Please review my ad…anyone…After listing for 4 years…ZERO bookings! Why?

[Deanna216]

I duplicated my ad a few days ago. I wicked the rates, I provided discounts, I have a unique and beautiful apartment beachfront…ZERO BOOKINGS in 4 years…why? Someone please review my ad…

The same ad and pics and rates is working well with VRBO….

Suite Du Soleil Ixtapa. 

https://airbnb.com/h/suitedusoleil-alcovadelsolixtapa

Dee

[John7474 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Deanna216 

I too have a place in Mexico that we rent on Airbnb.! 

Ours is in Oaxaca, Mexico. We have been listing our place for about a year, and have been sold out since we opened the doors. What people tell us  is that we really did a good job describing what Oaxaca and our place is all about...

I took a look a your listing.. the place looks great!  You should be sold out as well!

I would suggest making adjustments to your description.   Break things apart, and use a classic story telling format. 

What your place is all about.. 

Why is it is so unique.Perfect for a family of 4. 

Talk about the building - the view - the living space - bedrooms - baths 

Pools - steps from the beach - close to town (what town offers). 

TV AC and other things that make your place the place to stay..

Best, 

John

. 

[Deanna216]

John thank you...Am I too descriptive?

I have all the info you suggested...and more....in 4 years with airbnb...zero bookings. I just duplicated the ad and revamped it...I hope we can continue to keep in touch...I can use all the tips you can give me. Thank you,

Dee 

[Paula]

Hey @Deanna216, just a quick tip: when replying to another Host, remember to tag them by using the @ symbol and selecting their username from the drop-down menu, as I'm doing here with @John7474. It would be wonderful if they could share the link to their listing here; it's a prime example of beautiful story telling 😊

[Deanna216]

Very well Paula, thank you

[Deanna216]

Paola good morning, I saw more than one reply from you but now I cannot find all of them to read them..can you please resend the last two..I am very interested in your feedback and I thank you in advance for taking the time to help me. Dee

[John7474]

Hello @Deanna216  -

This is our listing.. I told a huge story with our place..   You can do the same with yours!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/650711786712532742?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=8bb502c2-5459...

Best, 

John

[John7474]

Hi Dee -

Me again.. 

I would re-write your description.  Yes, you have all of the ingredients.. all of the information. But...

 In my opinion it's not about just having all of the food on the plate for a meal.. you have to lay it out with beautiful presentation, course after course. 

Do that with your description.  It might help sell the experience of staying at your Condo.  

Your place is in a beautiful high rise building with lots of amenities!!  Walk us through the experience of staying there! Tell us a story..  In a story arc.

Describe the amazing view, the comfort of the condo, its next to the marina, wonderful beaches, two huge pools.  Tell us what life at the condo and the town is like..   What are your favorite things to do there?

In my opinion, yes, a pool is nice. But..

I am interested in the view, the comfort of the condo, the building (gym? other services?), life in town, good restaurants. 

[Deanna216]

John can I please see your ad? I’ve no idea how to do what’s you suggested…I thought I was already doing all that you suggested. I’m at a loss….

thank you in advance John 

[John7474]

Hello Dee -

I think you have a lot of details in your listing, and you have a wonderful place!

I suggest work on the flow of your description.  Think of it as a listing for a beautiful hotel.  You are telling a story and every story has a structure and arc:

Headline: "Ocean Front Condominium" 

Overview of your place. 

Detail living space

Detail Bedrooms and baths 

Detail Kitchen

Detail other amenities 

Detail nearby attractions

Ending: "A perfect place to make lasting memories!" 

I suggest writing it on a separate document, then paste it when you are done editing.  Read it, then read it. Keep it simple but interesting.

Please let me know when you have had made some fixes, it would be my pleasure to take a look and give you some other suggestions if needed. 

Best, 

John 

[John7474]

@Deanna216 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/650711786712532742?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=8bb502c2-5459...

[Deanna216]

@John7474 , Your house is splendid! We'd want to spend a month there! I really like the cozy and peaceful spaces, courtyard/patio is dreamy...and all it has to offer at a bargain price! No wonder you are booked year round, great place and amazing price.

After taking a look at your place, I see I have so many more amenities such as yours that I neglected to mention in my ad.

If power and upkeep were not so expensive at the beach I would lower my prices. I do have several specials in place...

My sister and her husband were just in Oaxaca...if I'd seen your ad I would have pointed it out to her. They had a wonderful time and came back talking about it.

Say, if you think you'd be interested in being a co-host for my place...let's talk...I do not know how co-hosting works exactly but if I understand, you'd be helping me rent my place out for a fee? I would like to explore options, if if it is of interest to you. You know my condo better than most. 

Let's keep in touch...

[Fred13]

How have you done with other booking agencies?

[Deanna216]

All my bookings come from Vrbo 

same Ad, same pics, all the same…

every year, VRBO comes through! 

[Deanna216]

@Fred13, fairly well for a seasonal place...four to five bookings a year..on VRBO...and have excellent reviews there as well. I know 4 to 5 bookings a year is nothing but I seem to attarct snow birds mainly. Thank you