No bookings since October

[Marie-Lourdes2]

I am very worried about my Airbnb listing. I opened in August and got my first guests in September. It was a nightmare. I closed to repair some damages they left. Since then, no booking, not even one! Please I need some suggestions.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Marie-Lourdes2 I don't know your market but a 7 day min stay will not be helping you. You need lots of bookings and good reviews to get you started. I would search for similar sized/equiped properties in your area and price 5-10% below their prices to get started. Don't forget the price you see will include Airbnb service charge so don't make this price your nightly price.

[Marie-Lourdes2]

Thank you, Mike-And-Jane0.  I chose 7-day stay because of the cleaning and property size.  But I am looking into hosting individual rooms in the near future.  Also, I lowered my price and was able to get a 10-day booking. 

[Jermain40]

Hi Marie,

For starters I think you pricing is too high compared to other hosts near your location. Second, although your place is clean and quaint, you need some sort of stylish touches inside to attract guests to your unit. Right now your interior design looks very plain and not inviting.  If you can afford it, consider adding artwork, plants, new curtains, area rugs, flat screens to each area. If you cannot afford a makeover, consider lowering your prices until you can brighten up your space a bit more.

Look at other places near you with over 50 reviews. Generally these places will have very bright and airy spaces with photos that attract your attention. Hope this helps. 

Good Luck,

Jermain

[Marie-Lourdes2]

Thank you, Jermain for taking the time to respond.  You are right.  I am going to work on that.  Juggling school, work and Airbnb are a bit tough but I am up to the challenge.  Thanks again.

[Fred13]

The minimum stay of 7 days as has been already mentioned is a killer. The presentation can use some work since many of your photographs are irrelevant (i.e. a closet) or repetitive (i.e. dining table). People may get the overall feeling that 6 people are being squeezed into a very 'narrow' place.

Best not to waste a nano-second on worrying, but on learning how to present your place, get more attractive photos and learn how to better respond to a 'difficult' guest.

[Marie-Lourdes2]

Thank you, Fred.  I am looking for a professional photographer.  The learning will take some time but I don't want to give up. 

[Fred13]

It takes a little while to get the flic, and then lo and behold, things start falling into place. 🙂

[Sudsrung0]

@Marie-Lourdes2 

Did you make any changes? Did you manage to get any bookings?

[Marie-Lourdes2]

Thanks for responding. and concern.  Yes, I got a 10-day booking.  I did make 2 big changes: lower price, instant booking.  I want to list on Vrbo as well but they accept only Instant Bookings and 30-day stays.  I am working on that.  

[Lorna170]

@Marie-Lourdes2   You need to add a description to your property.  You have written nothing that would make me want to learn more about your listing and why it would be a perfect place for me and my family to stay.

Unfortunately, you also had a poor review from your first guest, and the fact that they said there was no hot water for three days is hurting you.

You may want to think about whether or not you should create a new listing with a lot more information and try again, without that bad review.

Good luck!

[Marie-Lourdes2 · Accepted solution]

Thank you.  Can you recommend someone to help me out on the description and presentation?

[Sybe]

Hi @Marie-Lourdes2 ! The fact that you're open to feedback and willing to learn and improve is already a huge step in the right direction. 😃

If you want feedback or help on/with a specific part of your listing, i.e. the description, I'd recommend starting a new topic about this. You could use the Manage your listing or Improve your space boards.

You can also check other Hosts' listings for ideas and inspiration. Click on their name here on the CC to view their profile, and then on "View Airbnb profile" to take a peek at their listings. 😊