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! 🚀