How to attract guests

[Martha1302]

Hello am Martha,Hosting from Kenya Diani best white sandy beaches in Africa.I would like to know what to improve or rather do attract guests.Its been a month listing with no booking from the website.Your guide would be highly appreciated. 

Condo in Diani Beach · ★New · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 private bath

[Post updated by Community Manager]

[Alex]

Hi @Martha1302! 

Congrats for posting your new listing in the app! In order to help you, I updated your post including your listing's link so it's easier for other hosts to find it. Also, I'm going to tag some experts from the Community to see what advices they can give you: @Patricia2526, @Marie8425, @Naomi208, @Cindy1764 and @Mary1523. 

Hope we can help you and I wish you the best of lucks! 

Best, 
Alex

[Piyush60]

Hi Martha,

The property looks really great! 

Scrolled through all the images, it looks so good, flushed with amenities and pool is such a plus at this price point. 

Would love to visit If I ever come to Africa. 

[Alex]

Hi @Piyush60! 

Thank you for your kind words! I'm sure @Martha1302  will really appreciate this feedback. I saw that you’ve been in the Community since August, how has everything been so far? 🤗

[Olga1520]

Hi Martha, I would add some details about safety of your house, who nice your neighbourhood, area etc. Also some recommendations where to go, how far good cafe, restaurants, some attractions what ever good you have nearby. Good luck!

[Alex]

Hi @Olga1520!

These are really nice suggestions! 😃 Do you usually share these with your guests? Do you provide any type of guide before they stay? 🏡

[Plaza21]

Olá 

Martha

Aqui é o Fernando Plaza , sou do Brasil São Paulo nao tenho muita experiência no airbnb mas vou tentar ajudar você ter sucesso na sua hospedagem, por sinal é muito bonita e agradável , porém a primeira mudança que eu faria no seu anúncio e retirar algumas fotos repetidas, exemplo a mesa , tamanho da sua hospedagem no meu entender seria mais próximo de 30 fotos , outra coisa que percebi que nao existe fotos e informações sobre os atrativos do local , praia , parque, restaurante etc.. (com  fotos). na minha opinião o mais importante para atrair hospede.

Anfitrião 

Plaza

[Google translation] 

Hello @Martha1302 

This is Fernando Plaza, I'm from São Paulo, Brazil. I don't have much experience with Airbnb, but I'll try to help you succeed with your listing. It's very beautiful and pleasant, however, the first change I would make to your listing is to remove some repeated photos, for example, the table. In my opinion, the size of your accommodation should be closer to 30 photos. Another thing I noticed is that there are no photos or information about the local attractions, beach, park, restaurant, etc. (with photos). In my opinion, this is the most important thing to attract guests.

Host

Plaza

[Rejane81]

Hello Martha

Thank you for sharing your beautiful and well-appointed home.

I live in Melbourne and have 2 Airbnb's here close to the city centre.

I am however a born South African and go back to Africa regularly.

Here are some of my thoughts on how you could attract more listings:

Firstly, I agree with all the other comments about "selling" what your neighbourhood has to offer, i.e., how close you are to the city and beach and how safe your neighbourhood is.  The security bars on the windows will trigger thoughts about security.

I think the photos of the kitchen with the black fridge in the foreground does not add value and agree duplicate photos does not help.   

I wonder what views you have from your unit.  For instance, photos of the best views from your balcony or windows will be great. 

I would also like to see more of your bathroom, for instance what the shower head looks like, is there a shower screen, is there good storage shelve in the bathroom?  What does the basin look like?  Is there a mirror in the bathroom?  Off course only focus on the positive, but for me when I book the bathroom is always very important. 

Your bathroom and unit is obviously very clean and not cluttered, witch is a great plus.

My personal opinion apart from agreeing with the other host's feedback is, that your interior hardly reflects anything of Africa apart from the African map. 

When I book a holiday in Africa, I want to feel that.  Your place is very sophisticated but could be anywhere in the world. 

Your art and TV is either too high on the wall or too small and the colours need to reflect the warmth you have in your cushions and something earthy (wood carvings, animal skin colours or beachy (basket or grass mat) - that we associate Africa with.   Think about art above the bed and the colours on the bed should be earthy and inviting.

Google something like "Modern African interiors" for ideas.  Or search in Airbnb other favourite African listings in safari or beach areas

I hope my advice is of value to you.  Please share the changes you adopt.

Kind regards

Rejane

[Nett3440]

Hi Martha,

Congratulations on posting your new listing! Your place looks amazing 😊

I know starting out on Airbnb can feel a bit overwhelming, so I wanted to share a few suggestions that could help improve your listing and make it even more appealing to guests:

1. Consider rewording your description
A clear, warm, and inviting description can make a big difference. Here’s an example you could use or adapt:

About this space
Kick back and relax in this calm, stylish space—your perfect retreat near the coast. Conveniently located just a short distance from beautiful Diani Beach, it offers both comfort and accessibility for your stay.

The space
Our seating area is thoughtfully designed with warm colours to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Large windows invite plenty of natural light and allow fresh air to circulate freely. You’ll also enjoy a TV and free Wi-Fi to keep you entertained with your favourite shows.

The kitchen is fully equipped with essential kitchenette amenities, and we offer a complimentary coffee and tea station to keep your favourite hot drinks within reach.

The bedroom features a spacious king-size bed with a comfortable mattress for a restful night’s sleep, along with a study table for remote work or reading. Two large balconies provide perfect spots for relaxing, reading, or enjoying your favourite drink.

Our washroom includes a top shower, bidet, and sink, and we provide free toiletries to enhance your stay.

Welcome to our home—we would love to host you. ❤️

2. Add distances to nearby attractions
Guests love knowing how close they are to key places. For example:
“Only a 5–10 minute walk to Diani Beach.”
You can also mention malls, restaurants, supermarkets, or popular spots nearby.

3. Clarify what guests should expect during their stay
Let guests know if the space is quiet, who else might be on the property, and whether any areas are shared—for example:

• Do you live on-site?

• Are there other guests in the building?

• Is the compound gated?

• Which areas are private vs. shared?

This builds trust and reduces confusion.

4. List all kitchen appliances you offer
Many guests choose a place specifically for the kitchen setup. Include items such as:

• Microwave

• Fridge

• Stove or cooker

• Electric kettle

• Toaster

• Cooking utensils

• Pots/pans

• Cutlery & dishes

• Blender, if you have one
  The more details you provide, the more confident guests feel booking with you.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Nett