@Taelor2 I know this is a catch-22. And it works the same for hosts- if no guest ever took a chance on booking a new listing because it had no reviews, a host's business would never get off the ground.
There's a few things a new guest with no reviews can do to up the chances of being accepted. I see you have bothered to do a little profile write up, which is important- many guests don't.
The next thing is how you communicate. If a host gets a message from a new guest that reads something like this, you have a good chance.
" Hi XX ( host's name), Your listing caught my eye and it looks lovely. I am looking to book a place in order to attend a course in photography at YY, so I would be out for most of the day, just home at night and on the weekend. In my spare time I tend to draw or read and like to make healthy meals.
I know I have no reviews yet, as this is my first Airbnb booking, so I understand hosts being wary, but I am quiet and clean, have no pets, am not a partier, so I hope you'll consider my request. I have thoroughly read through your description and house rules, which I promise to respect, and am aware of the cancellation policy and its rules.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon, as I need to make my travel plans, and thanks for your time."
Of course, you need to be honest, don't say anything that isn't true or misrepresent your intentions, or your first review will be a bad one.
A message that won't get you accepted:
" Hey there. I'm a student so my budget is limited. What kind of discount can you offer?"
In the first example, you've let the host know something about yourself and your plans, been personable and complimentary, acknowledged that you know why the host may have misgivings, let them know you've bothered to inform yourself about all aspects of the listing, and shown appreciation for their time and consideration of your request.
I've accepted several guests who had no reviews, but sent an initial message something like that, and they turned out to be great guests whose first review was mine.
Another thing is how you present yourself in your profile photo. Hosts can't see guest's photos until after a booking us confirmed, to prevent discrimination on the basis of race, gender, etc, but depending on the photo, hosts may decide to cancel the booking because the photo makes them uncomfortable. I'm talking about a profile picture of a cartoon character, or the guest's cat, instead of their face, or in some cases guests have been posing with a gun in their photo, or looking wasted at a party. When asking to stay at someone's home, guests need to understand what is appropriate, just as a bikini is fine at the beach, but not at a job interview.
You have a lovely smiling profile photo, which clearly shows your face, you aren't trying to hide anything, but I'd advise you to ditch the "Thug love" tee. It might put a lot of hosts off.
