Critique my listing - Will from Florida, US.

[Will2697]

I am new to hosting and i just listed 2 of my cottages, i would love to hear opinions and suggestions on what can i do to start to getting some bookings.

https://www.airbnb.com/h/swdshores5

https://www.airbnb.com/h/swdshores

 

[Anonymous]

@Will2697  First listing ("Right on the Bach") - check the spelling on that listing title, unless this is the view your guests can expect:

The homes look really lovely and tastefully furnished. One concern I'd have as a guest is that the indoor dining nooks appear to only seat 2 people. I can just barely make out an outdoor picnic table on an uncovered deck through a bedroom window, but I'm not sure it's suitable for dining in cool or rainy weather.  Not necessarily a deal breaker for a short weekend stay, especially if you have restaurants in walking distance, but it does cut into the listings' appeal for longer or off-season stays.  And it means you'll be fielding a lot of food stains on that living room upholstery and rug.

I don't recommend offering extra bedding for people over your occupancy limit. Guests might appreciate the flexibility when they first book, but when it comes time to write the review they only remember the home feeling cramped. 

[Will2697]

Thankyou @Anonymous ! You really helped me. I tweaked a bit my listing based on your suggestions and it makes total sense! I will add more pictures of the back patio, I think it is a decent outdoor eating option but really depends on the weather for sure.  

[Ann72]

I looked at Relax on the Beach! - 2BD Luxury Beach Cottage☀✔ @Will2697.  It's soooo cute.  It feels fresh and up-to-date.  My only notes:

1) Title says it's on the beach, and all signs indicate it's waterfront, but description says beaches are 20 minutes away.  Are these public beaches?  And can one swim in front of the house or must one drive to the public beach?

2)  Emojis are not allowed in titles, but I believe you can leave them in until you're asked to take them out.

3)  The photos - a) have no captions, b) are somewhat redundant (several in a row of the same bedroom from slightly different angles), c) are taken from a slightly too low vantage point.  They nevertheless make the place look nice.  Short captions are good for the many guests who only scroll through photos without reading anything about a listing.

Thanks for sharing and have fun!

[Will2697]

Hi! @Ann72 , Thankyou for your reply.

My property is waterfront, you literally open the door walk down the yard and down a ramp and boom you're on the beach. I am struggling if I should put "private beach" because neighbors etc do walk around and have access, so I'm a bit confused how to describe it properly.  I wanted to mention the beaches nearby in the town but I guess I should just take it off.

You mean airbnb will ask me to remove the emojis? 

I couldn't find a photographer in the area so this pictures were taken with my iPhone, I might have professional ones taken when I find someone who can do it. 

[Sarah977]

@Will2697  It isn't a "private" beach if other people have access to it, so definitely don't call it that.

There is nothing wrong with mentioning other beaches that are 20 minutes away, just make it clear that your place has direct beach access right in front of the house. Clarity and avoiding confusion or false expectations is what is important. 

[Anonymous]

@Will2697  other reasons to drop the emoji from the listing title: they look unprofessional and tacky (which doesn't suit your classy listings) and they don't load correctly on some devices.

"Private" would be a misleading way to describe the beach, but if it doesn't get many visitors or has restricted access, you might describe it as "secluded." 

[Will2697]

@Anonymous I will have 6 cottages listed, they look slightly similar and are in the same property. Do you think it's ok if I leave them all with the same listing name or should I do different names for each? 

[Sarah977]

@Will2697  They should be differentiated. It could be as simple as your main title +,Cabin 1, Cabin 2, etc. or give them cool subtitles in keeping with your setting, like Shell Cabin, Flamingo Cabin. You can then put a plaque by the front door, which will assist guests in finding the correct cabin if you aren't checking them in personally. And even a post in the yard with arrow markers pointing towards the various cabins.

It will be confusing for you as well as guests if they all have exactly the same title.

[Ann72]

@Will2697  Makes sense.  In your description, therefore, you shouldn't say "beaches are 20 minutes away," but "other beaches are 20 minutes away."

Everyone takes pictures with their iPhone.  You can re-take them whenever you want.  Get a feature in the center in landscape orientation and go from there.

Yes, Airbnb will ask you to remove emojis.

[Mark116]

I would say 'Beach front' in the title.  This is your prime selling point.

[Karla533 · Accepted solution]

I'm supposed to be retired but I can't help myself, I edited your text for the first property. You have a tight word limit for the top section so every word needs to convey something important. I felt there was too much repetition. For example "direct beach access" = waterfront plus your beautiful photos convey it well.

Private 2 bedroom cottage with direct beach access! Stay in a completely remodeled space with a new kitchen, new appliances and quartz countertops. Immaculate flooring and furniture throughout, and even a new washer and dryer.  Ordinary people say countertops, only real estate types say counters.

This cottage features two bedrooms equipped with queen beds, comfortably sleeping four people. I assume two bedrooms but ya never know. So tell us.
.
(Kick back and relax in our stylish comfortable space ). Delete. Cliche, does not sell, not necessary. Tell us something else about the cottage instead.

The space

COVID PRECAUTIONS. All surfaces, door handles, and kitchen accessories are sanitized before your arrival. The Central Air circulation has scrubber technology that will sanitize the air whenever either the air conditioner or the heat is running. Between stays we also purify the air with a professional ozone machine that can kill bacteria and other microorganisms. This is important but not fun, so move it down, way down. Also I cut out the repetition. Also I don't want to be reminded of all the people who stay here, so I choose language that does not emphasize previous guests.

You'll have the entire cottage to yourself during your stay. There is free parking available on the premises, with plenty of space for most cars on a gated private road. You'll also enjoy a back patio with private picnic table and beach chairs. I don't care how many cottages you have, I only care about my cottage. To me it's my temporary home, not a "unit." Also how many parking spaces do I get? It sounds like I park on the road? And will my SUV fit? When you said "most cars" I got concerned.

This is the perfect, peaceful, private, stylish retreat. The cottage features a washer/dryer, bathroom, two queen bed bedrooms, a cute living room, and full kitchen with range, range hood, and dishwasher. I like the alliteration. Move this UP above COVID stuff.

Our space offers outdoor sitting areas with a view of the water and the glow of sunsets. Birds, dolphins, rays and other wildlife sightings occur during the day. Tighter has more impact. Move this up.

NO SMOKING INSIDE THE COTTAGE DURING YOUR STAY. Put this at the end and in your house rules and no please because it is not optional, I assume.

Guest access

This location is very car dependent. Most establishments offer free parking most of the time. The grocery store is just 5 minutes away. Tightening this up.

[Sandra126]

Nice work, @Karla533 !

[Will2697]

@Karla533   Thankyou so much for taking the time to write this, i really appreciate it. English is not my first language and i am figuring this out on my own.  Your suggestions will help me a lot.