Booking not coming

[Arun497]

I’m new host I have 2 BR good property in Marina Dubai but booking is not coming 

[Robin4]

@Arun497 

Arun, it's always  slow getting started, guests need to see you have some sort of track record before they will confidently book.

It is wise to offer an incentive for guest to book with you initially. I don't mean offer a big discount, that just attracts bargain hunters and they never make good guests. Offer a bottle of wine if your local laws allow it, some nice chocolates. Offer the guest something they are not expecting even if it eats into your profit. As soon as you get on your feet with a few reviews behind you, you can adjust your price or what you offer.

I was struggling to get more than a handful of bookings those first few months after I started out, but now Arun, Airbnb keeps my booking calendar completely full. For the last 3 months of this year it looks like the only night we will have had vacant was the 15th October......one empty night in 3 months........

You just have to be patient Arun, the guests will come,  just do a random search of your area every now and then to make sure your listing is visible. You are showing up in an area search but down on page 5. I suggest each few days you alter something in your listing description.....add a photo, an amenity, change a house rule, get a friend to send an enquiry. Put the price up a dollar or two and then a week later bring it down again.

The algorithm that governs search placement responds to activity and if you can keep a bit of activity happening on your site it will improve your search ranking.

Good luck with it Arun, you have a nice property and I hope you get the success that many of us have had listing with Airbnb.

Cheers........Rob. 

[Emilie]

Hi @Arun497, 

Welcome to the community! How long has your listing been available now?

I can imagine you are impatient to welcome your first guests -Robin has kindly shared some advice based on his experience, which I hope you will find reassuring. You might also find 👉 this conversation, where many hosts shared how they got their first bookings, quite an interesting read.

@Priti22 @Nadine910 @Monette12 @Aanbar0 As fellow hosts in Dubai, do you have any more suggestions for Arun on how you got your first booking?

I hope this helps. 🙂

Emilie

[Oksana127]

Hi there @Arun497 ! Starting out as a new host can be both exciting and challenging. Your properties look great, but attracting bookings might require a bit of fine-tuning. Here are some tips to help boost your listings and grow as a successful host:

• Optimize Your Listings: Make sure your titles are eye-catching and emphasize key selling points, like "Stunning Marina Views" or "Luxury 2BR in Prime Location." Update your descriptions to highlight unique features, nearby attractions, and why guests will love staying there.

• Professional Photos: High-quality photos are crucial. Ensure your pictures are bright, well-composed, and showcase each room, as well as any standout amenities like balconies, pools, or proximity to landmarks.

• Competitive Pricing: Check the pricing of similar properties in your area. Offering an introductory discount can attract your first few guests and help you build positive reviews.

• Flexibility: Allow instant booking and consider offering a more flexible cancellation policy to make your property appealing to a wider range of guests.

• Personal Touch: Guests appreciate thoughtful details. Provide a welcome package, local guidebooks, or small extras like coffee or snacks to make their stay memorable.

• Regular Updates: Keep your calendar updated and respond quickly to inquiries. Airbnb rewards active and engaged hosts by giving them more visibility.

• Leverage Reviews: Positive reviews are gold for a new host. Make sure to deliver a fantastic guest experience, and don’t hesitate to politely request reviews from happy guests.

• Promote Your Listings: Share your Airbnb link on social media, in local travel groups, or even through partnerships with nearby attractions to get more eyes on your property.

Keep refining and experimenting until you find what works best for your audience. Hosting is a journey, and with persistence and care, you’ll see bookings roll in. Best of luck! 🚀

[Victor4351]

Hi Arun,

I noticed your post and can understand how challenging it can be to get bookings, especially when you're just starting out. Your property in Marina Dubai sounds like a fantastic place, and I’m sure it has great potential to attract guests.

I’d be happy to offer some tips and guidance on how you can optimize your listing and boost your bookings. I’ve worked with several Airbnb hosts to help them improve their visibility and attract more guests. Here are a few things we can focus on together:

1. Enhancing your listing's visibility – from crafting the perfect description to using high-quality photos.
2. Pricing strategies – ensuring you're competitive while maximizing your potential earnings.
3. Guest experience – tips on getting those first few reviews and making your property stand out.

If you'd like, I’d love to chat more and share some tailored strategies based on your specific needs.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss further!

Best regards,
Victor

[Emilie]

Hi @Victor4351, 

I wanted to tag in @Arun497 for you, so they'll receive a notification of your message and can come back to read your response! If you have more specific advice you'd like to share, please go ahead and do it in the thread as that's what our community is all about. 🤗

Quick tip: To tag someone, tap "@" and select the host's username from the dropdown menu.

Thanks, 

Emilie

[Victor4351]

Hi @Arun497,

Thanks for tagging me, @Emilie! I’m happy to share my advice on this.

If you're looking to improve your listing and get more visibility, here are a few tips that have worked for me:

1. High-Quality Photos: Make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and show the full space. Guests really appreciate seeing every corner of the property before booking.

2. Detailed Descriptions: Include all the amenities, nearby attractions, and unique features of your place. The more information, the better! Guests will feel more confident knowing exactly what to expect.

3. Responsive Communication: Responding quickly to messages and booking inquiries builds trust with potential guests and can lead to better reviews.

4. Offer Extras: Small touches like providing local recommendations, extra toiletries, or even offering a welcome basket can set your listing apart from others and create a positive guest experience.

5. Optimize for Search: Make sure your title and description include relevant keywords. For example, if you're near a popular tourist spot, mention that in your listing!

I hope these tips help, and feel free to reach out if you have any other questions! Happy hosting!

Best,
Victor