Booking Tips

[Kaye121]

I am new to air bnb and have reservations so far but not for April. I am trying to figure out the early bird discounts, if I should change the price? Will it insult guests who already booked? Basically need ideas to get this booked and an opinion on my rate. Appreciate any help.

[Elisa]

Hi @Kaye121 😊, 

Thank you so much for asking this question here!

Have you found an answer in the meantime?

I'm sharing these articles with you, let me know if they help!

👉 Host Discount Policy 

👉 How discounts are applied 

Warm regards 🌻,

[Frances3408]

@Kaye121. Welcome Kaye. To increase bookings you need high search engine rankings. This usually comes from recent stay reviews, high ratings (especially Guest Favourite), and usually from using Instant Booking.

Is your STR demand seasonal? Have you worked out why people come to your area and use an Airbnb? I am in a beachside location so winter can be pretty dead sometimes: most guests understand off peak pricing so I wouldnt be worried about offending previous guests. You can always make them a special offer to return. Hosts here who offer the same all year pricing often take their listing off the market in peak periods to use personally. Others only list for 6 weeks in Summer holidays.

So pricing is the one lever you have as a newbie, though be careful who that attracts. Early bird offers can be great but if they are too far into the future it wont help now.

I'd be spending time looking at your local competition, especially those getting booked often and then do what works for you.

[Eleanor-Rose0]

Hello, 

Congratulations on your new airbnb.  There are times when it is slower then others. Know your area. Why are people coming to your area? I have colleges and Gettysburg.  

Personally, I'm pet friendly. In my experience people are ultra sensitive about their animals, especially dogs. 

So I get a lot of bookings from dog owners. I have never had a dog problem. 

I also run it as a BnB, which means I make breakfast for my guests. It's something everyone lives and I enjoy doing it. 

Fi d your nitch, whatsoever you enjoy? What makes you stand out? 

Don't worry, you will do great! Enjoy the process.  

Take Care, Eleanor Rose 

[Marie8425]

@Kaye121 

Using the Airbnb Custom Discount allows you to do a 20% discount 3 days in April which Airbnb will promote and the guest can still book 7 days just the other 4 at your regular price.  Works well for me and I can do again for different dates after my I usually give some time like 2 weeks.  Don't want to get flagged for over usage.