Hi @Gemma171
Welcome to the wonderful (and sometimes slightly crazy) world of hosting! It can take time to build up your reputation and bookings, my advice is to keep plugging away. There are a few things you can do to draw interest:
- Make the most of your property -can you improve the exterior /interior?
- Optimize your listings - make sure it highlights all the great features you offer
- Makeover your titles, a catchy title can make a huge difference.
- Use great photographs - declutter, add flowers, make sure your lighting is right, etc (you could look at get some professional photo's done, but this might cost you)!
- Consider adding a video to your listing to show off your property fully.
- Find your USP - who's your target market? If it's families go all out on making your place kid friendly.
- Offer experiences, join forces with local attractions and offer your place in conjunction with outward bound experiences e.g. horseriding, or maybe offer hiking/walking tours or painting sessions with a local artisan? Lots of options.
- Make your rental appeal all year round. If you're near a beach flag it up and make your place the perfect summer retreat. In the winter sell it as a cozy bolthole complete with stormy seaside vistas, snug-as-a-bug throws, and complimentary hot chocolate.
- Check out your pricing strategy -what are your competitors charging? Can you change your prices in line with demand?
Marketing is key, I have had a massive push on this myself recently and with a bit of hard work, I've managed to increase interest and get more bookings. I now promote via Instagram and social media and have partnered with a couple of local attractions (we promote each other via websites etc).
Anyway, I've been doing my research, here's a couple of things I found useful if you fancy taking a look:
https://www.igms.com/vacation-rental-marketing/
https://www.airbnbtips.com/airbnb-marketing/
Keep smiling, fingers crossed you will start to get more bookings soon!