Low bookings in March

[Soumya24]

Hello , 

I’m keen to receive some suggestions / information on increasing bookings , not just for March but for the whole year. 

I’ve been on air BnB for 9 months , so I still don’t have a full year to compare regarding how bookings work throughout the year. 

i hoped March will be a good booking month, but it’s been a complete surprise 😦.. 

what are some bookings strategies you use that has worked the most . I’ve removed the instant booking option because it’s just not working for me and guests tend to stay for 2/3 days average. 

it’s a beautiful countryside annex.. what could attract more guests? 

Looking forward to receive some golden nuggets from experience hosts . 

Listing link : Calm, Self-Contained Private Annex near Ashford | Entire rental unit in Smeeth, United Kingdom 2 gue... 

Soumya 

[Content updated by Community Manager]

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Soumya24 why doesn't Instant Book work for you? We found it essential to getting bookings

[Soumya24]

We have tried this last year , me and my husband both worked from home so we were able to manage it , our working situation has changed and we have now got 1 day advanced booking, so we can prepare the room for guests . 

[Elisa]

Hi @Soumya24 😊, 

Thank you for asking for a listing critique here.

Do you have any idea why Instant Book isn’t working for you?

I’m tagging other hosts in case they have anything to share: @Andrea9241, @Denise1657, @Rizooto0, @Wendy2005, @Eden-Suites0 and @Jonathan2650.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

[Denise1657]

Hi @Soumya24 

I have been a host for about 2 1/2 years now and consider myself fairly new still.  I am based in Kansas City, so my advice may differ depending on your location.

I'm not sure if I'm answering your question, but I will answer why bookings may be low or slow:

1. My winter months are super slow.  March is when it "just starts" to pick back up, but still slow.  April starts to really take flight.

2. I have also found many people don't plan far in advance.  I often have instant bookings the day prior or up to a week prior.  

3. SEO - you may not be at the "top" of the search depending on your rating and/OR number of recent bookings.

4.  Check your description and even your title - possibly there is something unique and compelling you can push.  One of mine is listed/title "Artist retreat near downtown"

When I started I wondered the same thing.  Since then, I have started to see a trend in not only seasonality but also that ratings and more bookings help you be seen at the top during a search.

Good luck!

[Soumya24]

Thank you @Denise1657  .. all of your suggestions is landing on me well. i was just wondering about the title - i recently made some tweaks to the description - and wonder if calm, self contained private annex near Ashford can be described as something else ? 

I'm taking your suggestions on board . 

[Denise1657]

@Soumya24 AHA - yes!  I found a nugget for you.  (Apologies in advance as I'm not sure if you had all that information out there when I first replied)  

I actually have two apartments I short term lease.  AND, I am near what we call hospital hill.  (aka, lots of contract nurses and month long residencies come our way)

= (I just changed this based on my own recommendations.  LOL)  1/bed apt; 1 mile from Hospital Hill & downtown KC

= (2nd listing)  Artist retreat near downtown; crossroads; 18th&Vine

SOOOO, I see right of the bat in your description (lordy, this music studio, could really start to pull more too)

= Ideal for professionals working at William Harvey Hospital, Sellindge Substation, for couples or solo guests wanting a base to rest, a chance to slow down. 

=   Bonus: On-site music studio available to hire at £20/hour

Ideas for title/snippets to incorporate (get AI or chat to HELP with those limited characters):  

Ideal

=work from home

= staycation

= medical professionals

= music professionals

TARGET your title to this above.   For me, "downtown Kansas City" is a popular search in my area - SO I USE that.  

And I am thinking the targeted medical and/or music professionals can bring some longer term (1 to 3 months) your way.

[Denise1657]

@Soumya24 (Honestly, as hosts, we sound very similar)

oh, and instant bookings - I believe you can have a 24-hour period between stays - just for the same reason you listed.   I did that briefly, put removed it later.  Rarely have I had issues.  And I THINK, I'd have to check, but I think a same day requires your pre-approval - or possibly you can ask for that.   

net-net:  I would get that back on.  

[Elisa]

Hi @Soumya24 😊, 

How are things going right now?

Did you try following Denise’s suggestions?

[Elisa]

Hi @Denise1657 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this here!

How do you leverage SEO strategies for your listing?

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

[Denise1657]

How do I handle SEO - not terribly well.  LOL.

I have been off the market due to a couple longer term stays, and poof, my SEO tanked.  We do have a HUGE event coming to our city and fingers crossed things pick up at that point.  

SEO - I simply try to put key words in my title that I think people may use to search specifically in the area of Kansas City.  So, I put "downtown"  "crossroads" 18th&Vine - all areas very close.

[Andrea9241]

Hi @Soumya24 

You have a very beautiful listing,

The suggestions of Denise are already a great way to improve your listing and i find It good for my listings too.

If i have to add something i would say work also a lot on your photos try to pay a personal photographer to have good photos of your listing and if you already have done this, try to reduce the numbers of your photos, 75 for me are a lot or just show in the first 5 photos most of the spaces that your property offers.

Anyway i love your description.

I suggest also to when you find necessary use and early Bird discount or a last minute discount or simply a 20% Airbnb promotions in some days to boost the visibility.

This Is my personal opinion 

For every questions or info don t hesitate to DM me.

Best regards 

Andrea 

[Soumya24]

Thank you @Andrea9241 , for taking a look at my listing. The photos are professional, and since then I have received interest in the property. I think 75 might be a bit too much 🙂 I have started to offer the early bird and the last minute discount and promotion benefits. March booking did take off , i guess it's a last minute thing. 

[Priyanka102]

One thing that often helps is making sure your first few photos are really strong and bright, since that’s what gets people to click the listing. Many hosts also use dynamic pricing or small discounts for midweek gaps to keep occupancy steady throughout the year. For countryside places, highlighting things like quiet getaway, remote work setup, fast Wi-Fi, free parking, and nearby walks or attractions can attract more guests. Also check similar listings nearby to see how they price and position their property sometimes small tweaks in title, photos, or pricing can make a noticeable difference.

[Mayuri15]

Hi

It's been more than 15 days . Donot know what's the reason I'm not getting even a query in March?