It sounds that you are doing all the right things.  I, too, initially was going to seek an Airbnb-approved photographer, and then learned - at least for my area - it could take months.  So, I got a tripod and took the pictures myself.  You probably know someone who can take pictures.  And between that friend, and you who knows what you want to emphasize; what the most attractive items are of your listing, you may be able to do it yourself.  Personally, I don't care for those people who waste my time taking a picture of a flower vase,  or sideways shots of a picture on the wall.  I want to see what the listing looks like when I walk in the door, or when I go outside.  That way, the Guest can see that the listing actually looks just like they saw on the Airbnb website.  Good luck.  (Oh, and I totally agree with the "conversion" of views.  Many non-travelers are viewing our listings.)

[Liv6]

Hi both, i am another new person, six weeks and five sets of guests so far. The marketing advice is really helpful, I am just by the airport and NEC in Birmingham I am going to have a go at connecting to the NEC marketing people - might as well ask?