Competition locally

[Susan1366]

Since we started hosting 12 months ago, a large number of cheaper listings have popped up all around us, mostly "entire place" listings whereas we are offering a suite in our house. We set our price at a level that felt OK for the work involved and I am a Superhost with fantastic reviews. But fewer bookings are coming in this year. I discounted this month and it made no difference. We need the $ to supplement our retirement income.  I could a) drop the price, b) open a second room, c) list on other sites as well, d) stop doing breakfast. Also, why is my listing so far down now? What do other hosts think?

[Sandra126]

My village used to have around 100 listings, it has now grown to over 400. This happens. You are already answering your own questions a, b, c and d. Your listing will be further down because there is competition, and you are not booked as much. If you are having lots of traffic and bookings, you will get higher up. But how to get bookings without position?

You could offer breakfast as an optional extra, and cut that price out.

Isn't November a low month anyway? But December should be packed, hopefully.