Why do I not get any bookings?

[Jörn208]

We just recently started to offer our house here, but are struggling to get any bookings:
https://www.airbnb.de/rooms/1535631890721291632

It´s a nice house, beautifully located and our pricing seems reasonable. We had about 800 views, but no bookings at all.

Is there anything missing/strange in our ad? I would very much appreciate your opinion.

Thanks
Jörn

[Mike-And-Jane0]

I think you need more kitchen and bathroom pictures. Also as you are unproven (no reviews) you need to be 5-10% cheaper than similar properties to encourage people to risk staying with you.

To me the place looks a little stark and empty/uncomfortable but other properties might be similar.

Of course it may be that it's the middle of Winter and perhaps your place is better suited to the Summer.

Have you rechecked all the possible amenities now that your listing is published?

[Jörn208]

Thanks a lot for your feedback!

I´ll check on your points.

[Tammy773]

Hello Jörn,

We’ve recently listed our property on Airbnb, and I’ve invited some friends and family to come stay at a reduced rate and leave honest reviews. This should help you work toward achieving Superhost status and make the listing more appealing to potential guests.

I’d also recommend updating the property title from simply “Entire home in Svängsta, Sweden” to something that highlights the key features and amenities — for example:
“Cozy forest retreat with garden views, hiking trails & pets welcome.”

A more descriptive title will make the listing stand out and attract more guests.

[Varvara14]

Hi Jorn, 

A few thoughts/ideas that came to mind: 

1. When I first listed my Airbnb I was 35% lower in pricing vs similar adds. Reason being I was trying to attract guests and get as many 5 star reviews as possible.  For the 1st 3 months I barely made any money due to a very low rate but it was worth it. I eventually increased the rate and because I had wonderful reviews people were booking without hesitation. 

2. I'd advise changing most of the photos. When you take pictures think that you're the guest and what you would like to see on the photos. As a guest I'd like to see how much space I am getting, I'd like to see everything that is offered to me (snacks, clean towels, hair dryer, coffee, frying pans, board games, etc.) 

3. There's a photo of a bathroom sink and there're what appears to be kids tooth brushes and a green towel hanging - you probably should remove any objects from the photo that aren't related to the listing. Same applies to the shower - everything that you aren't offering should be removed - any items of personal hygiene. 

Jorn, overall, you have a lovely house, and I am sure you will start getting bookings. Good luck! 

[Sebastian1750]

Defiantly lower your price until you get at least 5 reviews and of curse 5 start reviews ( Super Important). Guests get scared to book a place with no reviews.   

[Elisa]

Hi @Jörn208 😊, 

Thank you for asking for a listing critique here.

I’m sorry you’re not getting bookings, but I’m glad you found hosts to discuss this with.

Have you been able to connect with local hosts to see if it’s a slow period in your area?

[Vickie126]

I completely understand  I think many of us are in the same situation right now. I’m based in Florida, and this time of year we’re normally fully booked for the high season. But this year is very different. I still have several properties on hold for Thanksgiving and Christmas in fact, most of my entire peak season is still open. I’ve honestly never seen November so empty.

I’ve already lowered my prices a bit, but even then, bookings are slow. Guests on Airbnb have started trying to negotiate even further, since they’re seeing cheaper listings nearby. As a Superhost, I really don’t want to undervalue my properties especially since my owners still expect the usual high-season rates.

It truly feels like the economy is struggling right now, and many travelers are being extra cautious about spending. Last month, I decided to try PriceLabs to see if it could help optimize my pricing. It brought in a few bookings, but still nowhere near what’s typical for this time of year.

[Jörn208]

Thanks to all of you for your honest and inspiring comments! This really helps to look at things differently and try out different ideas.

@Vickie126, @Sebastian1750, @Varvara14, @Tammy773 

[Uarda81]

Uaaau che posto e bellissimo, la casa e semplice ma carina, ma a linizio forse non o sentito prima di questa città o posto, non so cosa che li spero che avrai ospiti prestissimo e un posto tranquillo forse devi investire un po nella cucina cose piccole 

[Google translation] 

Wow, what a beautiful place, the house is simple but nice, but at the beginning maybe I didn't hear about this city or place before, I don't know what I hope you will have guests very soon and it's a quiet place maybe you need to invest a little in the kitchen small things

[Tammy777]

@Jörn208 Here’s what’s worked for me:
Offer specials — I do 10% off weekly stays and 30% off monthly stays.
Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews. At the end of each guest’s visit, I send a friendly message like:
“I hope you enjoyed your stay! If you can, please leave a 5-star review — it really helps.”
Since doing this, I’ve noticed a big difference and it’s helped me become a Superhost.

One thing I noticed is you not have professional photos done. That is really important as well